Chapter 3: College penthouse

Maya was still sleeping when she heard her cellphone ring. "My goodnes, who could it be? Who could be calling me so early this morning". Maya mumbled while searching for her phone with her left hand on the other side of the bed.

The ringing stopped; then she heard her phone beep *ding*; " a message has been dropped, what a wise thought from the caller, why couldn't he or she drop the message before rather than calling to disturb my peaceful sleep...?. She thought and closed her eyes slowly again almost drifting to dream land.

But before she was carried away by her sleep; her phone rang again making her jolt back to reality, leaving her beautiful brown eyes opened.

Maya sat up furiously, still sitting on her bed with messy hair. She rubbed her heavy eyes and mumbled "this better be good or I'll literally bury that caller alive". She stretched a little to the left side of her bed and picked up her phone from her bedside cupboard.

She opened her phone to see missed calls from Ann and also a text saying: "wake up woman..!!! you sleepy head... I can't believe you're still sleeping by this time o ye lazy bone..." Maya stopped and smiled " who is more lazy between the both of us.... and also its thirty minutes past six in the morning so why is she talking like I've slept till ten or eleven....?". She complained in her head and continued the remaining part of the text.

"By the way Maya; I can't believe you'd betray me...." and that was the end of the text. "Betray...? betray Ann...?" Maya thought. "How have j betrayed Ann...? I'll never do that; something must be wrong somewhere. No..! Something is definitely going on".

Then she dialed Ann's number; she heard it ring twice and then heard the voice of Ann after the third ring.

"Hello Maya...", Ann said dryly in a low voice on the other line, pretending to be sad.

"What is it Ann? and good morning to you too... Why is your voice like this...? Is everything okay...? Are you fine?". Maya asked bombarding Ann with lots of questions.

"Yeah, morning; and I'm not fine Maya... I can't believe you'll ever betray me". Ann said sadly again, a little bit upset getting Maya more confused. "Betray you...? I'm so sorry And; what have I done? I don't remember us having any misunderstanding which means I don't understand you. There must be a problem somewhere... tell me and give me the chance to explain and clear myself out".

" Alright Maya, no problem since you claim you still don't know what you did wrong. What I understand is the fact that we both promised to inform each other whenever its one of us who gets the college admission first but you never said anything to me since you got it first" Ann said without life. " My goodness Ann, I'm so sorry... the moment I saw the mail, I told mom and dad first and they both insisted for an immediate celebration and that was how it totally slipped my mind... I was so tired last night so I couldn't even drop a text. I'm really really sorry baby; don't feel betrayed, it only slipped my mind". Maya explained and heard Ann sign from the other side of the call.

" C'mon Ann, I'm sorry, you do know you'd have been the first person I'll tell after my parents if you hadn't called so early this morning". Maya still explained further as she was feeling guilt. " Okay Maya... no probs, I got you... I know you'll never betray me but I just wanted you to apologize for not informing me earlier". And giggled from the other side. "And here I was feeling guilty..." Maya pouted. Moreover you haven't told me how you knew..." Maya asked.

"Its nothing to bother about Sis. I have my ways and I'm not telling you Maya... I love you Sis, bye...!!!". Ann yelled and hung up, giggling to herself. "My goodness... Ann can be so dramatic. Look at her hang up just like that. I wonder how she knew, and here i was; overthinkng, thinking of reasons she said I betrayed her" Maya chuckled and slapped her right hand on her face slightly, dragging it down, shaking her head slightly.

Truth be told, Ann had called Maya the other day but she didn't pick up so she called Maya's mom and that was how she knew about the college admission. Victoria told her Maya had secured her admission so they were celebrating for it and decided to have dinner at the same time. Ann was so happy for her friend even if she hadn't gotten her admission letter; but she felt bad because her friend didn't even tell her a thing. * Ding ding*; a message popped on her phone dragging her out of her thoughts. She opened her phone and "wow...!!! I can't believe it... Yeah yeah... my admission is here..." She danced and kept jumping on her bed like a kid. She had left her data on because she had been checking her email continuously.

She dialed her parents number and called them to drop the news. They had been so worried sick to the extent of calling to keep asking her. They were the reason she had also been anxiously checking her mail. Just like Maya, she had also told her dad not to pull a string or even lift a finger.

The call rang four times then she heard her mom's voice after the fourth ring. " Hello mom, good morning and how was your night?" She asked. "Beautiful Ann; yours?" "Great mom and it just got blissful... I just received my admission letter" Ann said happily while grinning like one who just won the Olympics.

"Congrats honey... It's a pity we're out of the country to celebrate with you Ann, we're so sorry..." Her mother apologized through the phone. "Its nothing mom, I'll go celebrate with Maya, she received her's yesterday. My regards to dad".

"Alright darling, congrats to Maya, also send my regards to her dear. Some amount will be dropped in your account soon. You both celebrate and shop till you drop, also make sure to take good care of yourself okay...?" "Sure mom, trust me..." Ann assured. "I do trust you honey. Be a good girl, bye...!""Thanks and bye mom" she responded. Then the call ended. A few minutes later, an alert message popped up on her screen and she giggled.

