It's been a couple of months since I graduated from Maiden's Heart Academy with Erika and Audrey. Harley is already at a university of her choice, but Sylvia and Dawn are staying because they'll be graduating at least a year later. Audrey went on to attend a university of her choice. It saddens me to have to say goodbye to her, especially since we're cousins, but at least we still keep in touch. Meanwhile, I decided to go to the same university as Erika. Ms. Farrow, the headmistress of Maiden's Heart Academy, recommended a really good university for both of us, and the best part is that we get to be roommates again.

"How do you like my mother's recommendation, Maria?" asks Erika.

"Honestly," I respond, "I'm feeling a bit nervous."

"Don't worry," she snickers, "if you have trouble with anything at all, you can talk to me about it." I breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Erika had my back.

"After all," she continues, "I can't let my princess feel miserable because of one misunderstanding."

That's right. Erika and I started dating during our junior year at Maiden's Heart Academy. Just hearing her call me a princess made me smile and blush, despite the fact that I'm a boy. She notices my bright red face and chuckles.

"What's so funny?" I ask as I hear her giggling.

"I bet you were waiting for me to call you a princess again," she answers.

"Well, it has been a while since you said that to me," I reply. After our graduation, Erika and I went home to prepare for college. It's a good thing that my mom is helping me with my tuition, but I need to find a job to pay for other expenses, like food and clothing. I'm sure it's the same for Erika though.

"I'll take that as a 'yes'," she states as she leans close to my face and kisses me on the cheek. I kiss her cheek as well.

After our little exchange, we proceed to our dorm room to unpack. The dorm interior is nice and well-lit with tall plants in every corner. Erika and I have been assigned to a room in the middle of the hallway on the second floor. This room is pretty as well. The walls are beige and decorated with pictures of different landscapes from around the world.

"Well, here we are," Erika declares as she sets her stuff down. She then proceeds to help me with some of my stuff.

"Oh, how thoughtful of you!" I exclaim feeling relief from the weight of my luggage. "I most certainly appreciate your help."

"Anything for you, Maria!" Erika answers. "As I said before, if you need help, come to me!"

I couldn't have asked for a better girlfriend, especially after what I've been through before I even attended Maiden's Heart Academy. Those past memories full of pain and misery will always be a part of me, but I will never let them define who I am. I'm just glad that I have someone by my side, other than my mom.

"This sort of reminds me of the first time we met," Erika states.

"Yeah," I reply, "you didn't like me very much at first."

"It was the idea of a boy going to an all-girls school dressed as a girl," she added, "but once I fully understood your story, I didn't mind hanging around you."

Just then, I hear my stomach growling. I didn't have a lot to eat today because I was so nervous about the university. Erika notices my stomach growling and asks, "What's wrong, Maria? Are you hungry?"

"Yes," I reply, "I didn't eat much because I was nervous. Are you hungry?"

"Well, I can't say that I'm starving," she answers, "but I could go for a little grub."

"Do you mind if we check out the cafeteria to see what they have?" I ask.

"Not at all," she replies, "I'm a little curious myself."

5 minutes later at the cafeteria

We grab our food and sit down at a table nearby. I had no idea there was such a variety of selections. It was hard to choose.

"How are you enjoying your meal?" asks Erika. "Are you starting to feel better?"

"Yes," I answer, "I really needed something to eat."

"Good!" she responds. "Nothing makes me happier than attending to my princess's needs."

"Thank you," I say as my face turns red once more.

"Erika? Is that you?" A mysterious voice calls out to Erika from across the cafeteria. A young, slender girl rushes over to our table. "Hi, Erika! It's been a while. How have you been?"

"Hi, Rachel," Erika replies, "I've been doing fine since the last time we met."

"So, who's your new friend?" the girl asks as she points directly at me.

"This is Maria Lockhart," Erika answers. "We attended Maiden's Heart Academy together."

The girl turns toward me and introduces herself. "Hi, Maria. I'm Rachel Sanchez. I've been Erika's friend since middle school. It's nice to meet you."

"It's a pleasure to meet you too," I reply with a smile.

"Are you ready for a new life in a fresh setting?" Rachel asks. "There will be lots of opportunities here. I'm so excited!" This girl reminds me a bit of Dawn. She's nowhere near as short as her, but she certainly has the same energy.

"Rachel's right," Erika states. "This university offers a plethora of options."

"I'll have to keep that in mind," I answer.

"Well, I just wanted to check up on you since it's been a long time," Rachel announces as she prepares to head off. "Bye, Erika. Bye, Maria. It was nice meeting you."

"Bye, Rachel," Erika and I reply simultaneously.

After we finish our meal, we decide to return to our dorm room to prepare for a life filled with opportunities.