Ashton looked around the parking lot as she got out of her truck. The wind was blowing gently and the sun was shining on her light brown hair. She wished she wasn't in such a hurry this morning and kicked herself for hitting the snooze button on her alarm three too many times. She grabbed her satchel and started the long walk to the Art and Music building. She passed the amphitheater and saw a group of her friends waiting for her arrival. She knew her morning wouldn't be complete without a hello and a few hugs from her favorite people.

"There she is, blowing in like the wind whenever she gets the urge" said Dallas. He was one of her best friends. She'd grown up with him from age 5 until now, the ripe age of 22. She was so excited when she heard the news he had gotten accepted to the same school she'd applied to. He was handsome, around 6'2 with dark brown hair and sparkling blue eyes. He used to play basketball in high school so he was relatively built and liked to stay active. He had a strong jaw with a nose just right for his face. It was as if he was modeled after a Greek God, or Ashton thought. She knew nothing would ever come from her crush, but it was nice that he wanted to be around her and considered her a friend, even though she was far from perfect.

She walked over slowly and said her good mornings and graciously accepted a cup of coffee that Andrea had brought for her. Andrea was a Science Major, so Ashton could always count on stimulating conversation whenever the two got together. She was a typical Science nerd, proud of it, too. She knew she could have gotten into a better school but chose to stay close to home so she could help take care of her family which consisted of a grandmother who was failing in health along with her parents, and two other siblings who were still in their early teens. Ashton was always a little jealous of her and her close knit family, since she was an only child and both of her parents had passed when she was still quite young.

"Good morning, y'all. Thanks for the coffee, Andrea. You always know when I need a shot of caffeine to start my long day here. Dallas, you give the best hugs, almost making the mornings here worth it."

They had a nice little laugh and decided it was time to get to classes. Andrea walked to the southeast quad of the school while Dallas and Ashton walked north, towards the courtyard. There was a big willow tree in the middle with a bench nearby as well as vending machines. Dallas decided he needed a coke before class and left her sitting there while he retrieved one. Ashton decided to look busy by rummaging through her satchel, pretending not to notice him looking at her. She smiled to herself, wondering if she ever had a chance to make something more of their friendship. She quickly swept those thoughts away and decided for right now, she should enjoy his friendship and not try to make something out of nothing.

Dallas walked back to where Ashton was sitting and asked her what the plans were for today. She had a big project she was working on, and before she could go into great detail, the first bell of the morning rang out, drowning her quiet voice out. She just sighed and told him she would love to explain what was going on in the art and music department later.