This chapter takes place about a month after Thomas' decision.

Heeeeeeeere's JIMMY!

The grounds of Downton Abbey University were better than Thomas ever hoped for. As he walked in the main entrance, he saw a lot of people moving around and talking. Then suddenly, somebody bumped into him causing him to drop his suitcases. He turned around to find a panicked girl.

"Oh my! I'm so sorry! I didn't see you standing there!" She panted. The girl looked around and bent down to pick up her books. Thomas helped her. "It's alright," he said. "Are you okay?"

The girl nodded. "Yes, I think so. Sorry again."

They both stood up and Thomas held out his hand. "Thomas Barrow. A pleasure."

She carefully took his hand and shook it. "Daisy Mason. A disturbance."

Thomas raised an eyebrow. "Pardon?"

"I'm a disturbance," she giggled nervously. "I'm making a fool out of myself."

"You're not," he reassured. "You're fine."

Daisy nodded. "I take it you're new, eh? Looking for Mr. Carson then?"

Thomas frowned. "Who?"

"Charles Carson. He's the Headmaster's right hand, you could say. When Mr. Crawley is not here, Mr. Carson steps in." Thomas picked up his suitcases and nodded smiling. "Then Mr. Carson it is."

Daisy led Thomas to where he would find Mr. Carson. Thomas thanked Daisy. The secretary took his name and he sat down to wait. A few minutes, a tall older man came to greet Thomas.

"Welcome to Downton Abbey University, Mr. Barrow," Mr. Carson said when Thomas identified himself. "I hope our university meets your academic standards." Mr. Carson talked with pride, a stern look on his face but Thomas could see that the man took his job seriously.

"Yes, I'm expecting the best," Thomas said determined. Careful, if you talk all superior, they won't like it and treat you differently. Come on, you can be normal. Act naturally.

Mr. Carson nodded and smiled. "Indeed you are, Mr. Barrow."

Mr. Carson explained all the guidelines and rules of the university/ He also explained about the university's cafeteria, tuition payments and vacation time. When they were done, the older man walked Thomas to the door. "I will call you for assistance so that you can go to your room and settle. The you can come to Mrs. Hughes for your schedule."

Thomas followed him. When they walked out of the office, Thomas saw a tall, strange looking young man with ginger hair. Odd man. "Ah, Alfred. This is Thomas Barrow, our newest student. Can you please help him find his room?"

"Yes, Mr. Carson." Alfred smiled and looked at Thomas. "Would you like me to help you with one of your suitcases, Mr. Barrow?" The were walking side by side.

"Thank you, Alfred. Please, call me Thomas," he said as he handed Alfred one of his suitcases. "Are you a student?"

Alfred nodded. "Yes, I have a part time job here at the administrative office with Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes. I help them with a few things here and there."

They were climbing the stairs, Thomas following Alfred. "Do you like it?"

"I love this place. It's my home. I don't know what I'll do when I graduate. Maybe enroll in more classes so that I don't have to leave."

Thomas laughed. "Then you'll be very knowledgeable."

"Yes," Alfred laughed too. Finally in the hall way, they reached a door. "Here you are, Thomas," he said as he opened the door, waked in and put the suitcase down.

Thomas walked in his new room. It was a lot smaller than his own back at the palace, including his now small bed. His other bed, four to five people could fit on it, in this one, two could fit, if barely. Remember, you are downsizing, in every sense. The room had the small bed, a nightstand, a desk, and a couch. He stood by the window and could see the grounds. He went by the closet and opened it. All my new normal clothes can fit here just fine. And there was a dresser. "I like it," he said as he turned to Alfred. "Very nice."

"If you need anything, I'm two doors to your right."

"Thank you, Alfr-," Thomas was interrupted by a loud thump outside of his new room. Him and Alfred looked at each other and went out of the bedroom to see what it was. When Thomas went out, to their left, there was a young man sprawled on the floor along with some books. "Bloody hell," the man cursed. People keep falling down in this place. It looks like I'll fall too someday...

Alfred lent a hand to the young man. "You alright, mate?"

