Chapter 8: "Getting Settled"
Trisha pointed at an empty closet, and about ten minutes later, they were done unpacking Nell's bags. Gabriella, on the other hand, sat at her study table, typing away on her laptop. She seemed oblivious to the commotion around her, but Trisha knew better. "Hey, Gabby, what's up?" Trisha asked, and Gabriella replied shortly, without looking up.
Trisha smiled and turned to Nell. "That's the bathroom," she said, pointing to the door that Gabriella had emerged from earlier. "And that's the kitchen," she added, nodding towards another door.
As Trisha continued to show Nell around the room, Nell couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. The room was spacious and well-furnished, with three comfortable beds and three study tables. Each bed had a bedside table, and there were three large wardrobes against one wall.
Nell's bed was positioned opposite Trisha's, with Gabriella's bed beside it. There was a meter of space between each bed, and Nell felt grateful for the privacy.
She knelt on her bed and looked out the window above it. She could see a similar building in the distance, which Gabriella informed her was the boy's hostel. "Thanks," Nell said, smiling at Gabriella, who didn't respond.
Trisha's cheerful voice broke the silence. "We'll be going for lunch soon!" she exclaimed. Nell checked her phone and saw that it was already 11:52 am. She felt a flutter of nervousness at the thought of going outside.
As Trisha got ready to leave, Nell watched with interest. Trisha put on a black kick and unbraided her hair, only to braid it again. Nell was a little disappointed, thinking that Trisha would look more beautiful with her hair down.
Trisha headed over to Gabriella and shut her laptop down. Gabriella took off her glasses and turned to look at Trisha, and for a moment, Nell thought she was doomed. But instead of scolding Trisha, Gabriella just patted her head and smiled. "Let's go," she said, standing up and putting on a flat black shoe to match her black dress.
Gabriella's dress was a stunning off-the-shoulder number that brought out her smooth, fair complexion. Her short, red hair was left loose, and Nell thought she looked like a dark queen.
Nell grabbed her black handbag and slung it over her body. Trisha put on a khaki backpack, looking like a mini soldier. Gabriella just grabbed her phone, and they all set off to leave the room. Gabriella locked the door with a card and tossed it to Trisha, who placed
it in her bag.