Chapter 2 COUNSELLOR'S OFFICE

***Hamish POV

"After 17 hours and 16 minutes, we touched down in the United States of America. Welcome to Florida, everyone," the captain announced over the airline speakers, eliciting applause from the relieved passengers.

At the airport, around 4:00 am, I was received by Clakemount University's foreign exchange department (CUFED) - Mrs. Carol, a woman likely in her mid 30s, and her assistant, Mr. Kelvin.

He held an A4-sized paper with 'HAMISH SANDOVAL' written on it, prominently heard to his chest. They scrutinized each face passing through the airport reception stand, trying to spot me.

When I spotted them, I hesitated for a moment, ensuring they were the right individuals. Approaching Mr. Kelvin, I said, "I'm Hamish Sandoval." The airport was noisy, and my initial attempt wasn't heard.

"What? Are you our guy?" Mr. Kelvin is screaming, seeking clarification.

"Yes, I'm Hamish Sandoval!" I raised my voice, making sure both he and Mrs. Carol heard me.

"Mr. Sandoval, yeah?" Mrs. Carol placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

"Yes, ma'am. That's me."

"Finally, go round". Mr. Kelvin sounded slightly impatient. I turned in the indicated direction, joining other passengers who had already found their recipients.

Exchanging handshakes, we boarded a large yellow school bus waiting outside the airport, it was bound for Clakemount.

Arriving in Jacksonville was awe-inspiring - tall buildings, beautiful people, and a well-laid-out road network.

Clakemount University's entrance gate, different and even more fashionable academically, from the online images, welcomed us with an eagle emblem, split in half on both sides of the gates, and a bold sign that read 'WELCOME TO CLAKEMOUNT UNIVERSITY.'

The campus was a small universe - massive white and orange-red buildings, green lawns with clusters of young people around the central water fountains at the school's heart.

We reached a stop at the entrance of the Dormitory. Mrs. Carol, showing me my Dorm, where I settled in nicely, with my boxes.

"Mr. Sandoval, please follow Mr. Kelvin to the administrative building, you have to see the school counsellor's office. Mrs Williams.

Getting to the administrative building, the hallway was adorned with old-fashioned sconces, blue walls, and pictures of past chancellors, admins, and alumni.

The sound of our footsteps echoed as we followed Mr. Kelvin down the long corridor.

Halfway down, he stopped and turned to me. "Mr. Sandoval, this is the Counsellor's office. When you're ready, you can go in. I'll be waiting for you at the entrance."

"Okay, sir. Can I go in now?" I asked, expecting an introduction, but his response surprised me.

"If you're ready, sure." He pointed towards the door, and I proceeded to open it.

The label read, 'Head Counsellor's Office,' and as I entered, the atmosphere felt a bit chilly.

I called out a quiet "Hello," but received no response.

There was a long chair on the right side of the office, and I couldn't spot anyone, I noticed another door partially open, leading to a larger office painted white and furnished with brown accents.

Opening the door gently, I found a lady in her late forties, dressed in a grey suit, sitting close to a young girl in a red blouse and blue jeans, the girl crying uncontrollably.

The scene held me in place.

The girl noticed me, and our gazes met. I felt the need to retreat.

But I couldn't my eyes were hooked to the girl, "Sorry, ma'am.

I could come back later," I stammered, ready to leave.

Both heads turned towards me as the lady acknowledged my presence.

"No, it's fine. How can I help?" she spoke kindly, still comforting the girl.

"Um, Mr. Kelvin... Mrs. Carol... I'm a new student, ma'am." stammering, I thought it best to let them resolve things before offering any information.

"Mrs. Carol sent you? Great. Have a seat, please." The lady sounded confident as she handed a tissue to the crying girl.

I walked slowly towards her desk, taking a seat. "You're going to be okay, Valentina," the lady reassured the girl as she stood up, walking towards her desk.

I noted the name, 'Valentina' as i watched her wipe her eyes, her lips are pouty and pink, stretched into a radiant smile with straight, white teeth.

I couldn't help but notice, the girls beautiful features; she is a natural; long, wavy cinnamon hair brushed over dainty shoulders.

Creamy, ivory skin with freckles dotting her nose and cheeks. Light and sporadic without overwhelming her innocent face.

My heart melted as I wondered about the cause of her sorrows.

"I'm Mrs. Rebecca Williams, Clakemount's Head Counsellor," the lady interrupted my thoughts.

"Yeah, sorry," I quickly turned my attention from Valentina to Mrs. Rebecca.

"Can I have your academy brochure, please?" She reached out, and I handed it over to her. As Mrs. Rebecca went through the brochure, asking questions and documenting my responses, my eyes and ears continued to shift between Valentina and the counsellor.

After a while, Valentina gently made eye contact with Rebecca, distracting her attention slightly.

Rebecca smiled, and soon I watched Valentina leave the office.

Immediately, the door closed behind her, the office suddenly felt void.

I grew impatient and uncomfortable. I needed to catch up with her, maybe halfway down the hall.

Mrs. Rebecca soon handed me two documents to sign, and I hurriedly complied.

"Is that all, ma'am?" I felt Valentina slipping away, imagining how fast she might have walked.

Pacing my steps, I counted them.

"Do you have somewhere to be, Mr. Sandoval?" she asked, noticing my discomfort.

"Is she your daughter, ma'am?" asking, letting out what I wanted to keep to myself.

"Who? You mean the young lady?" Rebecca was surprised at my question.

"Yes, ma'am."

"No, Valentina is a friend and a student here at Clakemount."

Still impatient and pacing faster, Rebecca smiled and added, "Valentina is still at the entry level of my office. Would you like to meet her?"

"No, ma'am." I quickly retreated on my thoughts, now realizing Valentina wasn't gone. I suddenly gave her response an infectious smile, making her smile as well.

I felt Rebecca could somehow tell Valentina had me tensed up.

After signing some documents, I handed them to her.

She selected the duplicates, placed them in a file, and gave them back to me. "Come, Mr. Sandoval, let me introduce you to my friend." As I put my things together, I quickly ran my hands through my hair, heading towards her.

"Valentina, meet... Ohhh, she isn't here."

Losing her voice in disappointment. "I think she had a class or something. So sorry, Mr. Sandoval, I know you really wanted to meet her."

"It's fine, thank you, ma'am." I cleared my thoughts, knowing she knew what I felt for Valentina.

"Have a nice day." Closing the main door to her office.

"You too, ma'am." She followed me outside to the long hallway.

We both looked both ways to see if Valentina was there, but she wasn't.

Then looking at each other, we both laughed, before I joined Mr. Kelvin at the entrance.