Chapter 3 Freshman Clearance

"Ugh,it's morning already?" Nyx said to Sophia as she woke up to get ready for work. "I'm so drowsy". Nyx muttered, rubbing her eyes. "How much alcohol did we drink last night?" "I was about to ask the same thing". Sophia replied with a soft laugh, stretching her arms. "I don't think I want to leave now". " Anyways, when you're done, bring my keys to the coffee shop". Sophia said.

Once Sophia left for her shift, Nyx forced herself out of bed. Today was huge. It was the day she had to complete her clearance one registration for the scholarship program at the state University. Classes starting early the next day. She needed to make sure all her paperwork was sorted out before then. She threw on a simple pair of worn jeans and an oversized T-shirt, pulled her hair back into a quick knot and grabbed her folder. The outfit was straight from Sophia's wardrobe. She grabbed her folder of academic documents. Stepping out into the street, she flagged down a yellow cab. "State University, main administration building", she told the driver, settling into the back seat as the car pulled into traffic. The drive was quite busy because the driver kept arguing with other drivers on the way because of the traffic they were causing. Although, her mind was racing with a mix of anxiety and excitement. When the cab finally pulled up near the Grand Stone gates of the University campus, Nyx paid the driver and stepped out.

The campus was bustling with students, faculty, and administrative staff moving back and forth between sprawling brick structures. She made her way up the wide concrete steps of the main hall and asked for directions to the principal's administrative office.

After waiting in line for almost an hour, she was called in. The administrative staff cleared her scholarship verification, stamped her files, and called over a senior student representative-a bubbly girl wearing a campus ambassador badge.

"Nyx, right?" Welcome to state uni!". The student said. "Come on. I'll give you the ins and outs of the campus, your classrooms and your professors". Nyx nodded her head following her through the winding corridors and sprawling walkways. She was officially enrolled as an anatomy student-a program she had chosen carefully, not just for her love of science, but because she knew it gave her access to advanced labs and specialized University systems. As they walked past the main courtyard, near the science complex, a group of 3 girls standing by a bench turned towards them. As Nyx passed, they started giggling and whispering among themselves. "Look at her hair" one of them murmured loudly enough for the sound to carry over the ambient chatter. "She looks like she just rolled out of bed.... honestly kind of dirty, don't you think?". Another girl giggled, glancing over Nyx's outfit with an amused smirk. Nyx tightened her grip on her folder. It hurt a bit-a sharp sting of humiliation in her chest, but she pushed it down immediately. She didn't have time or energy to care about superficial campus drama. She had bigger things to focus on.

She kept her head up, ignored their whispers and finished the tour with a student guide, who painted the anatomy lecture halls, the main library and the cafeteria. By the time the walkthrough ended, it was late afternoon and Nyx's stomach was growling loud. Realizing she hadn't eaten any for the day, she strolled around to find any shops around. Luckily, she found one. It was a grill shop nearby. She ordered two tacos at the counter and waited as they wrapped them up. Holding the warm paper bag in one hand and adjusting her arm, she turned around quickly to leave and slammed right onto someone standing directly behind her.

"Oh I'm so sorry". Nyx blurted out, stumbling back a step as her bag nearly slipped from her grips. "Hey, easy there", a warm, calm, deep voice said. Nyx looked, standing in front of her was a guy who looked to be six feet tall with pale skin, neat light hair, and an athletic remarkably fit structure. He was wearing a simple, crisp fitted shirt and looked effortlessly put together.

"I didn't see you standing there. My fault" Nyx said quickly, readjusting her stuff.

"No worries at all. I'm completely fine" the guy said with an easy going smile. He noticed the heavy folder tucked under her arm and the University logo on her paperwork.

"Are you looking for a ride back to campus or around town? My car's just across the street."

" Oh no need. I don't stay far from here actually. I can just walk. Thanks though."Nyx replied politely but firmly.

"Alright then. Take care",he said, nodding as he stepped aside to let her pass. "I'm Brook by the way".

"Nyx" she offered over her shoulder before pushing open the door and stepping out into the fresh air.

She ate the tacos while dropping off Sophia's keys at the coffee shop then headed to her apartment building. The sun was beginning to set, casting long orange shadows across the pavement. Her body was exhausted from the walking, awkward encounters and the sheer volume of information she had absorbed throughout the afternoon.

When she reached her apartment door, she unlocked it, put her folder on her desk and collapsed onto her small couch. She pulled out her notebooks intending to start organizing her notes and setting up a timeline for her investigation into her dad's history and her university work also. Before she could write down a single line, a heavy knot sounded at her front door. Nyx froze then stood up and walked over. She checked the peephole and opened the door.

Standing there in the hallway was her landlord. Mr Henderson-a broad, elderly man with graying hair, wearing his usual jacket and holding a clipboard.

"Hey Nyx",he said with a warm, gentle smile. "Sorry to bother you this late, kiddo. Just wanted to drop off the monthly notice regarding the rent and the utility breakdown".

"Oh", Nyx sighed, rubbing her forehead as she continued." Mr Henderson, about the rent, I'm really sorry. I'm still working on getting the funds together. Can I bring it to you next week?"

"Hey, don't sweat it kid", Mr Henderson said softly, waving his hand in dismissal. "I know you're working hard and dealing with a lot, especially with school starting up. Next week is fine. Just take care of yourself okay?"

Mr Henderson genuinely cared for Nyx like a daughter he never had. Knowing she loved alone and managed everything on her own. But Nyx was the kind of person that accepting pity or hands out always made her feel uncomfortable.

"Thank you Mr Henderson. I really appreciate it" she said,offering a small appreciative smirk.

Nyx closed the door and locked it. She leaned against the wood for a moment, letting a long breath out. The money she had left wasn't much at all and she had no idea when her share from her mom's pension would be arriving.

Walking back into her chair, she saw a note under it. It was a receipt and notice from the utility company-stamped *PAID IN FULL*. Below was a small handletter from Mr Henderson.

"Water bill's taken care of for the month. Focus on yourself kiddo".

Nyx stared at the receipt, a mixture of relief and guilt washed over her. The pipes weren't dry anymore. She went into her tiny bathroom and turned the silver shower knobs and warm water came rushing out of the shower. She had a warm bath. After the bath she forgot all about her notebooks and her investigation. Jax's drive and her father's mystery.

Right now she is just exhausted. She wore her night gown and hopped on her bed and closed her eyes, sleeping off.