CHAPTER 3

Mia's POV

After a grueling 12-hour journey, Ava and I finally arrived in Virginia. Before moving here, we had each purchased a flat in a 42-story building conveniently located near the university. We initially considered being roommates, but to honor each other's privacy and personal space, we decided on separate apartments. Our university classes are set to begin tomorrow. I'm pursuing a degree in arts, while Ava will be tackling mathematics. I still find it incredible how she manages to solve those perplexing equations.

Monday, 7:30 a.m.

Ava's POV

I jolted awake when I finally hit the snooze button on my relentlessly blaring alarm. It had been ringing for what felt like an eternity. Groggily, I shuffled into the living room, connected my phone to the speaker, and let my favorite playlist fill the room. I can't stand silence; it feels like an oppressive void. Music is my constant companion, and I need it playing around me all day, every day.

Today's outfit was a blend of comfort and style: a white oversized T-shirt paired with high-waisted black jeans, complemented by my black Nike sneakers. I gathered my hair into a loose, messy bun and applied a light nude tint to my lips. As I caught my reflection in the mirror, a satisfied smile spread across my face.

Mia had prepared breakfast for both of us, so I headed over to her place to enjoy the meal before we started our day.

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While we were enroute to the university in Mia's car, my phone rang, jolting me from my thoughts. It was my mom calling.

"Hey, Mom! How are you?" I answered, my voice bright despite the early hour.

"I'm doing well, dear. Are you on your way to the university?" she asked with concern.

"Yes, Mia and I are heading there now."

"Hi, Bethany," Mia chimed in, greeting my mom.

"Hello, Mia! We're both doing fine," my mom replied warmly.

"Please tell Marc that I miss him and his blueberry pancakes terribly," she added wistfully, clearly nostalgic for Dad's delicious breakfast.

"I'll make sure to pass that along. I'm sure he'll be thrilled to make them for you the next time you visit," I promised.

"Thank you, Ava. Goodbye for now. We're almost at the university."

"Goodbye, Mom," I said as we neared our destination.

"Goodbye, Ava. Goodbye, Mia."

"Goodbye!" We chorused before hanging up.

As we pulled into the university parking lot, I was struck by how much more impressive the campus looked in person compared to the photos I had seen online.

"Are you excited?" Mia asked, her enthusiasm palpable.

I nodded vigorously, unable to hide my own excitement.

"Well then, let's go! What are we waiting for?" Mia urged with a grin.

We made our way to the administration office to collect our schedules. Mrs. Martin, a familiar face who had known our parents for years, greeted us with a warm smile.

"Good morning, Mrs. Martin! It's been a while. We're here to pick up our schedules," Mia said, her energy unwavering.

"Good morning, children. You're fortunate that the semester starts today, so you won't have any trouble catching up with the syllabus. You've timed your arrival perfectly. Here are your schedules and locker keys. If you're interested in participating in any sports, you can fill out this form," Mrs. Martin handed us the documents with a smile.

We thanked her and bid her farewell before heading to our lockers. I quickly unloaded my belongings into the locker and retrieved the books I needed for the day.

"You never seem to learn to be organized, do you?" Mia chided, watching me with an amused expression.

"Hey, did you see my room? It was immaculate!" I shot back, pouting playfully.

"Yes, it was," Mia emphasized the past tense with a smirk.

"Never mind. Good luck today, Ava," she said, her tone shifting to a more serious note.

"Good luck to you too, Mia. Make sure to focus in class and don't forget to draw my portrait," I teased her with a grin.

"My mom says the same thing," Mia laughed.

"Alright, bye for now. I think the bell is about to ring," she said, glancing at her watch.

"Bye," I replied as we parted ways.

"See you at recess!" I called after her.

I walked into room 312, my math class for the day. The classroom was buzzing with activity as students settled into their seats. The teacher, Mr. Martin, looked up and smiled at me as I entered.

"Students, we have a new classmate joining us today," he announced to the room.

He gestured for me to introduce myself. "Hello, everyone. I'm Ava Jones."

"Ms. Jones, you can sit beside Ms. Rosie Williams," Mr. Martin said, pointing to a girl who had raised her hand. Rosie gave me a friendly smile, and we exchanged brief introductions.

As Mr. Martin began taking attendance, the classroom door suddenly swung open with a bang. Mr. Martin turned his stern gaze toward the newcomer and said, "You're late again, Mr. Knight. Detention this evening."

"Okay, Mr. Martin. Nothing new," the latecomer responded dismissively before taking a seat at the back of the room, beside a friend who was scolding him for his tardiness.

What an arrogant fellow, I thought to myself as I settled into my seat, ready to begin the day's lessons.