Grayson is ready to go to college, he takes a glance over India house before getting inside the car. Start the engine he drives away.
Without him knowing India wasn't in college anymore. She passed the interview and today she starts with her new life. Thanks to Professor Duke Van Helsing, he's the reason India continues her study in University.
Her achievement makes them believe India will be a better doctor.
At the nowhere road. Professor Duke Van Helsing drove the car, beside the driver was India and at the back of the seat was her mother Kim.
India went to Empire Liberty University and took an hour to arrive. That doesn't bother Professor Duke driving her there. It was his University too. He is proud of her, he will do anything for her till she reaches who she will become.
He will look after her there. "Aren't you excited about India? You passed the interview, today you are moving into a new apartment and tomorrow you begin your study there".
"How wonderful Professor". said Kim. "I can't believe my daughter has been accepted to your university. Hoping you will look after her as she's far away from home".
"Absolutely of course Ms. Kim. India is like my own daughter and I will look after her on your behalf". she smiled, glad to hear from his lips. "Don't worry, she's gonna be fine".
Kim nods understanding. "Nervous?" She touched her daughter's shoulder. India looks over her shoulder. "Don't be. I am so proud of you India". she cried.
"Without your prayer mum. I won't be there and Professor (her eyes to him) thank you".
Gently reaching her hand, he focused on the road.
Grayson parked his car. Quickly he went inside the building towards the teacher's office. He dragged the chair and seat. Miss Jayne approaches him with a seductive smile.
"Morning Mr. Grayson". he smiled without answering her. "I think you need one more student to replace Miss Greene in your class".
She suggested Grayson eyes up to her. "Why do I need that? Is Miss Greene sick or something?"
"Oh Mr. Grayson you are so charming and naive. Hadn't you heard anything about Miss Greene lately".
He shook his head no. She spoke back.
"Miss Greene will no longer be in this college Mr. Grayson, today she is moving to New York, because she passed the exam and she will start her study in University".
Grayson's face was completely shocked. There's is no smile on his face, she left him, she left me no.. it can't be.
"Are you alright Mr. Grayson?" she asked. "Your skin looks pale after hearing the news".
Fake smile, he spoke. "Nah. Got a stomach ache just now". he lied. "That is good news and besides, she is better off at university than college".
"You were right Mr. Grayson. She's a wonderful girl. Obviously Professor Duke Van Helsing is the reason she is there".
He nodded his head, gathering his things. "Well urmm I'm late to start my teaching". he glanced over his watch. "Should be going".
"I was about to ask you, Mr. Grayson. Tonight Miss Charlotte would be singing at the theater if you like I save the box for two".
"She can't even sing Miss Jayne. I won't be there, perhaps next time". he smiled then left the room.
Later at noon. Professor Duke Van Helsing parked his car beside the road. He, India and Kim got out of the car as they started up the building that stood in the center of the town.
Not much still is worth it to live. The view is beautiful. He went inside leaving India and Kim waiting in the car behind. Kim crane her neck when she sees him talking with someone at the reception table.
She turned to her daughter. "Nice apartment the professor got for you India. Cheap, is that right?"
"Well said. I don't know mum. Everything was arranged by the professor. I'd just follow that all. He said this apartment was the nearest to the University so I don't have to chase the bus anymore".
Kim hummed in nod. India spoke back. "Will you be alright in Garret's alone?"
"Oh darling. Just follow your dream. Don't worry about me at the Garret's, and besides I won't be at home much you think. I would cover the reports after you're gone or I have traveled outside states".
Professor Duke walked towards the women. He smiled. "Everything is set. I'll get your bag and I have a key. Let's take a look at your new apartment shall we?''
"Which level?"
"Four". Kim and India look at each other's faces then nod. "This is Dahlia, the owner of everything you need, just ask her, she'll help you".
The old woman smile, extended her hand to India and Kim. "Welcome. You don't have to worry, lots of students are staying here so I hope you will find friends".
"Thank you Dahlia. I am Kim. This is my daughter India. She will start her studies tomorrow. Hoping you will look after her as if she needs anything". Dahlia nods and smiles. "How much is the monthly rent here?"
"Oh quite cheaper for students $150 per month".
"That's great. Well urmm we will get to know each other soon Dahlia". The three got inside the elevator, quickly Kim pushed the button and the door closed. "$150? What is her name again".
Professor Duke clearing throat. "Dahlia Price. I've known her since I started teaching in university. I used to rent here until I got my first check, so I moved out. She's a nice woman. I bet you two, her husband died, and two children".
"You know a lot about her Professor".
"Of course. That is why I want your daughter to stay here because I trust her and I don't think sorority houses are the better ideas".
