Chapter 47: Raising An Elementary Kid.

"Wake up, sleepyhead." Steven called Dua to wake up, but instead, she stirred in her sleep.

"Seriously?" He scoffed to himself.

"HEY!!!!" He yelled into her ear and she opened her eyes with a glare.

"What kind of student are you?" He scolded her and she sprang up in panic. "What time is it?" She asked.

"What do you think?" He replied.

"Fuck!" Dua cursed as she rushed out of bed. "I'm gonna be late on my first day," she ran through the room, trying to gather her things for school.

Steven watched her, shaking his head, "go take your bath."

"Yeah, right," she dropped her things on the bed and rushed into the bathroom.

After a five minute bath, she came out with her towel tied around her, sighing in relief that Steven wasn't in the bedroom. Quickly, she opted for a comfortable yet polished outfit, a light blouse paired with tailored trousers, and finished off with a pair of stylish flats. The last item to complete her look was a light jacket, just in case the morning air was brisk.

Satisfied with her look, she decided to pack up her bag but was surprised to meet it all packed up. Her documents, books and stationery were all packed up. A smile escaped her lips as she realized that it was done by Steven.

She went downstairs and was presented a simple breakfast of a bowl of creamy oats which she dug in to. "You can give me the one trillion dollars, I'll be going to see them after school today," she informed him.

"Go there some other day," he replied.

"Why?" She asked, swallowing a big chump of food.

"I don't know," he replied, focusing on the dishes he was cleaning up.

Within a few minutes, Dua emptied the bowl and was dashing out of the kitchen when she bumped into Shane, scattering his newspapers all over the floor.

"Ooops, sorry," she began helping him pack up the papers.

In seconds she gave him the unorganized papers with a smile which he collected with a sigh.

"Here," Steven handed her a bag.

Seeing her lunch packed inside, she smiled. "You do care after all."

"No, I just don't want someone fainting in the middle of classes." Steven replied and she scoffed.

"I'm a foodie with strong stamina," she retorted.

Steven chuckled as he watched Dua leave the house, "feels like I'm raising an elementary school kid."

Dua stepped outside, the cool morning air brushing against her cheeks and invigorating her senses. She took a deep breath, trying to shake off the remnants of her hurried morning invasion. As she was driven to the university by one of Steven's men, her heart raced with anticipation and a hint of anxiety for what the day would hold.

Upon arriving at the sprawling campus, she marveled at the vibrant scene around her. Students were chatting in groups, some were clutching steaming cups of coffee, while others hurried on their way, earbuds in and music blasting. Dua admired the atmosphere, invigorated by the buzz of excitement typical of the first day of classes.

"Okay, Dua, you’ve got this!" she muttered to herself.

As she made her way towards her first class, all she felt was nervousness.

The lecture hall was colossal, with rows upon rows of seats that formed a gentle slope towards the front. She scouted a spot near the middle, feeling her heart thump in her chest as she settled down. The walls were adorned with motivational quotes and colorful bulletin boards filled with flyers about clubs and activities. Just ahead, her professor, an enthusiastic middle-aged woman with curly hair, shuffled her notes, beaming as she prepared to greet the class.

"Welcome, everyone! I’m Dr. Sasha, and I’ll be your guide through the fascinating world of literature this semester!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with passion.

Dua felt excitement flutter within her. The next hour unfolded pleasantly as Dr. Sasha introduced the course, outlining intriguing texts they would explore and all the discussions they would engage in. The atmosphere was light and inclusive, and by the end of her first class, Dua felt as though she’d made a tangible connection to the subject matter and her peers.

With her first class behind her, Dua joined the throngs of students heading to the next building. As she walked, someone suddenly jumped out in front of her spotted, "hi!" the young lady said cheerfully to her.

"Hi," Dua reluctantly responded.

The young lady's eyes flew to the ID card hanging around Dua's neck. "Dua Levi. I'm Lena, nice to meet you," she extended a handshake to Dua.

"Yeah," Dua received her handshake.

"This is Maya," Lena stepped aside, pointing at a young lady behind her. This was when Dua noticed the people behind Lena.

"And this is Jay," Lena continued as she pointed at the young man beside Maya.

"It's a pleasure meeting you," Maya and Jay chorused.

"Great to meet you." Dua replied.

"So we've been observing everyone during the literature class, and we observed you're the only wolf here. Mind to join us?" Lena said.

