Chapter 10

Ariella

The next morning, I woke up earlier than usual, a mix of nerves and excitement buzzing in my chest. Today was the first day of the new semester, and for once, I wanted to start it right.

After a quick shower, I stood in front of my closet, carefully picking out my outfit. I decided on a green top that brought out the warmth in my skin and paired it with a sleek black skirt that flared just enough to make me feel confident but not overdressed. I styled my hair into a half-up, half-down look, letting loose curls frame my face. Light makeup—a touch of blush, mascara, and a soft pink lip gloss—completed the look.

Satisfied, I grabbed my bag and practically skipped downstairs, the scent of breakfast guiding me to the kitchen.

As I stepped inside, the familiar sight of my family greeted me. Mom was at the stove, humming softly as she flipped pancakes with practiced ease. The golden-brown aroma filled the room, making my stomach growl.

And there was Dad—hovering around her as usual, pretending to be helpful but really just looking for an excuse to stay close to her. He was fiddling with the coffee maker, though judging by the amused smile on Mom’s face, he probably had no idea what he was doing.

“Michael, you’re going to spill that,” Mom said with a laugh, nudging him lightly with her elbow as he fumbled with the coffee pot.

“Nonsense,” Dad replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I’m perfectly capable of multitasking. Besides, isn’t it my job to make sure you have everything you need?”

“Your job is to be at the company on time,” Mom teased, though her tone was full of affection.

“Hmm,” Dad said, leaning a little closer to her. “I think my priorities are exactly where they should be. And I am the boss there—who’s going to stop me?”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling. My parents’ morning banter was predictable yet comforting—a routine that never seemed to change.

At the table, my big brother, Daniel, sat with his head buried in his cereal bowl, clearly doing his best to tune out our parents’ ongoing romance. He spooned another bite of cereal into his mouth, refusing to look up even as Dad leaned over to steal a kiss from Mom.

“Seriously, you two,” I said, sliding into my seat at the table. “It’s too early for this level of... whatever this is.”

“Oh, good morning, sweetheart!” Mom greeted, turning to flash me a bright smile. “You look beautiful today. First day of college, right?”

“Thanks, Mom,” I said, grabbing a piece of toast from the plate she had set out. “And yes, first day. Let’s hope it doesn’t turn into a disaster.”

“You’ll do great,” she assured me, flipping another pancake onto a plate. “But don’t forget to eat something more than toast. You’ll need the energy.”

“She’s right,” Dad chimed in, finally managing to pour himself a cup of coffee. “You’re going to knock ‘em dead, princess. And if anyone gives you trouble, just let me know. I’ll handle it.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I said, rolling my eyes but smiling all the same.

Daniel finally looked up from his cereal, his expression flat as he gestured toward our parents with his spoon. “Are you guys ever going to stop acting like newlyweds?”

“Not in this lifetime,” Dad replied without missing a beat, reaching out to give Mom’s hand a quick squeeze.

“Ugh,” Daniel muttered, shaking his head and returning to his cereal.

I laughed, grabbing a pancake and taking a bite. The light-heartedness in the room eased some of my first-day jitters.

As I finished breakfast and grabbed my bag, Mom handed me a small container. “Here’s some lunch, just in case you don’t like what they’re serving at the cafeteria.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I said, hugging her.

“Good luck, sweetie,” Dad called out as I headed for the door.

“Don’t forget to text me about how it goes!” Mom added.

I waved them off, stepping outside into the crisp morning air. As chaotic as my family could be, they were my rock. And with their support, I felt ready to take on whatever the day had in store.

After that, I pulled out my phone and called Stella.

“Hey, Ari,” she answered almost immediately, her voice cheerful as always. “Ready for your big day?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied, fidgeting with the strap of my bag. “Can you pick me up? I don’t think I trust my nerves enough to make it there on my own without getting lost.”

Stella laughed softly. “Of course, I’ll be there in five minutes. Don’t panic—I’m bringing my special first-day pep talk with me.”

“Great,” I said with a small smile. “I think I’ll need it.”

True to her word, Stella’s car pulled up outside my house just a few minutes later. I barely had time to double-check my hair in the hallway mirror before she honked her horn twice, a signal that had become her signature.

I hurried outside, climbing into the passenger seat as she leaned over to give me a quick hug.

“You look amazing!” she said, glancing at my outfit. “Green really suits you, by the way. I’m totally stealing that top one day.”

“Thanks,” I replied, buckling my seatbelt. “And you look great, too. But when do you not look like you stepped out of a fashion magazine?”

She smirked, brushing an imaginary speck of dust off her pastel cardigan. “Flattery will get you everywhere, darling.”

As we started driving, Stella cranked up the music—a playlist of upbeat songs she knew I loved—and we both hummed along to the familiar tunes. The warm morning sunlight streamed through the car windows, making everything feel a little more optimistic.

“So,” she said after a moment, turning down the volume slightly. “What’s the vibe for today? Are we confident, nervous, or somewhere in between?”

“Somewhere in between,” I admitted, twisting the strap of my bag between my fingers. “I’m excited, but I’m also worried I’ll make a complete fool of myself. Like, what if I trip in front of everyone? Or walk into the wrong classroom?”

Stella rolled her eyes in mock exasperation. “Oh, please. If you trip, you own it. If you walk into the wrong classroom, you say, ‘Oops, my bad,’ and leave like a boss. Trust me, nobody remembers that stuff by the end of the day.”

I laughed, feeling some of my nerves melt away. “You make it sound so easy.”

“Because it is,” she said, shooting me a reassuring glance. “You’ve got this, Ariella. And hey, if anyone gives you a hard time, just let me know. I’ll handle them.”

“Noted,” I replied, grinning. “I feel better already.”

We fell into an easy rhythm of chatting about random things—the latest drama in our favorite TV show, a funny meme Stella had sent me last night, and even a ridiculous debate about whether pancakes or waffles were the superior breakfast food.

“Obviously waffles,” Stella declared as we pulled into the university parking lot.

“Pancakes,” I countered, crossing my arms. “Waffles are just pancakes with abs.”

She burst out laughing, her eyes sparkling as she parked the car. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“Yup,” I said with a smirk, stepping out of the car.

As we walked toward the main entrance, the buzz of the campus hit me all at once—students chatting in groups, others rushing to their first class, and the general hum of excitement that came with the start of a new semester.

“You ready for this?” Stella asked, looping her arm through mine.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied, taking a deep breath.

“Good,” she said, squeezing my arm gently. “Let’s go make some memories.”

With Stella by my side, I felt a little more confident. Whatever the day had in store, I knew I could handle it.

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