India is a step closer to him. "Why? what happened to sorority".
"I'm not gonna say this but - a few weeks ago, a girl just died. She'd been killed by who doesn't know. So the police suspected the sorority killed her, poor that girl. The case is still open, the girl's parents had the right to justify the girl's death".
India turned to Kim, gladly he didn't send her to stay in the sorority. "She was stabbed right through her chest. She died immediately as the police, rescuers arrived. Cassie Anderson her name".
Ding! sound signifies they have reached the fourth level. Room number 0410 was the room India will stay in starting now.
He unlocked the door before the three could get inside. A handsome young man same as India age confronted them with a smile, he touched the professor's shoulder.
"Professor?" he asked. "Moving in?"
"Ah. India this Harker and Harker this is India my student".
Both India and Harker shook hand. Harker spoke. "Jonathan Harker. Journalist, actually I'm study art, painting. Journalist is my part time job". his eyes on Kim. "I know you, the reporter in Garrett's, finally met you in person, India is your daughter".
"Yes". Kim giggled.
"Yeah. I'm staying in room 0414". he pointed to where his room was. "Just knock if you guys need anything. I'm glad to be at your service". as his eyes couldn't stop staring at India. "Well, see you guys later, see you as a university professor".
He walked through the hall, unlocking his door then he shut behind. Kim eyeing.
"What a polite young man, we should unpacked your things honey. Come on".
Back to college. Grayson was seated on his chair while the students were doing their own business. Olive and Billy notice something wrong with him since he finds out India wasn't in college anymore.
Does it affect him that much?
"He looks terrible". she whispers to Billy. "I think he knew India wasn't here with us anymore". Billy looking up at Grayson, he was dreaming about something that he couldn't tell. "Do you think he likes India?".
"He got Miss Jayne". said Billy, Olive eyeing him. "Oh. I don't know what you mean by that, but I'm sure exactly I know what you mean". she rolled up her eyes.
Later in the evening. The terminal. Kim cried while hugging India in her arms, she will miss her dearly. Since her divorce India was one of the children she has with her ex-husband.
It was painful enough to leave her alone in the middle of this big city. But today, this is the time for her to let her go, she is already on her own now.
"Call me if you need anything alright darling". Kim kissed her forehead. "Remember. Professor will text me from time to time so I will know your condition. Every month you will receive money from me for the rent, anything you need.. books from that money. Do you understand?"
India does understand. Kim gave her another kiss. "This is where I leave you now. Professor told me earlier before we left the house that he cannot send me back to Garret's because tomorrow he needs to present something at university, so tonight I'll take the bus and you behave yourself".
"Your mum is right, India. Tomorrow I have my own presentation with my students".
"It's okay Professor. You are doing such a great job for me and other students". She smiled. "I'm gonna miss you mum".
Moments later. Kim climbed the bus followed by other passengers behind, the door slowly shut and sealed. India waved to Kim as the bus drove away from the terminal.
She can see the bus begin to move far and further until it disappears. "Come India. I'll send you back home".
Moments later. "Oh hey!" it was Harker who greeted her at the lobby, he was talking with Dahlia. "Is your mum back already?" she nodded. "Gosh I can't believe you are her daughter, I read lots of her articles, her reports are very impressive".
"Yes. Like I knew somewhere". Dahlia eyes on hers. "Are you already eating your dinner dear? I cooked for you if you like".
"Oh no. I already ate my dinner with Professor".
Dahlia nods and smiles. Harker reached her arm. "Come on. I'll be your tour guide tonight. Let's go". she waved to Dahlia who was smiling and waving back to her.
"This apartment is so cool India I bet you". he pushed the button and they went down to the basement. "This basement is kind of chilling here, sup dude".
"Yo, Harker. New girl on block?"
He nodded a smile. "India? This is Sheldon, Mike, Phoebe, Tara and Lily. They smile. "Guys this is India, so this place is basically the place where you can wash your clothes and hot dry there, a washing machine, iron and everything you need is down here. Oh before I forget you also can put your junks in here, Dahlia will give you a key for that".
"Nice. So you guys are in university too?"
"Yup". they said.
"So I guess I see you guys around".
"Sure". They smile.
Harker snort said. "Okay. Well, let's get you upstairs I'll show you my favorite place".
Later that, they reach level six which is the last level of the building. At the end of the hall there are stairs connected to the roof.
She and Harker went up there. "This is it. Welcome to my second home". chuckle. "Actually I did something here which is kind of spending my time here alone".
"Doing your research?"
"Sort of. Professor Duke says you start studying tomorrow so why not we go together". She nodded. "Yeah. I'll wait for you at the reception before eight in the morning".
