Autumn's POV :-
As dusk whispered secrets of a new beginning, waking up on the morning of my first day of university, I couldn't shake off the feeling that my life was about to take a dramatic turn.
I somehow dragged myself out of bed but couldn't resist the urge to crawl back under my cozy blanket. As soon as I was getting back to sleep and dreaming about those fancy designs I was working on last night, I remembered that I was getting late.
Well, yeah, you've got it right - I am a designer, but not a designer yet. I mean, I'm studying to become a designer, and soon I will be. Hey, I have to get going; otherwise, I'm going to be late.
I tossed off the blanket and got on my feet, brushed my teeth, took a quick shower, and slipped into my cozy hoodie and track pants.
As a final touch , I looked in the mirror . I was still as pretty as ever—long brown hair, warm brown skin, and light brown eyes. My height, unfortunately, was still the same.Still , 5'4 as always but everything about me was screaming BROWN . That's aesthetics, bro.
I quickly turned around , glanced at the wall clock and ran towards the kitchen to make my breakfast - coffee and toast with peanut butter . It sounded like a good start to grow taller.
Today marks the beginning of my journey to become a designer. I'm nervous, excited, and a bit overwhelmed, but no worries because I can handle it.
Oh yeah, I forgot to introduce myself.
I'm Autumn Westwood.
I recently got into the city's most prosperous university—The Pinnacle Academy of Design and Tech in New York, United States. Fashion and style have always been my language; I'm a creative soul who notices silhouettes before faces and patterns before words.
A hopeless romantic for minimalist aesthetics and an absolute sucker for bold patterns, I'm more than ready to dive headfirst into the world of design. Learning from the best? Honing my craft?
That's the dream—and I'm finally living it.
My goal is to become a fashion designer who can craft stunning, wearable pieces that make a statement. For now, I have more pressing concerns - like getting to class on time.
Oh no! I forgot to get my car repaired. Now I have to hail a cab. What a great start. Ugh!
( Sighing ) I grabbed my bag and rushed out the door. I hailed a cab, hoping I'd make it on time, but the morning moved like a roller coaster. I took a deep breath shaking off the morning chaos . Being a Design student might be challenging but I love challenges.
My cab arrived and I hopped on . I gave the driver the address and we sped through the city while I glanced at my day's schedule . Studio sessions , lectures , new professors and meeting new classmates - My mind was racing and my heart was impatient.
We reached our destination and I took off , paid the fare and reached the universities entrance . The gate was monstrous .... unrealistically huge just like my dream .
Standing at the gate, I suddenly wondered if I truly belonged here—or if this place would swallow me whole.
I ran through the entrance to the front gate of the academic building . There were students all around and fortunately I was not late but half an hour early because all my clocks in the house were malfunctioning. OH GOD !!
Anyways , let's meet other students and make new friends.Even in the crowd, my eyes drifted to textures, colors, and silhouettes—creased linen, polished leather, bold patterns walking past me like moving sketches.
Suddenly , A young lady approached me. Her hair was slightly red , looked a few inches taller than me and was absolutely Gorgeous.
She said, "Hey, I'm Scarlet Bridges." She was obviously introducing herself but she was a little bit too enthusiastic. But I like this young lady already.
I smiled and replied, "Hi, I'm Autumn Westwood."
Scarlet smiled brightly and said " Hey, Autumn ! I am so glad I ran into you . What brings you to The Pinnacle Academy?! "
I said " Welll .... I am a freshmen and the student of the design department...here to fly high" .
" Oh meeee toooo !! Between you are quite ambitious and I like the way you talk . "Do you mind… becoming my friend?" She asked.
I know right . Today , I am just so overly joyful that I don't even know what I am saying.
" Ofcourse ..... not " I answered.
" Great . Lets go meet the others. " Scarlet added and we went inside the academic building to meet the other students .
As we walked past the academic building , with the crowds bustling through out the hall . We noticed that the students started to gather inside the student union building and entered the GRAND HALL. We followed where the other's were and settled inside .
The Hall looked more Iike a movie theater than anything else. The seats were all comfy and soft . The one's you usually find in theaters. This made me realize that Pinnacle University was really for rich people. HEHE.
