Extra Credit

The train ride is smooth and quiet, the exact opposite of my brain at the moment. I am starting my first year of my masters program at one of the top universities in the world. No pressure at all.

“Last call for the snack cart!” The train attendant gives me a quick glance and I shake my head before he moves on to the next passenger. I am so nervous that the thought of eating makes me nauseous. Sipping my water is about as much as I can take.

The view outside is stunning. Lush trees brush against the train as it passes and every once in a while I can briefly see a deer or a rabbit. I am unfamiliar with this place. I’m used to my small town that only barely has grass and maybe some wildflowers in the summer if we are so lucky. The forest is foreign to me but I welcome whatever it has to offer.

When the attendant comes back around I stop him. “Excuse me, do you know how much longer we have until we arrive?”

His eyes are kind with soft wrinkles sprinkled around the edges and his smile is just as welcoming. He checks his watch before answering.

“Looks like we still have about an hour and some change before we reach the station. If I were you,” he winks at me before continuing, “I would get some rest. That’s what I usually do!”

“That sounds like a great idea. Thank you!”

He gives me a quick smile and trots off.

A nap is probably what I need right about now. I’ve spent the majority of the train ride maladaptive dreaming out the window or going over my class schedule way too many times.

I put my notebook away and pull out the emerald green blanket my mother made me for before I left. Its soft wool fibers hug my skin as I wrap myself and it almost feels like my mom is hugging me herself. The train booth is spacious so I lay down, using my bag as a pillow. When I wake up, I will finally have arrived and this new chapter will finally begin. I’m both terrified and excited.

The train stopping wakes me up from my slumber. I slowly sit up and collect myself, folding my blanket up and grabbing my bag.

The train intercom clicks on above me.

“We have arrived at Blackwood Station. Please use the right side doors to exit the train and thank you for riding with us today!”

Well, this is it.

I make my way down the aisle and out the door until my feet are planted on the train platform. There aren’t many people who got off with me, just a few other students. The air is crispy and the smell of pine fills my nose. The light rain kisses my skin as if to say hello. My body buzzes with excitement…or is it anxiety? I pull out my phone and text my mother that I’ve made it before she freaks out and blows it up later for not updating her.

The train begins to leave the station and so I make my way over to the buses. I find the bus labeled “Blackwood University”. We all pile into the bus with many taking front seats while I find myself cozy in the back, alone.

As the bus begins to move, my stomach starts to turn. I should’ve grabbed a snack on the train but hopefully this bus ride won’t take long and I can find my way to the food hall.

“Excuse me, bus driver?” A girl in the front raises her hand as if we are in a lecture, her tone bright and curious. “How long is the ride to the university?”

“2 hours.” The bus driver grumbles, not even bothering to look up.

A wave of groans fills the bus , looks like I wasn’t the only one who should’ve gotten a snack.

“Do you have any snacks?” Another student asks.

This time the bus driver gives him a glare through his rear view mirror. “Does this look like a train to you?”

Everyone goes silent until eventually falling into conversations among each other or dozing off.

The bus ride isn’t nearly as smooth as the train but I find myself wrapped in my blanket once more and fighting to keep my eyes open. I might as well get some rest now because who really knows what’s in store for me when we finally arrive.

Next stop? Blackwood University.