Some people begun gathering in front of a fountain of a gargoyle statue, wearing jump suits, sports shoes and carrying water bottles, waiting for the mascot leader to arrive.
It was still dark and very cold and most of the girls embraced themselves, exhaling white vapors as they chat.
Vicky and Annie came running to the group of about 100 students and Vicky stared around the school campus with amazement.
The University buildings which formed a semi-circle, were lit and gloriously standing tall under the dark blue sky. The fountain also provided a spectacular view.
“Priceless work of art.” She commented, drawing closer to it with Annie.
Annie however was more concerned with the whereabouts of their mascot leader. “I told you. He won’t be coming.”
Vicky turned to Annie. “Who are you talking about?”
“That jerk, Wayne.”
“Yesterday’s guy?” Vicky asked but, Annie did not pay attention. She was looking out at more people fluxing in the open square, including some older men and women.
“You see, there’s my mom!" Annie tapped Vicky, pointing at Linda who arrived the grounds, wearing a blue tracksuit.
Annie waved at her and Linda waved back. She however, gave Vicky a surprised look.
“She’s amazed that, you are out here on your first day in campus.” Annie explained to Vicky.
“Yeah. I understand.” Vicky said.
Just then, Wayne appeared from the hostel buildings wearing a basketball jersey and snickers.
The crowd turned to him who also took the center of the spot. “Okay people, Morning?” He greeted.
The club chorused in response. “Morning.”
“Sorry for being late. We have no time so, we’ll take the West circuit and circle it five times. Then, we’ll go to the baseball grounds for other exercise.”
“What is the West circuit?” Vicky asked Annie just when the crowd begun moving in a rapid procession.
“An area around the post graduate college, the Library and Law school. It’s about 2km in width, it’s in the west of the school campus so, it’s called the West circuit. There’s also the East circuit.”
“2km. Five rounds mean…. 10km.”
“Yeah. The road maybe too hard on your first days but, do not worry, if you must, we will divert to the baseball grounds on the third round.”
“Thank you. I will try to keep up.”
As time went and it dawned, Vicky could see the buildings and the University campus more clearly. She stared at them with amazement. Their distinct architect was one that, Vicky had never thought to exist in this world. She was so happy to have a life there.
The crowd begun to disperse. Vicky and Annie were among the last groups. Vicky was already breathing heavily. Annie ran with her friend’s pace.
“Should we divert now?” she asked Vicky.
“I see that you are already blending in.” Wayne’s voice came behind them, making Vicky halt.
Annie halted too but, some steps in front of Vicky.
“No, no don’t stop.” Wayne said, running between them. He took Vicky’s hand, maneuvering her forward. “We have to shake the South off of you.”
Annie joined them.
Vicky was a little uncomfortable to run alongside him. “What do you refer to when you say, south?”
“You come from South Africa, right?” he asked, without turning to glance at her.
“No. East Africa. You know, I know that, aerobic exercise is good for my health.”
“Don’t worry in two weeks you will be slim and beautiful.” He added.
“That’s not what I am looking for. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. The Bible says so.” Vicky replied.
“You are a fool of religious beliefs.” He commented.
“It hasn’t harmed me in anyway. Even if you call me a fool.”
“Wayne, you don’t have to be so rude.” Annie warned him.
Wayne took a moment before responding. He turned to Vicky and tried to be polite. “I just want to make you see the light Vicky. Nothing in this world is words and faith.”
“On the contrary, the world was created by word and faith.” Vicky replied. She did not want to get or sound offended by his remarks.
Wayne was silent. She irritated him with what he thought was her enthusiasm. “What should I do to make you realize that your God, is not there?”
Vicky laughed a little at this. Even her run felt lighter. “Nothing because, he is. I am here and you are here, that is proof enough.”
“I wish that, I could be like you.” Annie confessed, looking at Vicky. “You seem to be so unworried, it’s like you don’t carry weight on your shoulders.”
At the last sentence, Wayne stopped, letting go of Vicky’s hand.
He was carrying the weight of his mother’s impending death and the threats of his brother, on his own shoulders.
The girls stopped as well and turned to him who bent his back, resting his hands on his knees.
“Are you okay?” Annie asked first, placing her hand over his back.
He drew a deep sigh and stretched himself. “Go ahead, I think that I need some rest.”
“Wayne, you are the team leader.” Vicky told her. “You took my hand, to help me go forward. Let us take yours.”
He grimaced. “You are not serious or are you?”
“Yes we are. Now, don’t make us lag behind.” Annie said quickly and grabbed his strong wrist. “Let’s go, chap, chap.”
He glanced awkwardly at her and turned to Vicky. “And you? Don’t you both share qualities of lack of personal space?”
Vicky shook her head a little. “I’m sorry but, I only mean to help.”
He sighed and gave up his palm. “I won’t have you spreading rumors that, I am the worst dude in Ortegun.”
She smiled a little and took it. “Maybe you are the best in making.” She replied, ushering him forward.
#