Maya still on her bed tried to sleep but she couldn't. She got up from the bed and changed out of her pajamas, tied her towel around her body, went into the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. She only got little sleep because she and her mom had their usual girls night at the karaoke after the celebration dinner.

"Mom doesn't want to admit the fact that she's not getting younger..." she thought, remembering how they danced, sang and chatted. Leaving her memories behind, she looked at her messy hair and still heavy eyes; she slapped her hands on her face; " and what a bad way to start the morning which is all thanks to Ann". She mumbled and dragged herself to the bathtub to have her bath.

After bathing, she dressed up, picked up her phone and headed down to the dinning. " Morning mom, how was your night?" Maya asked taking her seat. "Morning Maya, my night went well though I only had little of sleep", her mom responded and Maya chuckled.

"Dad is still missing from the table even though he left before us right after dinner. Hope he's fine?". "Oh yes, I was just getting to that...", Victoria said, sipping her orange juice. "....He got a call this morning at around 4am from the new branch COO that his attention was gently needed so he left... hopefully to be back in two days time", her mother answered putting a piece of fish in her mouth.

The two women finished their breakfast and took a stroll to the garden. Victoria broke the silence between them. "Since you said resumption is in three weeks time, what are the preparations you need from us as parents Maya; since you've gotten the admission, its high time we talk about school preparations don't you think?". Victoria asked. "Yeah mom, you're right", Maya started and continued " since I've secured the admission, the next thing is to plan about how to secure an accommodation; but I'll have to talk to Ann about this first mom. You know she my sister and I can't do anything without her. But I just don't know how to bring it up o her". "And why is that?", Victoria asked as they took their seat on a garden bench.

"She hasn't gotten her admission later yet and I'm very sure she did well in the exam just like I did". "Oh that is true, I almost forgot about the admission issue. But, don't worry Maya, I'm sure she'll get it soon. She's also a brilliant girl you know. But once you both concur kindly let me know.... Okay?". "Yes mom". Maya said, saluting like a military officer making her mom chuckle.

"Since we've concluded that part, what else haven't we talked about?". "Finally mom, been waiting for this moment. The only thing we haven't talked about now is lots and lots and lots of money mom.... I need to shop for college outfits, stationeries and other necessities. Don't worry mom, I promise to pay you and Dad back by working diligently and tirelessly at the company after graduating". Maya said, placing her hand on her chest like someone taking an oath.

" Don't be hilarious Maya, just do well to graduate at business school first then we can talk about your debts" her mom winked and smiled making Maya burst into laughter. "And who is the hilarious one now mom?", she said, still laughing. The two were still jesting and laughing when they heard a car drive into the yard. " Who could it be...? Your Dad can't be back so early" Victoria said and they both walked back to the building.

Before reachimg the building, they heard butler Gary greeting someone. "Hello Miss, welcome ". Then Victoria and Maya came into view to see Ann, and a maid, holding a box of pizza. Ann and the butler were still exchanging pleasantries so they both didn't notice the mother and daughter. "Ann...?", Maya called surprised. "Baby...", Ann answered and ran to hug her still shocked friend.

Then she faced Victoria and gave her a hug. "Good afternoon Mrs Williams; you're looking so gorgeous, how are you doing?". "I'm doing great Miss White, you're not looking bad yourself", Victoria answered with a smile copying Ann's greeting tone and format. "She must really be in a great mood today" Victoria thought. "Thanks Auntie", Ann replied.

"Alright ladies, let's go into the house. Shall we...?" Victoria said, leading the way so Ann gestured to the maid she bought to bring the pizza along.Getting into the house, the maid placed the pizza on the dinning table, bowed her head and walked out immediately. The chef also came to take the ladies orders as they were seated in the dinning and then went into the kitchen to prepare their requests.

"Annie...you didn't inform me of your visit. To what do I hold this surprise visit?", Maya asked, smiling. "I came to celebrate with you Maya; guess what...?", Ann asked happily. Guessing, Maya said; "Hmm... Uncle just bought you a new ride?". "No!" Ann rolled her eyes. "Ok, ok, wait...", Maya pleaded. "You just bought a new limited edition luxurious bag...?". She guessed again because she knows how much her friend love shopping.

Though Ann never bought more and expensive luxurious things Maya couldn't afford where they shopped so as not to hurt her friend feelings, she always bought them online whenever she got home and sent the pictures to Maya. Though she bought for Maya at times, Maya never wanted or accepted them unless Ann begged and sulked about it.

"Guess again Maya, one last chance or you're no longer my bestie", Ann said, already sulking. Victoria couldn't help but chuckle at the girls childishness. They still behaved like kids even when they'll be turning twenty the following year which is in a few months time. "Hold on Ann, I'll guess right this time, I'm sure...", Maya said, smiling nervously while still thinking. "You just got your admission letter?", Maya said with one eyes closed; hesitation could be heard in her voice. Ann looked away; trying to test how firm and sure her friend is with her answer because she could hear some doubt in it.

