Page 10 of Meet Me at the Metro

The entertainment being Evie.

People like her aren’t the type to be bound up and described in just a few words. They’re complex creatures whose vibrant personalities know no bounds as they constantly keep you on your toes. She kept dinner so engaging last night with her outlandish tales, quirky laughter, and witty remarks.

If there was one thing I was thankful to have gained right off of the bat in this new adventure, it was a friend who would help push me out of the bounds of my comfort zone. After just one night out with her, I can already guarantee that Evie will be a friend who doesjustthat. She’s been majoring in musical performance atGildenhillfor the last two years. While the saxophone is her personal specialty, she knows how to play several other woodwind instruments, too.

Harvey, on the other hand, is majoring in musical theater like me, although he’s a year ahead in his studies. From what I gathered last night, he’s the complete opposite of Evie: gentle, passive, calm, reserved. His kind temperament and intellectual charm make me presume he’d be an amazing companion for deep conversations and meaningful heart-to-hearts.

Their twoyin and yangpersonalities honestly complement each other so well.

As I reflect on how naturally everything felt with them last night and how well the three of us seemed to mesh almost instantaneously, I can’t help but feel as though I hit the jackpot in finding these two. I have them to lean on as I settle into this big, new city, and something in my gut tells me I can trust that security completely.

Once my brain and body accept it’s time to get up, I peel myself from the tangle of sheets and hop out of bed. Loud, upbeat music echoes through the flat beyond my closed bedroom door, and I’m grinning at the early morning commotion. I open the door and make my way toward the kitchen, finding Evie dancing freely in the middle of it. Her bright, silk polka-dot pajamas swirl with her as her feet prance against the tiled floor.

“Good morning!” I greet with a groggy voice.

There’s not a trace of surprise behind her dark, playful eyes as they find mine. “Morning, miss Ellie,”she sing-songs. “Want some tea, mate? Or Harv made a pot of coffee this morning.”

“Mmm,coffee, please,”I hum. I glance around the flat, not noticing my other roommate anywhere in sight. “Is he already up and out for the day?”

“Yeah,” Evie answers, still shaking her hips to the music. “He’s a morning bird. What about you? Any plans today?”

I glance toward the clock on the wall, reading the time—12:00 p.m.—and gasp. “Oh my God!I’ve nearly slept half the day away!”

Evie shrugs. “That jet lag is a bitch. Besides, time is nothing but an illusion anyway.” She hands over my steaming cup of coffee and insists, “Drink up, buttercup. You’re gonna need the fuel because if youdon’t already have plans made, I’ve got some arrangements for us up my sleeve.”

“Oh, yeah?And what arrangements might those be?”

“Well, first things first, I thought I could show your arse around campus before your first big day. Figured it’d be good to get acquainted with it before we release you to the hounds.”

“You trying to scare me off already?”

“I wouldn’t dare to do such a thing! I think you’ll handle the hounds just fine.”

“Is that so?”I giggle. “Well, since you’re offering, I’d love a tour. Might make getting around classes tomorrow a little easier and maybe make thosedogsyou keep mentioning a little less intimidating.”

“See, I knew I caught a whiff of resilience in you, Georgia girl. It’s a good thing, too. In a city like this, you’re going to need it.”

It’s not until three o’clock in the afternoon that we finally make our way out of the apartment. After witnessing Evie battle a hair-gel mishap for two hours, I quickly realized that Harvey wasn’t lying when he said this girltook her time.

After scarfing down a late lunch and navigating the train station and crowded London streets, my sights finally set uponGildenhill University. My heart swells in complete awe of its architectural beauty.

The pictures online just don’t do it any justice.

I examine the campus buildings first, admiring the illusion they give off of stretching for miles along the lush grass and pristine cobblestone pavements. The verdant gardens along the premises are tended with so much care, blossoming with beautiful flowers and neatly trimmed bushes. The sand-colored stones of the century-old complexes are carved with elegant designs, and I study the small intricate details in the columnscarefully. I allow myself a moment to consider the weight of history that must lie within this place.

Oval-and-square-shaped window panes spread along the outside of the school walls, giving you a peek at the charming classrooms and lecture halls inside. I can only imagine how this place must glow at night, blanketed in moonlight.

The quiet rumbling of water grabs my attention as we continue strolling down the sidewalks of campus. I grin like a fool when I find the source of the noise.

Mere feet away, situated in the center of the campus courtyard, a three-tiered fountain spews to life. My instincts immediately have my feet moving toward it to admire its charm and beauty closer. I peer into the sparkling waters at its base, spotting the tiny flecks of silver and copper glistening along its bottom.

“This place is unreal, Evie,” I say to her—but mostly to myself—because everything I’m seeing now feels like a dream.

“You’ve got a lot more to see.This way,”she nods. “I’ll show you where everything is.”

After weaving us through the lecture halls and dimly lit corridors of the countless buildings on campus, Evie decides to show me the music room. When we arrive, she swings open the doors to the large, dome-shaped building and motions me inside.

Xylophones, symbols, timpanis, drums, and chimes take up the backspace of its circular floor plan, while probably a hundred seats and music stands arch along the middle portion of the room. The walls are covered in soundproofing squares of various shapes and sizes. I imagine all the wondrous music made here as I stand and take it all in.

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