WINNING HIS HEART AGAIN

Chapter 2: Freshman, 1st Day of School

Two years had passed, a whirlwind of change and growth. After that fateful night, Avery had lost contact with Ash.  Their lives had taken divergent paths, a consequence of her family's relocation to New York.  Her parents, always demanding and controlling, had insisted she join them, leaving behind the familiar comfort of her grandparents' home in America.  She had spent her senior year of high school in the bustling metropolis, a world away from the life she had known.

Now, standing on the threshold of a new chapter, Avery found herself navigating the hallowed halls of Stanford University, a prestigious institution that seemed to pulsate with an air of intellectualism and privilege.  It was a world of tailored uniforms, extravagant architecture, and a palpable sense of ambition.  The sheer scale of the university, its sprawling grounds and imposing buildings, left her slightly overwhelmed.  She couldn't help but wonder if she would truly fit in, if she could measure up to the high standards of this elite institution.

The entrance exams had been a grueling ordeal, a mental marathon that tested her limits.  She had been surprised to learn about the existence of scholarship students, those who had defied the odds and earned their place at Stanford through sheer merit.  The stories of those who had aced the exams, their brilliance shining through, filled her with a mixture of awe and inspiration.

As she settled into her classroom, choosing a seat near the window, Avery felt a sense of peace wash over her.  The soft, plush chairs, almost like couches, provided a sense of comfort and tranquility.  She closed her eyes, allowing the serenity of the moment to envelop her.  But the quietude was shattered by a sharp, deliberate cough, pulling her back to reality.

She opened her eyes to find a stern-faced young woman standing before her.  The woman's gaze was unwavering, her expression a mixture of annoyance and disdain.

"Move,"
she said, her voice laced with a hint of arrogance.

"This is my spot, bitch."

Avery raised an eyebrow, her own expression turning cool and defiant. 

"Give me evidence that this is your spot, Ms. Whoever you are."

The woman smirked, clearly amused by Avery's audacity. 

"Fancy. No one dares to talk back to me like that."

"But you know, dear," she continued, her voice calm and steady, "if you're smart enough, just stand up and find another vacant seat. I don't want to argue early in the morning."

The woman, undeterred, crossed her arms and stared at Avery with a fixed intensity.  "I give up," she said, a playful smirk playing on her lips.  "You're no fun."

She settled down beside Avery, her demeanor softening.  "My acting skills didn't even penetrate you. You have a good eye, seeing through my schemes. Not bad."

Avery was taken aback by the sudden shift in the woman's attitude. 

"I'm Sofia, by the way," she said, extending her hand in a gesture of camaraderie.

Avery, still slightly wary but intrigued by this unexpected encounter, shook her hand. 

"Avery, Avery Cameron."

Sofia's eyes widened in surprise.  "Cameron?! I can't believe this!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in a crescendo of excitement.

"What?" Avery asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Sofia rolled her eyes, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. 

"My full name is Sofia Cameron. We're basically relatives, duh!"

Avery's jaw dropped.  She had just met a relative, and a rather eccentric one at that.  She couldn't help but laugh, a sense of relief washing over her.  Her first day at Stanford had been a whirlwind of emotions, but it had also brought an unexpected surprise, a new friend, and a connection she hadn't anticipated. 
It seemed her college journey was off to a rather intriguing start.