Sophia p.o.v.
Who on earth would ever think that I would end up joining Martha's group for lunch as I and Maria were about to take a seat, I heard samra calling me to sit with her.
At first, I hesitated and looked at Maria but then decided to agree with her as we walked towards their side, I noticed both Brian and his cousin were already there .
I looked, and Martha and her eyes showed that she didn't like one bit that I was there and even put her bag on the chair to stop me from sitting next to her.
Samra noticed it and asked Martha to stop it, and Martha rolled her eyes, I couldn't believe she would behave like this even though I deserved it.
Luckily, samra changed the topic and asked me about Maria. She introduced herself as she was about to say something, and as always, Martha interrupted her with questions like if I was questioning her whereabouts
I couldn't believe she was still holding grudge till now. As for Maria, she handled it well and didn't let Martha try to embarrass me.
I looked at Brian and alvaro, who also seemed surprised how Martha was acting but didn't say anything. Luckily, the bell rang, and we left the cafeteria.
As I was about to join Maria for our next class, Alvaro called my name from behind, I turned around to see him alone, and Brian wasn't there.
Maria left me alone and I stood there as he approached me.
"Listen, i know that Martha was a bit harsh towards you and that she's not usually like that it's just....
"I know, trust me, she's still holding grudge till now,"
"How come you didn't tell me that you knew each other?"
"And why would I tell you that?it's not like we're close,"
"Yeah, you're right, my bad, and like I said, don't mind her at all,"
"Why do you sound so sure about it's not like you know her better than anyone?"
"You might never know, or maybe I know enough,"
Before I could ask what he meant, the bell rang again, and he disappeared through the crowds.
I shook my head and went to find Maria. As I was heading to my class, I saw samra following Martha outside. I didn't think much just went inside.
As the day ended, I wanted to to my dorm and found Maria inside she was lying on her bed texting as she smiled on her phone.
"Someone is blushing your fiance texting you?"
"Yeah, he's so romantic, and guess what he's planning a summer trip for us. I can't wait for summer break,"
"Yeah, me too, I can finally leave this place," I sighed.
"You look tired, is everything OK?"
"Yeah, not really. I just miss home,"
"Yeah, same here. Do you mind if I ask you something?"
"No, I don't. What is it?"
"What did Martha mean when she said i should be careful around you?"
"She's just ....doesn't like me, and believe me, she's mad at me for exposing her after she broke the rules of no boys allowed in girls' dorms."
"Does it mean you'll also .....
"No, no, don't let her words scare you. Yours was a one-time thing it's just that her actions were really continuous, and I needed privacy."
"Good, cause I was really worried when she said those things, and I thought you would do the same thing to me."
"Trust me, if I was like she mentioned you wouldn't be here and I don't want it,"
"Thanks, sofie, and don't worry, I won't let her hurt you,"
"Thank you. I promise I won't tell a soul,"
After that, she took her towel and went to take a bath as I removed my hijab and lay on the bed.
I thought about what alvaro said earlier, and I couldn't help but wonder what he meant about Martha. Does he know her from before, and he did look confident about it as well.
I was so absent-minded that I didn't realise that Maria was calling me.
"Where on earth did your mind fly to? I was calling your name for five minutes?"
"Sorry, what were you saying?"
"I called your name, and you weren't responding, and my phone was ringing too."
"I was just thinking about earlier today. What would you do if someone said they knew more about something than you?"
" I don't know, I think the person knows something better than anyone else. who do you ask?"
"It's nothing. I am just curious."
"You know curiosity might get you in trouble or killed."
"No kidding, who knows? It might be fun."
After that, I shrugged and got back to my studies as Maria went to get us dinner.
I opened my laptop and got an email from an unknown number.
"Hey there, are you free tonight?"
I didn't answer the text as I was preparing for my next assignment.
Then I got a notification on my phone, I looked at it, and it was from the same person. I looked up at the profile and saw his face. It was alvaro.
I texted him back and continued working on my assignment.
"Why aren't you answering?"
"Am busy with homework, so no, I am not free,"
"If not, then why did you answer? You could have ignored it like you did minutes ago?"
"What do you care and stop it, OK?"
"Not until you agree to see me tonight,"
"Is NO not enough? Answer last time I checked, you are professor's assistant and early graduate. What are you planning to fail me?"
"Certainly not. i just want us to hang out. What does this have to do with school work? Are we not friends?"
"Not close to being friends with you anytime, am busy so goodbye"
"It's weekend. Why are you such a book nerd live a little?"
"Says someone who graduated earlier and already has life secured "
"Don't blame me, i just happen to be gifted,"
I chuckled, I looked at the time, Maria hadn't come back, so I texted her but she didn't reply, I then called her still no answer.
I assumed she was late because of the crowded place, so I took my phone and wore my hijab to go and look for her.
As I pressed the button for the elevator, I heard people laughing, I turned to see Maria with her fiance holding her hand as soon as they saw me they stopped.
"Where were you?"
"I went to get us dinner, remember. I happened to meet him at the cafe, and he offered to help me,"
"It's fine he should leave before he gets caught by the teacher. You know the rules, Maria."
Maria quickly urged him to leave as we heard Mr Smith voice as he was coming towards us.
As soon as the doors opened, Maria pushed her fiance inside and the doors closed by the time he arrived.
"What are you guys doing here at this time?"
"We were heading to our room, right?"
He looked around and then left. we sighed of relief as though we were holding our breath .
I turned to look at Maria, who gave me an apologetic look.
We entered the room, and I went to grab us plates. Even if I was disappointed, I did want to be mad at her. I understand she's crazy in love, but I didn't want us to get caught.
"Am sorry I almost got us caught,"
"It's OK next time. Don't let him near our dorm, or else we won't be lucky, promise me that."
"I promise, I just don't get why such rules exist though, we are grown up can't we be free and do what we want i mean it's college right?"
"True, but sometimes rules save you from getting into trouble and sure thing it's college, but think about it with rules. Everything works out well."
"Either way, I think a little freedom can make learning more easy and fun, don't you think?"
I wonder about it too. What if i don't follow rules and do the opposite of it just to see what happens next .
Thinking about what Maria is saying, I might want to break it just to see what it will be like if I don't follow the rules. Maybe it's time to live a little, like alvaro suggested.
Let's see how far I am willing to go if I do this. Hopefully, I don't end up regretting it.