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I decided that I needed to get a good idea of where everything was located on campus, besides just my bed, food, and classes. I jogged up to my room on the second floor of the Katherine Building, and grabbed my school map. I read the names of the buildings, what they were for, etc. I decided to go to Jasper Building.

Even though Jasper was just across the grounds, it was chilly and windy outside. The layout of the campus reminded me of Central Park: trees, grass, and playgrounds on the inside; buildings outlining it. It was nicer then I remembered from running from Jasmine the Empousa, but I didn't remember so many leaves attacking my face either.
I brushed my windblown hair out of my face and opened the door to Jasper. It wasn't quite what I was expecting. The map said "Jasper is a building for the arts." Turns out it's more for music then actually art. But the murals on the walls were amazing. Someone did a gray-scale painting of a girl playing a Cello, using a corner to make it 3D. Another was using wall-mounted shelves to form the finger-things for a Trumpet. "Like them?" Someone said as I turned a corner. "Yeah," I say, staring at one on the ceiling, "They're amazing. Who made them?" "Different graduates of this school. Once an art student graduates they may paint or make a mosaic of something that reminded them of the school. Like this one here." She motions to a small 3x4 foot sketch of a little girl sitting cross-legged on a chair, a textbook covered in doodles sitting haphazardly in her lap. I smile at the picture. "I see you're an artist too, huh? Your jeans?" I glance down at them. "Uh, yeah. I draw sometimes." "I'm Jane, I lead the sculpting classes here." "Really? I just signed up for that!" Jane smiles. "That's great! Normally I only have 2 or three students, so you're sure to get plenty of one-on-one attention if you need it. Plus, more resources for us!" We both laugh. "Well, I gotta go. I was trying to figure out where everything is around here. This was my first stop." "Ah, okay. Hey, when you reach The Glass, tell Wes I sent you. He'll set you up." "Oh, sure thing."


The Glass was my last stop. I had visited the library, computer lab, gym, indoor pool, and all the other things this place had. I walked into The Glass, and was pleasantly surprised. Coffee.
"Welcome to The Glass! Take whatever seat suits your fancy." The Glass was a rustic/modern mix. It was basically a Cracker Barrel feel but with the style of Starbucks. Thankfully, not as cold. I sat down in a booth in the corner, grabbing a menu as I sat down. The place had more choices then Starbucks. "Whene'r you're ready to order, just holler my name. Wes." "You're Wes?" "Yeah... why?" His face becomes one of puzzlement. "Jane told me to tell you that she sent me." "Ah! Jane, the sweet girl. My daughter, ya know." No I didn't know. I don't exactly know what to say, so I study the menu. "Would you like to try today's special? Different every day." "What's today's?" Please nothing pumpkin spice, I'm fed up with pumpkin spice. "Caramel Apple iced latte with a dash of cinnamon, and a prick of my special vanilla mix." "That. Sounds. Amazing." Wes laughs a deep, hearty laugh. "Alrighty then! One daily special!"

I look around while he's mixing my drink, and see one or two other students in here. One just playing on their phone (probably an iPhone) and another looking distressed trying to study something. "Here ya go, Red." Wes places the drink on the table and deftly slides it to me. "Rachel. My name's Rachel." I reach to shake his hand. He seemed like a kindly old man, glasses and thinning gray hair. "Don't you get much business here at The Glass?" "Ah, not quite as much as I used 'ta. People have figured out my pumpkin spice days, and I'm swarmed then, but other 'en that no, not so much. But my loyal customers always come back, ready to 'ave a chat." That was good to know. I take a sip of the apple drink, and it's an explosion of flavor on my mouth. "Gods, that's good." I take a few more swigs. "How can people only come here for the pumpkin junk? This is seriously the best latte I've ever had and I'm from New York City." Wes leans towards me from across the table. "Ssshh..... only the best people know about me, so they get only the best coffee." He grins at me, and I grin back. I glance outside the window, and see snow flurries falling. I check my pocketwatch, and it's about time for supper. I stand and start to dig in my bag for my wallet. "How much for the coffee?" "For a friend of Jane's? Nothing. I'm happy ya enjoy it." "Thanks so much. I'll tell my friends about you." I walk out, sending a final smile over my shoulder.

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