Chapter 2 - Vivian (1/2)

~ Tesla University, girls' dorm ~

Alarm is beeping, waking up Sarah at 8 AM.

Sarah does not like waking up early. She is a night owl who prefers the peace and quiet that night provides.

She scooted out of the bed and looked at herself in the mirror, frowning. It's obvious that she didn't sleep well.

After going to bed with an intention to sleep last night, she was tossing and turning most of the night thinking about mysterious Omega.

Objectively thinking, it's not a big deal. It's not like Omega did that just to spite her. But she always got the first place, and she wanted that top prize of $10k which comes with bragging rights. And Omega took it away. It is a matter of her pride.

'Uh, nothing much I can do now. It's time to get ready and do what I must.', Sarah thought.

Sarah took her phone and sent a text to her friend, Vivian: ”Meet for breakfast in the cafeteria?”

Vivian is one of few friends that Sarah has on campus. Scratch that... Vivian is THE ONLY friend Sarah has on campus.

As much as Sarah is a computer genius, she is an introvert who believes that machines are much better companions than humans.

Sarah doesn't have many friends. Besides her introverted personality, another reason for her lack of friends is that she skipped 3 grades during her elementary and middle school. In high school Sarah found herself with classmates who are 3 years older than she is. They didn't pay attention to her because she is so much younger, and with her great academic achievements everyone immediately got an impression that she is conceited. Teachers praising her almost all the time, only made things worse. Classmates her age were 3 years behind her with education, and they also had an opinion that she is not a friendly person since someone who skips grades can't be normal, right? In reality, most of them were jealous of her, but they would never admit that. But Sarah was friendly until something inside her snapped, and her behavior ended up matching the rumors.

Sarah made few odd attempts in earlier years to befriend people, but they all ended up with others scheming and gossiping behind her back, so she gave up on that idea and got used to be by herself (mostly).

Back to Sarah's friend: Vivian.

Vivian's studies are focusing on robotics, her goal is to be a top designer of artificial limbs.

Vivian and Sarah became friends about six months ago. At that time, Vivian was working on a project and her teammates bailed on her. One evening, Vivian was stuck late in the computer lab on campus and she found herself alone with Sarah. After asking Sarah for assistance in deciding on the best choice for an API between several options, two of them chatted a bit and Sarah ended up helping Vivian with her project. After this, Vivian and Sarah interacted more, and in no time, they became good friends. Vivian is a social butterfly, and she has many friends, but she usually drops everything to be with Sarah.

Back to present…

Sarah took a shower and put on a simple white sweater and jeans. She checked her phone and saw a reply from Vivian: ”OK. See you in 10 mins in cafeteria.”

One minute of light make up helped Sarah to look fresh and to almost hide signs of lack of sleep. Sarah looked at herself in full length mirror that was hanging on the back of the room door, with a smile on her face. She has a simple outfit on, but it looks great on her 5'8” tall and slender body. She has a great skin, medium length dark brown hair and green eyes.

Sarah is content with her look.

She put on her coat and scarf and headed out towards cafeteria.

~ Tesla University, cafeteria ~

Sarah reached cafeteria within few minutes. When she didn't see Vivian at the entrance, Sarah pulled out her phone and sent a text to Vivian: ”At the entrance. Where are you?”

Within seconds reply from Vivian arrived: ”1 min”

While waiting for Vivian, Sarah observed students entering and exiting cafeteria. Her aloof expression helps deter young men who hope to approach her successfully. Sarah smirked internally when she saw two young men who were looking at her curiously, but without enough courage to approach her.

Before those two made a move to approach Sarah, Vivian arrived with a smile: ”I'm here. Are you waiting long?”

Vivian is 5'6” tall. That is few inches shorter than Sarah, but she is still a beauty in her own way. Vivian has a short brown hair, slightly curled. Vivian's style for today is a hip-length white furry coat, high heal black boots and leggings which show her long and slender legs. Her clothes are showing that she is someone who follows latest fashion trends and puts an effort into her appearance.

'It's good to see a friendly face' , Sarah thought and showed her best smile. ”Not long. I just arrived.”

Vivian took Sarah under her arm and made an exaggerated expression. ”Let's go in and grab food. I'm starving. ”