THE FIVE OF US

Chapter 6: Different Worlds, One Beginning

“Chloe, this is Ava.”

Uncle David smiled as he introduced us.

The girl standing beside him smiled politely.

“Hi, Chloe.”

“Hi, Ava.”

We exchanged a small smile, and for a moment, neither of us said anything else.

I noticed her immediately.

Ava was the kind of person people naturally looked at when she entered a room.

Her blonde hair fell neatly over her shoulders, and her outfit was simple but clearly stylish. Everything about her looked carefully chosen, from her accessories to the way she carried herself.

But what surprised me was that she did not act like someone who expected attention.

She seemed comfortable, not desperate to be noticed.

“Chloe, Ava will also be attending the same college as you,” Uncle David said.

My eyes widened slightly.

“Really?”

Ava nodded.

“Yes. I guess we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.”

I smiled.

“That’s nice. At least I won’t be completely new there.”

She laughed softly.

“Trust me, even people who look like they have everything together are usually confused on the first day.”

I laughed.

“I don’t know. You look like you already know exactly what you’re doing.”

Ava smiled.

“That is just the outfit doing its job.”

I laughed at her answer.

I didn’t expect that.

We sat together while Uncle David and Dad continued their conversation.

The restaurant was still busy, but somehow, talking to Ava felt easy.

“So, you’re excited about college?” Ava asked.

I nodded.

“Yes. I’m excited, but also nervous.”

“That’s normal,” she replied. “A new environment can be intimidating.”

I looked at her.

“You don’t seem nervous about anything.”

Ava smiled slightly.

“That’s because I’ve had years of practice pretending I’m not.”

Her honesty surprised me.

Most people would have given a perfect answer.

But Ava didn’t.

She admitted that she was human too.

As we talked more, I learned that Ava was not just the daughter of a wealthy man.

She had her own interests and ambitions.

She loved fashion, business, and creativity.

“I’ve always liked creating things,” she explained. “Not just wearing beautiful things, but understanding how they are made and why people connect with them.”

“That’s interesting,” I said.

She smiled.

“What about you?”

I paused for a moment.

“I love hairstyling. I grew up helping my mum at her salon.”

Ava looked genuinely interested.

“Really? That’s actually amazing.”

I smiled.

“Most people are surprised when I tell them.”

“Why?”

“Because they expect something different.”

Ava nodded thoughtfully.

“I understand that.”

Across the restaurant, Uncle David watched us while talking with Dad.

He smiled.

He knew both girls were different.

Chloe was hardworking, determined, and had learned to appreciate every opportunity she received.

Ava had grown up surrounded by privilege, but she had always wanted to be valued for who she was, not just her family’s wealth.

That was why he wanted them to meet.

He believed they could learn from each other.

Before leaving, Ava picked up her bag and smiled at me.

“I guess I’ll see you around campus.”

I nodded.

“Yeah. I guess you’ll have to show me around since you already look like you know the place.”

She laughed.

“I’ll try not to get us lost.”

I smiled.

“Good.”

As Ava walked away with her father and Uncle David, I found myself smiling.

I had expected college to be a completely unfamiliar world.

But maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t stepping into it alone.