Chapter 6 Train to Tomorrow

The rumble of the train filled Eliana's ears as the wheels clattered over the tracks. She pressed her forehead against the cool glass of the window, watching the city fade into the distance. The sprawling buildings, the cracked streets, the mansion where her mother lived like a queen of shadows - all slipping away, leaving behind a bittersweet ache.

Beside her, was an old man who sat quietly, she knew that from the moment she stepped into the train, there would be no turning back.

Eliana nodded, clutching the strap of her worn satchel, she whispers to herself "No one here knows my past, I just hope I can keep up."

When the train pulled into Eldoria station, a flood of students surged forward, chattering excitedly. The campus beyond was alive with color - green lawns dotted with blooming flowers, groups sprawled on benches, laughter echoing between the ancient stone buildings.

Eliana felt like a small, pale bird in a sea of bright feathers.

As she made her way through the crowd, a group of students leaned against the stone steps, their laughter sharp and cutting.

"There she is," sneered a tall boy with slicked-back hair. "The poor girl who's going to flunk out by Christmas."

A girl with perfectly manicured nails eyes her and smirked. "Yeah, can you imagine? Scholarship or not, she doesn't belong here."

Eliana's heart pounded. She hurried past, trying to disappear into the flow of students.

But not all the faces were hostile.

Near the campus café, a group of students waved her over.

"Hey, you're the new scholarship girl, right? I'm Priya," said a cheerful girl with curly hair. "This is Marcus and Lila."

Marcus grinned warmly. "Good to see you pretty lady."

Lila nudged Eliana playfully. "If you ever need a study buddy or someone to grab lunch with, we're here."

Eliana smiled, a rare warmth spreading through her chest. "Thank you. I'd like that."

In her first class, Professor Mallory's voice cut through the chatter. "Welcome to Eldoria. You all have earned your place here, but let me be clear: being here is not a guarantee of success. It's merely an opportunity to prove yourselves. The standards are high, the expectations are rigorous, and the workload is demanding. You will be pushed to your limits, challenged to think critically, and held accountable for every aspect of your performance. Complacency will not be tolerated. Mediocrity will not be rewarded. But if you're willing to put in the effort, to persevere through adversity, and to strive for excellence, then – and only then – will you truly thrive here. Now bring out your textbooks and open to....."

Eliana felt eyes on her during her classes - some curious, some skeptical.

During a break, she found herself surrounded by a small circle of friends - Priya, Marcus, Lila, and Jayden, the quiet boy who had sat next to her in class.

Jayden leaned in, facing her "Hey do u remember me?"

Eliana replies "Yes I do, you sat next to me in class"

Jayden smiles "I hope we become friends, you and I"

Eliana smiles and they all continue chattering as they eat.

But being in this institution didn't mean Eliana had everything peacefully, she was bullied so often.

One afternoon, as Eliana walked across the quad, Mia - a sharp-eyed girl known for her cruelty - blocked her path.

"Thought you could just waltz in here and be one of us?" Mia sneered. "Watch yourself. You're out of your league."

Eliana squared her shoulders, refusing to back down. "I'm here to learn. Nothing more, nothing less."

Mia laughed coldly and walked away, leaving a trail of whispers behind.

That evening, Eliana met her new friends in the campus gardens. Lila pulled out a worn deck of cards, and Marcus challenged everyone to a game of rummy.

Priya told funny stories about her family back home, making everyone burst into laughter.

For the first time in months, Eliana laughed - genuine, unguarded laughter that chased away the weight of the past.

Jayden caught her eye and smiled. "You look beautiful when you laugh"

Eliana giggled, the flicker of hope growing brighter. For the first time, the future felt like something she could reach for - not something that terrified her.

The train to tomorrow was still moving, and so was Eliana - slowly, steadily, toward a life where she could be more than a shadow.