[|]

Exams were starting next week and I could not focus on my studies. I had sleepless nights and depressive thoughts that left me feeling the need to not write the exams at all. I was penniless and it would take a miracle to save me right now. Over the months, I had gotten a job but not enough to save for next year.

"What am I going to do?" I whispered as the cold jets of water from the shower head splashed on my head, cooling my aching head. I covered my face and listened to the voices of the other girls in the bathroom with me, trying to force my thoughts away from what I was passing through.

I sighed. "How am I going to start my second year without any hope of my tuition being paid? I have piles of debts, which is worse."

Tears filled my eyes and I let them flow down my cheeks, mixing with the water. I wanted to cry out so hard, to take the pain in my heart away but I just couldn't. I hated how unfortunate I was. It was unbearable and suffocating.

After five minutes, I finished showering and wiped my body with my towel then wore my robe. After packing up my hygiene bag, I unlocked the bath stall and pushed the door open. I walked out of the stall and went over to the counter across me. I dropped my bag on the counter and stared at my puffy face in the mirror. My eyes were irritated from all the crying I did and I still felt like crying more.

From the reflection of the long mirror, I saw a dark-haired girl with a towel wrapped around her body, step out of the stall beside the one I had been in. She made eye contact with me from the mirror and I looked away. I took my bag and turned my body, ready to leave.

"Wait," she said and I stiffened.

What did this person want?

I turned around and smiled at her. The girl walked up to me and dropped her small bucket on the floor.

"I hope you don't pick offense but," she paused and folded her hands behind her back. "I heard you talking to yourself in the stall and I couldn't help but feel sad."

My heart skipped a beat at what she had said. I felt ashamed all of a sudden at the fact that she heard about my embarrassing life. It was then I noticed she didn't have a degrading look or judgmental expression, instead, she was smiling at me.

"You don't have to feel sad. I'm just a stranger," I said and she chuckled.

"Not anymore," she said and stretched out her hand. "I'm Amelia and you are?"

I stared at the hand for some seconds before shaking it.

"I'm Jackie," I said and left her hand.

"What are you studying?" She asked and I smiled.

"Chemical Engineering," I replied and she smiled.

"Nice. Anyway, I am here to help you," Amelia said, sparking my interest.

"Help me? H-how?"

Amelia looked around the bathroom. I looked around too, wondering if she didn't want to discuss such around here.

"What is it?"

"Can we talk someplace else? Probably tomorrow?" Amelia asked and I nodded.

"Sure. Where and when can we talk?" I asked in excitement as I felt I was finally having hope.

Amelia smiled. "Can we meet after school tomorrow? I have an early class tomorrow and I need to sleep as soon as I get to my room. I'm in room 205. Meet me there tomorrow night at seven."

Amelia waved at me and left the bathroom. I was feeling a lightness in my heart as I knew I was finally getting the help I needed. I hoped what she had was probably work, good paying work.

With a smile, I left the bathroom, ready for the next day.

[|]

Once my classes were over, I rushed back and took a quick shower. While I was walking back to my room, I spotted Amelia's room door and felt tempted to check if she was around. I was so curious and excited to find out what she had for me but I knew I had to wait until later.

When I got to my room, I changed into something simple and lay on my bed. I took my phone and somehow thought of Lucas. I had not heard anything from him since the last time he sent a text months ago and I was wondering what he was up to. It was unlike him to not bother me but I suppose the exam kept him occupied. That is if a bad boy like him took his studies seriously.

I dropped my phone and closed my tired eyes, ready to sleep.

Before I knew it, I was waking up to the sounds of students walking back and forth in the hallway, which meant it was evening and everyone was back. I checked my phone and saw it was ten minutes to seven. I rushed out of bed and checked myself in the mirror behind our door. When I was good to go, I left the room and ran down the hallway.

When I got to the door, I raised my fist to knock but the door opened, revealing a dressed-up Amelia. She was wearing a red jumpsuit that hugged her body.

"Oh, you're here already," Amelia said and eyed my body. "You need to change into something different. We're going somewhere. We don't have any time left. So, hurry up and meet me at the front doors of the dorm."

"Alright," I said and ran back to my room, feeling giddy.

Some minutes later, I was dressed in a knee-length dress that Maddy had gotten for me a few months ago when she went shopping. It had thin straps and a corset-style waistline, hugging my frame. After putting my hair in a ponytail, I left the room and met Amelia outside.

"You look great. Let's go," she said and started to walk away.

"Where are we going?" I asked as I caught up to her.

"A place you'll get everything you need."