The Link To Light, (Published).

part 7

University of Pennsylvania. 

Ifes and other freshers had a successful matriculation. All the freshmen were handed over to old students to help show them around the college. Ifes was introduced to her roommate. 

Ifesinachi's eyes were fascinated as a female student, who was tall and had beautiful, brown eyes, and long black hair bundled in a ponytail, walked into her dorm room. 

"Hello!" Ifes greeted the student cheerfully as soon as she closed the door behind her.

"Hi, so you'll be my roommate?" the student replied. 

Ifes nodded her head affirmatively. 

The student stared at her for a while then  tapped at her chin. "From your looks, I'm guessing you're an African?" 

"That's right." 

"Oh! I see, which country in particular?" 

"Nigeria." 

Ifes felt like she saw the student giving a soft gasp and her body freezing for a while before she relaxed again, but it happened so quickly that she couldn't fathom it. 

"And you?" Ifes asked the student. 

"My parents hail from Sacramento, California, but I've lived all my life down south Woodway, Texas." 

Ifes grinned. "Now, you will be studying in another state?" 

"Oh yeah, you can say that again." 

"But I'm not alone. My squad of friends were also accepted into this college. We've been friends since high school." The student joined Ifes in arranging her luggages. 

"You guys must really be close to each other," Ifes commented, still concentrating on her arrangements.

"Yes, we're close to each other." The student picked up a bag containing her cosmetics and placed it where she reckoned was a proper position. "You know what else?" 

"Tell me." Ifes tilted her head to look at the student. 

"We actually chose this college because one of us hailed from this state, and he said it was his dad's wish that he come over here to study. We didn't want to separate from each other, so we decided that wherever one goes, all go." 

Unable to stifle her curiosity, Ifes asked, "Why was that?" 

"Why what?" the student asked, a little tensed. 

"Sorry! I mean, why did his dad insist on sending him to this college?" Ifes apologized, feeling embarrassed that she had asked too many questions.

"That's okay, you don't have to apologize." The student waived her right hAnd grinning. "Nothing much, his father and aunt just wanted him to attend the same college with his cousin. But she's not one of us." Her roommate continued after a low-key snort, "We actually don't like her, myself in particular." 

Ifes smiled but didn't ask why. 

"Oh! I forgot to tell you my name. Please pardon my manners. My name is Mandy Parker. And you're?" 

"Ifesinachi Uzondu." 

"Oh dear! That pronunciation is too long. I'm sure it will take me a whole year to memorize before I get used to it. Is there any other name I can call you?" Mandy asked. 

Ifes beamed. "You can call me Ifes." 

Mandy let out a sigh of relief. "That's fair enough. I can try that. Pleased to meet you." Mandy stretched out her hand for a handshake.