Clare above

(Ravine POV)

First few days of school are actually quite a blur. Only some of the professors attended the first week of classes. According to some upper year students, classes will actually begin in the second week so I guess I still have a couple of days to spend with Sash and make more friends before things get a little busier.

However, our English professor has actually given us the task of writing a short essay about anything we like, which makes it even harder for me to decide what topic I shall write because of so many ideas running in my head.

Eventually, I finally had come to the decision of what I want to write about.

"Rochester!" The English professor, Sister Charity called.

Also, Sister Charity mentioned that she's going to speak with every single one of her students and spend one on one time with them for the corrections and comments regarding their essays.

I came up to her and sat on a chair that's facing the professor's desk.

"How are you, Ravine?" She asked in a very pleasant tone.

"I'm good, Sister."

"Shall I call you Ravine or do you want me to call you something else you're more comfortable with?" She said in the politest tone possible.

"Ravine's fine."

"Alright, Ravine! Regarding your essay, I find it very intriguing to be quite honest."

"How come?"

"Well, first of all, you chose a very interesting topic which is your struggle with Faith and I like the fact that you were very straightforward and honest about its history and how it all started. You mentioned that your struggle began because of the abuse you got from your mom and how your dad neglected you in a way. I think a lot of people could resonate with this." Sister Charity commended.

"Really? You think so, Sister?"

"Yeah, of course. I wouldn't say something if I don't mean what I am going to say. However, you need to work on your transitions. You need to make some of your words a little bit formal, less casual if you know what I mean. You could use the words "Furthermore", "In addition", "Nevertheless", "Lastly" and so much more. I have written some for you by the way but you could also search for a list of transition words in the Internet if you like. Also, some of the words in your essay are repetitive. You need to widen your vocabulary a bit but you know what, for a freshman, you write pretty well, I think." Sister Charity said.

"Why do you say that?" I asked.

"Well, you are very descriptive and I like how you go about every details when you're citing an incident. You like to use metaphors which I think, is very creative. I specifically liked the shady metaphor that you used to compare your mom with." Sister Charity giggled.

"It's true though." I joked.

"You certainly write about your experiences with more finesse and care compared to some students here. You write from the heart, Ravine and I think that's what separates you from them." Sister Charity said and I was actually flattered.

I looked at my classmates, who are busy talking to each other and making noises and are completely oblivious to all the praises I am getting.

"Thank you. I really appreciate your feedback. It means a lot." I said.

"Keep up the good work and I'll be monitoring your performance starting today, understand? I'll keep an eye on you because you have a gift for writing." She said.

"Thanks!"

"Take note of the corrections I wrote on your paper and send me back the revised version of it next week." She said.

"Noted, Sister!"

With that, I went back to my seat, grinning from ear to ear while Sister Charity called the next student.

"What'd she say?" Sash asked me.

"Nothing, she said to use more appropriate transition words and how I need to widen my vocabulary a little bit more." I said to him.

"That's it? No way! She said a lot more than that. You wouldn't be smiling that way at all if she didn't give you any compliments." Sash teased.

"Well, it's a private conversation."

"It's an essay consultation, what could be more private?" Sash said.

"Fine! She said that I have a gift for writing, there! Satisfied?" I said.

"You two look so cute together!" Someone said beside me.

"Hi! I am Clarence, you can call me Clare." She said as she lent her hand out for me to shake it.

"I am Ravine, nice to meet you!" I said before shaking hands with her. "This is Sash, my first friend here and he's also my roommate." I introduced Sash to Clare.

"Hi there!" She said before shaking hands with Sash.

"Nice to meet you, Clare." Sash said.

"So are you two like a thing or..." Clare smiled.

"Huh? No, no! We just met each other a couple of days ago actually." I said.

"How did you guys do in your essay?" Clare asked.

"I did fine, just a few minor mistakes here and there. How about you?" I asked back.

"Bitch wanted me to redo my whole essay because it doesn't seem up to par to her standards." She snarled.

"Hey, don't call her a bitch." I said. "She's very nice. Maybe you just haven't found a topic that you're passionate about yet."

"We can help you if you like." Sash said. "Why don't we have lunch together? The three of us so we can sort this thing out."

"Grand idea!" I said.

"Let's go." Clare said.