Isabella and Kathy had spent the entire day recuperating from the whirlwind of their first day as freshmen. The day had been mostly light orientation sessions, brief introductions to professors, and an overview of their course schedules. Nothing too demanding yet, but it was enough to stir a mixture of excitement and nerves in both girls. Their campus tour was scheduled for the following day, so this afternoon was theirs to relax and soak it all in.
They decided to chill at a Amor restaurant, a favorite spot for students. The restaurant had a charming, rustic vibe with exposed wooden beams, mismatched chairs, and shelves lined with potted plants and old books. Soft indie music played in the background, and the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans mingled with the scent of baked pastries.
Isabella loved this place already. It was quiet enough to think and talk without shouting, yet warm and inviting. As they slid into a cozy booth near the window, the afternoon sun cast a gentle golden glow over the polished wooden table.
While waiting for their drinks, Isabella's phone suddenly buzzed loudly on the table, making Kathy jump slightly. Isabella glanced at the screen it was her father. She smiled softly and answered immediately.
"Hey Dad, what's up?" she said, her voice bright but calm.
Her father's voice came through clear and steady, though there was an unmistakable weariness beneath the polished tone. "Hey, Bella. Just checking in on you. How did your first day go? Classes, professors... everything?"
Isabella leaned back in her seat, glancing out the window before responding. "It went well, Dad. Smooth start so far. The professors seem really nice, and I'm excited about the courses. How's everything back home?"
Her father sighed softly. "Busy, as always. You know how it is meetings, deadlines. The politics expanding, and your mother is juggling more charity work than ever. But it's all good. We're proud of you. You're doing great things."
Isabella's chest swelled with pride. Her father was a successful Nigerian Politician , wealthy beyond most people's imagining, and had worked hard to provide everything for his family. He expected excellence, but he never pressured her too harshly only because he trusted her to want it for herself.
Still, beneath the pride, she sensed the fatigue in his voice, the heavy weight of responsibility that came with his status and demands. It made her want to do even more not just for herself, but to repay their sacrifices.
"Thanks, Dad," Isabella said gently. "I'll keep doing my best. I love you."
"We love you too, Bella. Take care, okay? Call us if you need anything."
"Will do. Bye."
She ended the call and set her phone down, her smile fading just a little as the reality settled back in. Kathy reached across the table and squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"Your dad sounds amazing," Kathy said quietly.
"He is. And sometimes... it feels like there's this whole world of expectations I'm carrying on my shoulders," Isabella admitted.
Kathy nodded knowingly. "I get it. But you're not alone. We've got each other now."
Isabella's lips curved upward, the warmth of their friendship grounding her. "Yeah, we do."
Their conversation drifted naturally, flowing from their hopes for college life to memories of home, their families, and the uncertainties ahead. Kathy spoke about her own struggles, having lost her mother some years back, and how Isabella's family had embraced her like a daughter. It was a bond forged in shared hardship and mutual support, one that made the college world feel a little less intimidating.
As they talked, the waitress returned with their orders Isabella's favorite vanilla latte and a freshly baked blueberry muffin, Kathy's strawberry milkshake with a cinnamon twist and a warm croissant. The drinks steamed gently in their hands, adding comfort to the calm atmosphere.