chapter 9:Balancing Life and Friendships.

Ella was juggling so much—her part-time job,helping her mother in the bakery, and assisting her father in his workshop.

She worked long shifts at the restaurant, earning barely enough, but she never complained.

Her parents encouraged her, constantly reminding her that they were saving for her college.

Mia, her younger sister, would sometimes stay up waiting for her, worried that she was overworking herself.

> Mia (frowning): "You're always so tired, Ella. Do you even sleep enough?"

Ella (forcing a smile): "I manage. Mom and Dad are doing their best, so I have to help too."

Mia (hugging her): "I just don't want you to break down one day."

Ella (softly): "I won't. I promise."

Ava was busy in California but made sure to check in often.

Late-night video calls were their favorite way to catch up.

Ava (grinning on video call): "Ella, you look exhausted. How's work?"Are they making you work extra hours or something?"

Ella (laughs tiredly): "Something like that ,Tiring And it pays so little. But it's something." But hey, at least I get free food sometimes."

Ava: "Just hang in there, babe. You'll be in college with us soon!"

Ryan: "You should just let Drevin sponsor your daily meals. He's rich now, you know?"

Drevin (rolling his eyes): "Ryan, shut up."

Ella (smirking): "I don't need Drevin's money. But maybe I'll let him buy me coffee sometimes."

Drevin (grinning): "Done. No complaints."

Ava: "College is insane. But I miss you guys so much!"

Ella: "I miss you too. How's Liam?"

Ava: "Amazing. He's taking me to a gala next week!

Ryan: "Ella, tell me why every girl I meet is either crazy or boring."

Ella: "Maybe it's not them. Maybe it's you.

Ryan: "Wow. Rude."

Drevin: "Nah, she's right."

Ryan: "Drev, aren't you supposed to be on my side??"

Ava: "Ryan, you need to stop messing around and just find someone serious."

Ryan: "One day, one day. But until then… I'm enjoying the single life."

Ava: "Ryan, how many girls have you flirted with this week?"

Ryan: "Only five. I'm improving."

Ella: "That's actually worse."

Drevin: "He's hopeless."

Ryan: "Hey, I'm just keeping my options open!"

Ava (laughing): "We'll see how long that lasts."

Ella smiled reading their chats. Even with everything changing, some things—like Ryan's antics—stayed the same.

Holding On to Hope

Despite the struggles, Ella didn't lose hope. Drevin was there for her, encouraging her every step of the way.

Drevin, now being sponsored by his uncle for college, often checked up on Ella.

He made it a habit to visit her at the restaurant or the bakery whenever he could.

He would buy bread from her mother's shop and make sure to leave generous tips at the restaurant.

> Drevin (leaning against the counter at the bakery): "One loaf of bread, please."

Ella (raising an eyebrow): "That's the third one this week. You don't even eat that much bread."

Drevin (grinning): "Maybe I just like coming here."

Ella (smirking): "Or maybe you just like seeing me suffer behind this counter."

Drevin (softly): "Maybe I just like seeing you."

One evening, he surprised her at work, waiting outside the restaurant with a small bag.

"What's this?" Ella asked, raising a brow.

"Cake. From your mom's bakery. I figured you'd be too tired to eat after your shift."

Ella's heart swelled. "You're too sweet, Drevin."

He smirked. "I know."

They sat together on the curb, eating in silence. Even when life was hard, moments like this made it bearable.

Ella knew things wouldn't be easy. But with Drevin, Ava, and Ryan by her side, she believed she could face anything.

To be continued...