"Yes," the young man panted. "Thank you, Alfred." He looked at Thomas and smiled. "You new?"

Thomas smiled as he held his breath. Who are you? "Uh, yes." He cleared his throat.

"Jimmy Kent, at your service," he said as he stretched his hand to Thomas. "Huh, what do you know, my room is across from yours."

Thomas shook his hand. It was warm and soft, not comparing to Mr. Carson's rigid and cold one. "Thomas Barrow, a pleasure."

Jimmy smirked at Thomas. "I'm a such a clots. Me falling down and us meeting like this. It's almost comical."

Thomas chuckled. He's adorable. "Not if you get hurt."

Jimmy laughed and shook his head. "Nah, I'm alright." Thomas grinned and stared at Jimmy who stared back. Alfred interrupted. "Well, I'll be off. I hope you enjoy your stay, Thomas."

Thomas nodded in approval looking at Jimmy. "I already am, Alfred." And with that, Alfred was gone.

Jimmy picked up his books and turned to Thomas. "You know your schedule?"

Thomas shook his head. "Not yet, I have to... settle in my room before I get my schedule from Mrs. Hughes."

Jimmy smiled. "When you do, perhaps you could show it to me to see if we have any classes together." Thomas nodded. "Yes, of course."

"I got to go, I'll see you later, Thomas. Nice meeting you."

"Nice meeting you too, Jimmy," Thomas said softly as he still smiled at Jimmy. The young man opened the door and went inside. Thomas let out a breath that he was holding for a long time. Lovely to meet you, Jimmy.

Thomas was folding his new shirts and putting them in the dresser. His thoughts were drifted to a certain young blond guy that is now across his room. Thomas couldn't stop smiling. Jimmy... he's lovely. Calm down! You've just met him! He is definitely beautiful physically, but is he a jerk? Don't get your hopes too high, not after what happened with Phillip. Get to know the lad first.

When he was done, Thomas walked out of his room and stared at Jimmy's door. Is he in there? Oh, stop it, Thomas, move along. He went down the stairs and went to Mrs. Hughes for his schedule.

"Ah, Mr. Barrow, nice to finally meet you, I'm Mrs. Hughes," she smiled as she extended her hand. "Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Hughes."

The both sat down, Mrs. Hughes behind a desk and Thomas on a chair. She turned to a computer and began to type. "I see here that you chose to enroll in the General Studies, no major in mind?"

Thomas shook his head. "No, just trying out my options, I guess."

Mrs. Hughes nodded. "And that's fine. Our professors are top quality, I trust we don't disappoint you."

She's talking as I'm royalty or something. "I'm sure I'll like it."

"Right. So here's your schedule, Mr. Barrow. If you have any questions, please come to me and I will try to help you." She said as she stood up.

Thomas did the same and smiled. "Thank you, Mrs. Hughes."

Thomas sat on a bench outside of the university. It was a beautiful day. There was a warm breeze that made him sigh and close in eyes. I could get used to this freedom.

"Mind if I join you?"

Thomas snapped his eyes open at the sweet voice. Jimmy. The young man was staring down at Thomas with a smile on his face. His blond hair moved with the breeze. He wore a blue t-shirt with jeans and tennis shoes. To Thomas, he looked gorgeous.

"Certainly, I could use some company," Thomas said casually as he scoot over to make some room for Jimmy to sit. He looked at Thomas who had some papers in his hand. "Ah, is that your schedule? Can I have a look?"

Thomas smiled shyly as he handed Jimmy his schedule. He had a big grin on his face. He read the schedule carefully. "Oh, look! We have English History together! And World Geography. Oh Thomas, this is great. At least I will go to class with someone that I know and we can study together and stuff."

Jimmy's cheerfulness was contagious and Thomas couldn't help but laugh. He is so adorable! "Sounds great, Jimmy. I don't know anybody either and it will be easy since we're neighbors."

"This is going to be fun," Jimmy said with his eyes shining. He gave Thomas his schedule back. "I can't wait to get started."

Thomas stared at Jimmy's face in awe. "Neither can I," he said softly.