Though I got a full ride scholarship. It was evident that they took me in because of my family .
The chattering of students filled my mind but suddenly an old , middle aged man approached the podium. As Professor Gilbert stepped up to the podium, I noticed the students around me nodding in respect. 'This is Professor Gilbert,' someone whispered, and I felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of learning from him.
"Welcome , my dear students on your first day of becoming a part of our Pinnacle University family . I am professor Gilbert incharge of the design department ."
"Wait a minute isn't the speech normally given by director of student affairs " I whispered.
"-and also your director of student affairs . You guys can always come to me for your queries.
(I was embarrassed)
"As you begin with this journey , remember that we are here to support you . Our faculty and staff are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.
Let's embark on this journey together with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence. Welcome to Pinnacle University!"He says
"Anyways I should not drag my speech any longer ..... you guys must be bored. It's Ok I understand . ( EVERYONE LAUGHS ) ."
So I should ask the STUDENT OF THE YEAR From the Computer Science Department And THE LEADER OF THE STUDENT COUNCIL "Aason Lawrence " ( He stands on the stage near professor) to get you familiar with everything in this SCHOOL . Well... wait you guys can just call him ' ACE ' ."
The boy the professor referred to was quite handsome—over six feet tall, fair-skinned, with hazel eyes and midnight-black hair.
" So guys just follow him and have a SCHOOL TOUR but you only have half an hour before you start your day so Get a grip and get moving"
Everyone starts heading out of the room. ACE being the first and I get up , walking like a zombie down the stairs .
As I rushed down the stairs, my feet flew over the steps, and I felt a jolt of panic as I missed a step. Time seemed to slow down as I tumbled forward, and I saw a blur of faces around me before I crashed into someone, sending us both tumbling to the ground.
( MORAL OF THE STORY - NEVER WALK LIKE A ZOMBIE WHILE WALKING DOWN THE STAIRS :)
Then everything went dark. I vaguely remember someone lifting me up before rushing me to the medical room. I had no idea what happened to the other student because ... (welll I didn't even know about myself clearly until I woke up . )
I had spent my whole life watching my steps carefully. Funny how one careless moment was all it took to bring everything crashing down.
As I lay on the bed, Scarlet rushed over and sat beside me. Later, I realized I had hit my head pretty hard during the fall. It wasn't life-threatening, but it was serious enough to knock me unconscious and leave my head pounding.
The other student who fell with me wasn't badly injured. Scarlet helped him to the medical room, and he was laid on the bed beside mine.
It all felt too unreal to be real. Everything had happened in a fraction of a second. My legs ached, and my head felt heavy from the impact. It was a painful experience—I never knew a simple fall could do all that.
(Yeah, yeah… I know. Even I sometimes find myself unbelievable.)
The nurse told me that I was good to go and fell unconscious because I hit my head . It was nothing serious . Scarlet was asleep by my side so I didn't wake her up . The nurse asked me to rest for a few hours before going back .
As I lay on the bed again, the door opened and Ace rushed in, holding a small bag of medicines.
"Oh, you got the medicines I asked you to buy. Good," the nurse said, nodding in approval.
"So," he asked, sitting beside me, "how are you feeling now?" His voice was deep—unexpectedly calming.
"As healthy as a bear after hibernation," I replied.
He laughed softly. "I like your sense of humor."
Joking felt easier than admitting how shaken I really was.
I felt my cheeks warm, and I had no idea why.
Just then, Scarlet stirred and opened her eyes. She glanced at me, then at Ace, and raised an eyebrow.
"Why didn't you wake me up?" she asked. Then she leaned closer, smirking. "And why are you blushing?".
I looked away, completely embarrassed.
"Alright," Ace said, standing up, "my classes are starting, so I should get going." He paused. "I spoke to Professor Gilbert. It's okay if you miss today's class—it won't affect you . Get some rest, and call me if you need anything."
"Okay. Thanks" I said quietly.
As he turned to leave, he glanced back. "And try to watch your steps next time," he added with a grin. "Don't fall again."
My face burned as he left the room.
"I've been watching," Scarlet muttered beside me. "And I noticed something."