Chapter Eight: Campus Adventures
Adora had survived her first week in class, and now it was time to explore the rest of the campus.
The school was massive. There were sports fields, tennis courts, a gym, a library that smelled of polished wood and books, and even a small music hall. Everywhere she went, students glanced at her, curious but cautious.
"Where are you going?" Mei asked, jogging to keep up.
"Anywhere I like," Adora said with a grin. "I need to see all the fun spots first. Maybe join something… maybe test their skills." She tapped her notebook. Bold, brave, and unapologetically Adora.
They reached the sports field where a group of girls practiced martial arts. Adora's eyes lit up. She had trained in fighting since she was a child back in Abuja.
"Can I try?" she asked, walking straight into the circle.
The instructor raised an eyebrow. "You're new."
"I learn fast," Adora replied. "Watch me." She moved fluidly, demonstrating punches and kicks with grace, her Nigerian training evident in every step.
The other students were impressed. Whispers ran: "Wow… she is really strong."
Later, Mei led her to the library. Adora wandered among the shelves, brushing her fingers along the books. "So much knowledge in one place," she whispered. "I like."
At lunch, Adora and Mei found a quiet corner. Adora pulled out a small snack from her bag—some suya and chin chin—and offered Mei a piece.
"Where did you get this?" Mei asked, wide-eyed.
"From home… Nigeria style," Adora replied. "You like? Try small, you go enjoy am."
By the end of the day, Adora had walked every corner of the campus she could reach, her curiosity, boldness, and charm earning her smiles and stares alike. She felt at home—not because the campus was familiar, but because she was being unapologetically herself.