Let's play ball

"Hurry up, Stella, you will be late for the welcoming ceremony!", said Liberty, bustling around the tiny old white kitchen making breakfast for her only sister. Two white plates were laid out perfectly on the kitchen counter and the smell of burned toast slowly filled the hallways of the rundown building with her sister's footsteps piercing through thin walls as she paced around the apartment looking for her shoes. This has been her life ever since they lost their parents - looking after her younger sister. Never mind the crooked fridge door handle and whining sound coming from the kitchen cabinets as they open and shut, threatening to come off at any second, her sister was trying. The apartment was due for renovations, but the fresh white paint, vinyl floor tiles and a nice green two-seater couch her sister got redeemed it a little. Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do with the thin walls - but at least Mr. Wilson was nice and generous with the rent. 

Although their parents passed when they were just 16-and-10-year-olds, they didn't have to start from zero. The insurance money bought her some time to finish high school, but it was not enough for both sisters to achieve their dreams, even after selling their house and other assets their parents left behind. So Liberty did what any other big sister could do, she put her dreams on hold and got a job as a cashier at a 24-hour supermarket and thanks to that, she would sometimes get free groceries and other home items at an employee discounts.

Like many days, today was one of those days when she looked back at her sacrifice with pride, "I am very proud of you, Stella, and I am sure Mom and Dad are too,", she reminisced with admiration, her sister was now a young adult starting college, "You worked hard."

Stella was now settled and seated for her breakfast, "You know I am not the first person to get into college, right?", she chuckled with embarrassment. In truth, she couldn't be happier, all her sister's prayers were being answered through her, 

With sternness and tears collecting in her eyes, Liberty silently declared, "Sis, it is not just a college; it's an Ivy League school, and you are there on a full scholarship, everything covered for. You are all set for your future. In four years, your dream will-"

Stella strolled to the opposite side of the kitchen counter to her sister, "Come on sis, not the waterworks again...didn't you cry enough yesterday.", she gently wiped her eyes and hugged her, "I can't believe you still cry every time I do well at school- it's been 8 years you know and I am officially starting college", and they both chuckled further lightening the mood of the kitchen. Besides, for her, there was no room for failure, not after everything her sister had done for her and today, she had a surprise of her own, "I have something for you...in the bedroom, top drawer, white envelope - you will love it!"

Just then, a car hooted outside their one-bedroom apartment, accompanied by a squeal, "Stella, Your ride is here! Let's go-go! We are college students now!", she yelled as she repeatedly hooted, causing the other neighbors to shout at her, "Hey you suburban! didn't your parents teach you to never make noise in people's neighborhoods! Shut up!"

Liberty sighed defeatedly, "I am starting to think Jenny enjoys being shouted at. Please go before Mr. Pryor comes knocking again...I don't want anything to ruin my mood and you know that man hey..."

Stella looked at her with a mischievous smile, "Oh trust me, sister, your day is only starting...in fact, your life begins today!", She gave her a perk on the cheek, "See you later ..." and Liberty smiled as she waved at her.

With Stella now gone, the apartment fell into complete silence, leaving her with her thoughts. Stella and Jenny have always been a mischievous duo, despite the socioeconomic differences, Jenny has always been loyal to Stella. She smiled recalling their childhood and trouble-making days, "Oh she was definitely making all that noise on purpose!".

She soon recalled Stella's words but it was hard to focus with the mess she left in the bathroom, "and yet, she claims to be grown now...", she sighed. Thank God her shift was starting in 8 hours, she gently tied her black long hair into a bun, put on her gloves and got to work.

Liberty and Stella were two sisters who resembled each other yet so different. There was no denying that they were both from the same parents, with Stella taking after her mother with her beautiful, smooth, fair skin, resembling honey and an outgoing personality. No doubt she was gorgeous, and everyone at school knew it: beauty with brain, so they called her. Liberty, on the other hand, her beauty took after her father, she wore her smooth brown skin with pride. Her brown eyes shone the most, pairing perfectly with her graceful and mature appearance, making her stand out from the crowd. Both were feisty and fought very well for themselves; they had to learn to stand up for themselves at a young age, they had no choice and a skill that came in handy. Look at them now, all grown up and never went to bed hungry.

At college, Stella was making her debut at SFL college, a dream come true. She always wanted to be a sports attorney and finally, her journey was starting. The moment she entered the college hall, eyes fell on her.

Jenny leaned in to whisper, "Beauty with brain - I think that's what they are thinking".

She smiled graciously at Jenny, but she was not bothered, she was used to the stares. Both she and her sister would get them, they had that effect on people.

They quickly found their seats amongst the crowd and looked ahead to the podium without flinching at the millions of eye-balls that were on them, but her attention was soon stolen by the handsome face she had seen a couple of times while working at a school newspaper, 

"No way!", she said in her breath, "It cannot be".

At the same time, Jenny exclaimed, "Oh my word, is your crush! Jason...", she turned to her friend in shock, "What is Jason Parker doing here!"

At the same time, Liberty's jaws were on the floor with hands holding the famous letter from Stella:

"Dear Ms Liberty Black,

After hearing your back story and seeing your high school results, it is with great pleasure that we accept you on our physiotherapy course and as promised, a letter of your funding is attached with this letter of acceptance. We looking forward to seeing you. 

Welcome to Silverspring Prestigious Health College!",

"Wait..am I going to college?", she mumbled in shock