Beyond the painted walls

Chapter 3: Dawn of Understanding

   As the morning sun began to filter through the tall trees of Westridge University, Isabella trudged towards the cafeteria building where Tyler was already waiting. She wasn't a morning person, and it showed. Her steps were sluggish, and she stifled a yawn as she approached, her demeanor broadcasting her lack of enthusiasm for the early hour.

In one hand, she clutched a small bag of her favorite chips, Cheetos Puffs. Occasionally popping one into her mouth with a disinterested air. Her attire was typical, an oversized hoodie and baggy jeans thrown on without much thought—a straightforward choice that spoke to both comfort and necessity. Isabella's attire was both practical and subtly expressive. The sleeves of her hoodie were rolled up, a habit borne out of a need to keep her arms free—always ready to defend herself. On her jeans, a single pin stood out, a small artistic emblem that hinted at her interest in art, adding a personal touch to her otherwise straightforward look.

Tyler couldn't be more mesmerized. As Isabella approached, Tyler found himself unexpectedly struck by her appearance. Despite the simplicity of her outfit, there was an undeniable allure to the way she carried herself—unpretentious yet assertive. To him, she was undeniably attractive, and he couldn't shake the feeling that there was much more to her than met the eye.

He couldn't help but notice the striking contrast of Isabella's features as she approached. Her eyes were a vivid blue, bright and expressive, conveying strength and a hint of mischief. Her lips, naturally full, had a slight upturn at the corners, suggesting a readiness to smile despite her usual guarded demeanor. Her skin, touched lightly by the sun, glowed softly in the morning light, accentuating her youthful vitality.

Each element of her appearance contributed to an allure that Tyler found increasingly captivating.

She approached, standing in her usual nonchalant posture. Tyler, in the palm of Isabella's hand for the moment, watched her casually munch on her favorite chips, locked in her uncaring eyes. He greeted her with a warm, tentative smile, trying to bridge the gap between them. "Good morning, Isabella. Ready to start the day?" His voice carried a mix of respect and a hint of warmth, an attempt to make her feel at ease and perhaps, open up a bit more.

Isabella, caught slightly off guard by his amiable approach, gave a brief nod, her expression remaining neutral. "Yeah, let's get this over with," she responded, her voice cool but not unkind, her reluctance to fully engage still evident.

As they walked toward the cafeteria, Isabella's pace slowed slightly, and she began to speak up with a hint of hesitation in her voice. "Actually, I ate already," she said, glancing toward the cafeteria doors with a subtle unease. A few steps later, she added another excuse, "And I'm on a diet, so I'm trying to stick to my meal plan."

Tyler observed her closely, noting the slight shift in her tone and her avoidance of eye contact. It didn't take much to suspect that she might not be entirely truthful. He wondered if her reluctance was due to discomfort with the cafeteria crowd or perhaps something more personal.

"Are you sure?" Tyler asked, his voice carrying a genuine concern. "It's no trouble to grab something to eat first or just sit for a while. You don't have to eat if you're not hungry."

Isabella's hesitation was evident, but she couldn't find a convincing reason to decline Tyler's offer. With a resigned sigh, she relented. "Okay, maybe just a quick bite," she conceded, her tone still cautious.

As they approached the entrance, Isabella's heart sank. She knew that swiping her student ID would deduct points from her account for the meal, but she had used the rest of her meal swipes three days ago. Surviving off the cheap snacks being sold at the student concession stands since then. With a sense of dread, she watched as Tyler swiped his ID to enter.