Living a lie

flip of a coin

Waking up in my old bedroom was like a dream. To make it even better the sun was shining in through the thin curtains reflecting on my old pictures. My 5th birthday, my first horse jump competition that resulted in a broken leg, my graduation and our vacation in Italy. We loved traveling even if my parents usually found interesting people to discuss work with which meant I would be left alone at museums or at the hotell's children's area.

I sat up listening to all the sounds. I could hear my mum down in the kitchen and our neighbours washing their car.

I met dad in the stairs. "Good morning love. Had a nice sleep?" He said giving me a hug.

"Yes I did. Always get the best sleep at home." I said before hurrying down to mum in the kitchen.

"I thought of visiting the college today. See if any old friends are still here." I said and grabbed a toast from the table.

"Sounds like a great idea. I know Dr Hampstead will be very glad to see you again. We've been talking about your travel. I'll give you a ride after breakfast. I have some things to do at my office." Mum said before pouring some tea in a cup for me.

The Broad street was just as crowded as yesterday but mum found a parkingspace this time.

"I'll leave at two. Call me if you'd like a lift. If not, you'll have to take the bus from Christ Church. They're doing roadwork over at the castle." Mum said before she dissapeared in through the big gates.

"I will!" I said before continuing down the street. There it was. Hertford college, where I had spent 5 years of my life. I met a familiar face right away as I passed the check in box.

"Candice? Coming to visit?" It was Harry. Security at the college also known for remembering every student by name.

"Yes I am. So lovely to see you again Harry! How's things? I've been gone for a while." I said as I was given a pass.

"Oh not much happening. They are quite civilised this year I would say. Not much trouble as when you and you're friends were here." He said giving a wink to be funny.

"Oh Harry! Stop joking. You know we were the most civilised students in all of Oxford." I said laughing while stepping asife for someone behind me to pass through the doors.

"Well. Don't believe that. But we sure miss you. I believe some of your friends are still here. Gabriel should be in the common room. And Dr Hampstead is in his office." Harry said and I thanked him before walking into the college ground. Students sat in the grass studying and you could hear music from some of the windows. It all made me smile. I didn't have to go far before I saw someone familiar slip out through one of the doors.

"Gabriel?" I said and the man with ruffled blonde hair dressed in his black robe turned in my direction. He gave a big smile.

"Candice?" He said hurying up to hug me. "Wow! Hi!"

I smiled while hugging him and then he let go and looked at me. He looked the same. Tall and funny as usual.

"You are home! I am so sorry I haven't written or called. When did you get back?" He said and examined me while smiling wide.

"Yesterday. Thought I'd see if any of the old mates were left. Heard from Harry you'd be here."

"Yes. They had another Dphil so I thought why not. Might end up as a tutor one day. But how are you? Are you free for a cup a tea. I have this meeting with my tutor but I can meet you at 12. Art café?" He said looking down on his books and then on his watch.

"Sure. That sounds great. I just thought I'd see Dr Hampstead aswell. Mum has been talking to him a lot when I was gone. Good luck with the meeting. I'll see you there." I said and he hugged me again before hurrying of across the yard. "It truly is great to see you again."