"Believe me you don't wanna be alone in this huge college," Jay added.

"Okay," Dua agreed, and Lena squealed.

"So I'm guessing our next class is math," Lena said.

"Let me see," Dua quickly checked through her schedule and frowned upon seeing that her next class was mathematics.

"Yeah, how did you know?" Dua spoke, her tone low.

"I discovered we're studying the same course." Lena replied, gesturing at Dua's ID card.

"Why, you are very smart." Dua was impressed by her quick thinking and she giggled.

"Shall we?" Maya asked and they all headed to class together.

The class began as a middle-aged man with glasses entered the classroom accompanied with a small trolley of books he pulled with him. Seeing this Dua sighed, "I have a very bad feeling about this class."

Jay chuckled, "don't worry it'd be just as great as the first class.

"Might as well be greater." Maya chimed in.

"Hello, students. I'm professor Collins, and I'll be taking you through the world of Mathematics this semester." The middle-aged man introduced himself.

As Professor Collins began his lecture, Dua settled into her seat, glancing at her new friends. Lena and Maya appeared engaged, jotting down notes, while Jay seemed to be absorbing every word with an enthusiastic nod. Dua tried to focus as the professor discussed equations and theories, but her mind wandered, uncharacteristically distant in the subject just like it has always been since her high school.

Lena, who was sitting to her right noticed her down cast look and whispered to her, "are you good?"

"Are you serious?" Dua whispered back to her. "He's already talking about integrals? It’s like jumping into the deep end without a life vest."

Lena chuckled softly, but her focus never waned. "Just stay with us, Dua. It’ll get better, I promise!"

The class progressed, but Dua’s discomfort only intensified. She shifted in her seat, her mind racing with thoughts of how she’d rather be back in literature class, exploring characters and themes. The stark contrast between her two classes made it clear just how much she dreaded and hated mathematics.

To ease her discomfort, she took out the lunch Steven packed for her and began to eat.

"Oh God, Dua, do not make me lose focus." Jay said as he sniffed in the aroma of the food.

"Oh, sorry," she apologized, stuffing her mouth with food.

Maya and Lena simply shook their heads.

The lecture finally came to an end as the professor gave an assignment. "You're to turn it in the day after tomorrow," He announced.

Dua sighed, "he isn't just leaving, he has to leave a piece of him behind."

As the students began gathering their belongings and shuffling out of the classroom, Dua rubbed her temples, trying to shake off the information that felt like it seeped into her brain like molasses—thick, slow, and difficult to work through.

"So, how do you guys feel about that?" Maya asked, her notebook tucked under her arm, showcasing elaborate notes filled with diagrams.

"Like I just survived a tornado. With math, it’s always a wild ride," Dua replied, forcing a smile.

"Yeah, we definitely need to form a study group for that," Lena suggested, her cheerful demeanor undeterred by the daunting lecture. "I mean, we’ve got a few days before the assignment is due. Let’s figure it out together!"

"You mean we've got only tomorrow, the assignment is to be turned in the day after tomorrow." Dua reminded her.

"Oh, you're right." Lena recalled. "So study group?" She asked.

“Count me in…but I'm not in for any math thingy." Dua replied and Maya chuckled.

"Don't worry, you're gonna enjoy it." Jay assured her, resting his arm around here shoulders.

"Okay...If you say so." Dua answered, relieved that her new friends were already eager to support her.

As they made their way out of the building, a warm breeze swirled around them, lifting her spirits just a little more. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear while catching snippets of various conversations that framed the campus with a lively energy.

"I really could use a coffee right about now," Jay remarked, stretching his arms overhead. "Anyone else feel like that?"

"Absolutely!" Lena chimed in. “I need something to keep me awake for my journey back home." They were done with classes for the day.

"How about the café? It’s just down the street," she suggested.

"Yes, sounds great!" Dua agreed.

They headed toward the café, chatting about their lives and interests which effortlessly wove a bond between them.

Over cups of coffee and pastries, they shared laughs and exchanged stories. Dua felt them draw her in, like an embrace that melted away the remnants of her early morning panic. The weight of the day began to feel lighter.

"Can we call it a day, guys?" Maya asked. "I've got an appointment."

"Yeah, I should get going too," Dua added, preparing to leave too.

"Oh, come on, guys." Lena sulked.

"Don't worry, I'll make it up to you guys." Dua chuckled.

Alas they bid each other goodbye and they parted ways.