"C'mon Ann, don't give me that look. If there's nothing else you haven't gotten, it should be that", Maya said, giving Ann the same attitude. Victoria tried to hide the laughter building up in her as she saw the two girls suck at each other; and she succeeded because she didn't want to ruin the mood. "Yes... Yes Maya.. you got it right", Ann jumped up and screamed out of the blue. The two girls hugged each other, jumping and laughing; filling the whole house with their laughter and happiness. Victoria couldn't help but also release the laughter she's been hiding. She felt so happy for Ann and instructed the chef to take her chicken pie and blueberry juice to the bedroom. She left the girls and headed to her bedroom, giving the girls their privacy.

"I'm so happy Ann, I was starting to get worried already because I know you also did your best during the examination and it won't be fair if it was given to me only...because I can't do anything without my sister", Maya stated, making Ann blush. "Same here Maya, can't do anything without you too". Ann commented making Maya feel special. "Now, let's dig in", Ann said, grinning and Maya nodded. The both started filing their stomach with pizza and juice. They both chit chat and then Maya brought up the accommodation issue. "What do you think about the housing Annie?... Should we take the college dorm for two people?, Maya suggested, awaiting Ann's response.

"Hmm.... I'd have gone for the dorm but no... you know how much I like my personal space and how much out also like your privacy, so the dorm is a no no... though its one of the best school; we'll really have our privacy but i just don't want a popular public accommodation. Let me talk to my Dad first and I'll get back to you", Ann suggested, taking a bite of her pepperoni pizza. "Okay, great idea. Its fine by me", Maya said. "Yeah, I would have loved us to go to a club in celebration of this but I got some change from my mom and she advised us to go shop till we drop...she wanted to congratulate you too so she asked you not to spend a dime by sending your congratulatory gift to me".

"Oh...really...?", Maya asked and Ann nodded positively. "Yah...!!! I really love Auntie. She knows how to spoil one at the right time doesn't she?", Maya said again, giggling. "Of course she does", Ann chuckled. The girls still chit chatting finished their pizza, and Maya with that opportunity sent a 'thank you text' to Ann's mother. Thanking her for the gift. When the girls were tired of chatting; they bid farewell and got into Ann's ferrari to go to shop till they drop.

From one luxurious store to the other, they shopped like crazy birds. From black leather pants to nude lipstick, lemon color bags, purple shirts, various colors of tank tops and different makeup brands. They bought stationaries, sandals, heels and various things. They kept on flying around, perching from store to store. Evening came; the boot was filled up and they both couldn't stop giggling and chatting about their shopping. Ann decided to spend few days at the Williams mansion since her parents were out of the country.

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Three days later, Ann's parents got back. Ann already told them about the accommodation issue and her parents suggested they got a penthouse; she passed the same info to Maya and she ready liked it. Ann was her parents only child so getting a penthouse for their princess was just a little thing. They told Ann to stay at the Williams mansion because they wanted to discuss with them about it. Luckily, Maya's dad arrived the day before.

" Hello Sarah, how are doing?", Victoria greeted Ann's mom with a warm hug and a peck."Fine Victoria... thank you for taking care of Annie, we really can't thank you enough", Sarah greeted, responding to Victoria's greeting. " C'mon Sarah... why thank me? You're not a stranger you know, in fact, thank you for the most for everything", Victoria said, and Sarah smiled; " the pleasure is ours dear".

While the women were talking; Jason and James the father of the girls gave themselves a handshake. " Welcome Jason, been a long time... I heard what happened a week ago. How is business?", Maya's father asked as they walked into the house and headed to the dining hall. "Bless God James, business is fine. I saw your text... thanks for the check up. You're a good friend". " The pleasure is mine Jason, thanks for everything too".

After dinner, they headed out for tea. At the garden, Jason started; " A very big thank you to the Williams family for always looking out for our family and Annie most especially. I amd my wife, Sarah can't thank you enough". " Youre highly welcome", James cut in. " Tonight...", Jason continued; "...we're hear to talk about the accommodation of our girls, and of course, their safety and comfortability since they'll be going out of the town to school. From our own side, we think the penthouse would be the best. But die to the fact that our child is not the only one involved, we decided to bring it to you to also seek your suggestions", Jason stopped and looked at James.

" That's very thoughtful of you Jason and as you've said, the penthouse will be the best because it's more safe and comfortable for our princesses.... or do you have any other suggestion Vic...?", James asked, looking intently at his wife. " I'm fine with that James, just as you said, its the best for our girls". Ann and Maya who were seated at the gathering, looking anxiously at the elders, silently praying, sweating like someone writing an exam quickly jumped up in excitement.

" So a penthouse house it is...", exclaimed the girls. " Yes darlings", their parents answered respectively. During the gathering, the Whites and Williams decided to share the responsibilities in two; even though the Whites wanted to carry it all, James and Victoria politely rejected the offer.

The night went on with the two men talking about business in James study while the two women were left talking at the garden and the girls chatting in Maya's room. They still couldn't believe they could get a penthouse all to themselves as this is was their first college penthouse.