Chapter Seven: A Fresh Start at College
A year had passed since Funmi and Lizzy's relationship transformed, and life had shifted in ways they hadn't anticipated. Now, they were both freshmen at Brightwood College, a sprawling campus with historic buildings and tree-lined pathways. The college felt both exciting and intimidating, a place where they could finally step into their own lives while still having each other nearby. Funmi had chosen to study accounting, diving into a world of numbers and calculations, while Lizzy followed her passion for plants by studying horticulture.
Their schedules kept them busy, but they made it a habit to catch up over coffee or lunch between classes, sharing stories of their new lives. As they stepped into this next chapter together, they found themselves forming new friendships that would soon become as vital as the bond they shared.
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On a bright autumn afternoon, Funmi was seated in the bustling Brightwood College student union, her laptop open in front of her as she reviewed a case study for her accounting class. A friendly voice interrupted her concentration.
"Hey, you're Funmi, right?"
Funmi looked up to see a young man with an easy smile and a stack of books in his arms. "I'm Ben. I think we're in the same accounting class."
Funmi smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I remember seeing you! Nice to officially meet you."
They chatted briefly, discussing assignments and professors, and Funmi quickly found herself laughing at Ben's light-hearted take on their demanding curriculum. Before long, they exchanged numbers, agreeing to form a study group for their upcoming exams.
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Meanwhile, Lizzy was in her horticulture lab at Brightwood, carefully examining a potted plant with her new lab partner, a girl named Maya. Maya was outspoken and passionate about environmental sustainability, and the two had hit it off immediately. As they worked together, Maya filled Lizzy in on various environmental clubs on campus.
"You'd love it, Lizzy," Maya encouraged. "It's not just about the science of plants but how we can create greener, healthier spaces for everyone. You should come to our next meeting!"
Lizzy's face lit up. "I'd love to. Thanks for inviting me!"
The world of Brightwood College was opening up in ways Lizzy hadn't expected, and she was excited to embrace it all.
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That evening, Funmi and Lizzy met up in their dorm's lounge, each filled with stories from their day.
"So, I met this guy in accounting today—Ben," Funmi began, grinning. "He's actually pretty funny. I might survive this semester with his help."
Lizzy laughed. "Sounds like you've made a friend! I met someone too. Her name's Maya, and she's already dragging me into all these plant and sustainability clubs. I think it's going to be great."
They both exchanged smiles, grateful to have someone to share their college experiences with. It was a far cry from the distance and misunderstandings they'd once known. Now, they were each other's biggest supporters, rooting for each other in this new chapter.
Over the next few weeks, Funmi and Lizzy adjusted to their classes, met new friends, and explored campus life together. Their friendship blossomed alongside their academic goals, and the future seemed filled with endless possibilities.