**Chapter 2: College**
"Bella, dear, it's your first day of college! Don't be late! Come downstairs and eat your breakfast," Mum called out, raising her voice just enough for me to hear. True to my role as the dutiful daughter, I woke up at six-thirty in the morning and got dressed—not out of excitement for the day, but because I didn't want to be late for my first class. I could have stayed on campus, but my parents wouldn't allow it; they simply didn't want me far from home.
As I heard Mum's voice, I began to wonder how she would react when I eventually got married.
"Mum, just a minute! I'll be downstairs," I replied, assuring her that I was awake.
Once I was ready, I made my way downstairs and, as expected, found Mum and Dad having breakfast. I smiled at them.
"Mum, Dad, good morning," I greeted as I sat beside my dad, who was busy trying to feed Mum.
"Good morning, angel. How was your night? I hope you slept well," he responded, giving me the warm smile I had been anticipating. Mum looked at me and smiled, too.
"Bella, I thought you might be late today on your first day. That's what most girls your age do," Mum said playfully.
"Mum, you know your daughter is a good girl. I wouldn't want to be late on my first day of college, right, Dad?" I said, hoping to get support from my father. Luckily, he understood and backed me up, saying, "Yes, my daughter is right. She is nothing like other girls." He then turned to me and added, "My princess, you don't have to rush on your first day. Don't worry; no one will judge you." That's my dad—always trying to spoil me, while Mum often says, "You're the one spoiling her." To which Dad replies, "Let me spoil my princess." But trust me, I always strive to be a good daughter.
"Dad, I am going to be late," I reminded them as I quickly finished my breakfast and grabbed my bag before they could distract me with their affection.
"Oh, right. Let me drop you off at school," he replied, hurriedly packing his work things while remembering to give Mum a goodbye kiss before we zoomed off to our respective destinations.
***********MAPLEWOOD COLLEGE**************
As we got closer to my school, I realized I had never been this nervous before. I guess it was because I didn't know how to interact with people. My dad noticed how anxious I was on the way to school and placed his hand over mine, reassuring me that everything was going to be fine. This helped relieve some of my nervousness.
"Okay, Dad, I will see you later today. Take good care of yourself," I told him, trying to sound composed so as not to worry him.
"Princess, I should be the one saying that to you. If you think this is too much for you to handle, just come home. Don't worry; Dad will always welcome you," he said, as he always did.
"Thanks, Dad. I'll keep that in mind," I replied, even though I knew he was just trying to make me feel better.
"Bye, Dad."
"Bye, princess," he replied as he drove off to work immediately after I got out of the car.
I was mesmerized by the magnificent building in front of me and hoped I wouldn't get lost trying to find my class today. I was so immersed in my own world that I didn't notice someone moving in my direction.
Suddenly, I found myself lying on the floor, trying to pick up my bag when I heard an angry voice say, "Are you blind?"