It started with a tattoo

“Elizabeth, Eleanor, Queen! Get your lazy ass off that bed right now or you’ll be late for school!” Mrs. Rosita Queen yelled from the stairway, and Eleanor jolted awake immediately. She turned towards the side clock and widened her eyes when she saw it was already past seven.

“Thanks mum!” She yelled as she jumped off the bed and dashed into the bathroom like a maniac.

She couldn’t be late on her first day in college, especially since she’s been dreaming of this day for months after getting admitted on a merit scholarship to Ousen College of Art (OCA), a prestigious and highly selective college for talented young minds.

Going to Ousen has always been Eleanor’s dream, but unfortunately, her family’s finances couldn’t make that dream come true. Besides her impressive acting skills, Eleanor also has the voice of an angel, or at least that’s what everyone tells her, and she knew Ousen was the perfect school for her to better her talent and shine like the star she was born to be. Besides all that, there was one more reason why she wanted to go to Ousen so bad, and that reason was just a few minutes drive away.

Eleanor quickly changed into her new pair of chinos pants and red-print shirt, which she had bought from her savings, specifically for this day.

“We did it, dad! We’re finally going to Ousen!” Eleanor beamed as she stared at the framed portrait of her father. She kissed the photo before rushing out of her room and straight to the living room to find her mother already waiting for her.

“You’re not going to have breakfast?” Rosita asked with a raised brow.

“I’ll get something later in school, mum. Can we go now?!” Eleanor replied with a pout, and Rosita let out a slight chuckle.

“You shouldn’t be skipping breakfast, Lizzy. You know we can’t afford to spend double on food.”

“I know, mum; you don’t need to tell me twice. Just let me off this once since it’s my first day.”

Rosita grabbed her keys on the table. “Alright, just this once.” She said with a smile, and the duo left the house.

The drive to Ousen was rather quiet prior to Rosita’s expectations, and she worried that Eleanor was having second thoughts.

“Are you alright, sweetheart?” Rosita asked, worry evident in her tone.

“Yes, mum, I’m fine. I was just thinking of how it would feel if Dad were here with us. He always wanted the best for me, and a part of me wishes he could see this day.” Eleanor responded in a somewhat sad tone.

“I’m sure your father is super proud of you, sweetheart. Now you just worry about your well-being and your grades too.” Rosita gave her daughter a reassuring smile, and Eleanor bobbed her head in response, her smile had once more returned to her face. “Oh and I heard Gavin goes to Ousen as well!” Rosita exclaimed and Eleanor took in her bottom lip as she turned towards the side window. She could feel her cheeks burning and didn’t want Rosita to notice this.

“Yes, he does.” She replied casually but her heartbeat did the opposite. It accelerated the moment Rosita mentioned Gavin and now she couldn’t stop thinking about him. Eleanor still couldn’t believe that she would finally be reunited with Gavin again after five long years. He was her childhood sweetheart but Gavin never knew that because she was too much of a coward to confess to him. She believed she would finally get the guts to do so in college and that was why she had chosen Ousen College.

“Great! You should find him the soonest you get settled in, I’m sure he’d be delighted to see you again and he could also show you around.” Rosita suggested as she knew Eleanor would need a friend in such a massive environment.

Eleanor wasn’t quite famous when it came to making friends, so far she’s only had one friend throughout her childhood and he is none other than Gavin O’Connor. The O’Connors and Queens have been close family friends way before the birth of Eleanor and Gavin, which also brought about the friendship between them, but the two got separated in middle school and ever since, Eleanor has been dreaming of their reunion.

‘You don’t need to tell me twice.’ Eleanor said within as that was actually the first on her list of things to do once she got into Ousen. She would find Gavin and the rest can follow.

After what seemed like a thirty minutes drive, Rosita finally pulled up at the gates of Ousen College. Sadly, they couldn’t afford to pay for lodge so Eleanor would have to come from home everyday which wasn’t a problem since she loves taking rides with her mum.

“Alright sweetheart, have a lovely day and try to socialize a bit. You’re no longer in high school.” Rosita said with a wink that got Eleanor laughing.

“I’ll try. Love you mum.” Eleanor waved at her mum before walking through the gates. Her jaw dropped the moment she entered Ousen. The buildings were much bigger than advertised, and everything screamed wealth! She could see students pulling over in their expensive vehicles and dashing outfits, and for the first time in forever, Eleanor felt out of place even with her newly bought outfit.

“Judging from your facial expression, I’d say you’re new here.” Eleanor turned her head towards the direction of the unfamiliar feminine voice, and her pupils dilated in awe at the beauty before her.

Her eyes scrutinized the lady before her who was dressed in a simple but yet elegant, and understated outfit which showcased a refined and polished sense of style, with her dark silky hair packed in two buns. Despite her polished appearance, she exuded an approachable warmth that drew others in, her relaxed posture and friendly smile making her seem like someone everyone wanted to get to know.

“Yes, I am.” Eleanor finally found her tongue after what seemed like an eternity.

“Oh I see. I’m Beatrice, you can call me Trice.” Beatrice said with a warm and welcoming smile that created an atmosphere of comfort and familiarity in the bustling college driveway.