Helena's POV*

I walked into the classroom with my books in my hands, feeling like I was about to be skewered by the piercing stares of my classmates. Despite it being my first day at the University of California, Berkeley, and this being my first lecture, I felt like an outsider. I made my way to the last seat and sat down slowly.

A few minutes later, a pot-bellied man walked in, and the lecture began. It was a quick one, and before I knew it, it was over. I rushed out to meet my uncle, who was waiting for me.

"Let me take you to your apartment," he suggested.

"Just send me the location, I'll get there myself," I replied, not wanting to be a bother.

He handed me a file containing school information and my schedule. "Stop being stubborn, Helen," he said with a smile.

"I know," I cut in abruptly, not wanting to hear more.

"Okay then, I'll send you the address. If you need anything, just give me a call," my uncle said, but I just left without saying a word.

As I reached my apartment, I lay on the comfy bed and sighed deeply. I took out my phone and dialed my mom's number multiple times, but it wasn't connecting. After taking a shower, I went to the kitchen and made some sandwiches. I was munching on one when I walked to the fridge and opened it. To my surprise, I saw different classic foods inside.

I brought out my phone and dialed my dad's line. "Hey, Dad," I said when he picked up.

"What's it?" my dad sounded stern.

"I couldn't reach Mom, her line wasn't connecting," I explained.

"That's because she's busy. Just get to the point," my dad said curtly.

"It's about the apartment. I saw—"

"Uncle Lucas is there to help you. Stop contacting me, I'm busy," my dad interrupted before hanging up.

"Dad!" I called out, but it was too late. He had already hung up.

Well, I had no choice but to call Uncle Lucas, whom I resented so much.

"Helena," his voice echoed through my phone.

"I saw some food stuff in the fridge. I just wanted to confirm if it's you who put them there or if I entered the wrong house," I asked.

"Well, I did. I figured you'd be hungry and stressed out from your journey, so—"

"Heard you," I cut in and hung up the call.

Helena sat in her cozy apartment, surrounded by textbooks and notes from her UC Berkeley classes. Her mind wandered to the conversation with her dad and why he seem so distant

Just then, her phone buzzed. It was her mom, calling to check in. Helena's tone turned guarded as they discussed about school stuffs

"Hey, sweetie, how's school going?" her mom asked.

"It's good, Mom. Just busy," Helena replied, not wanting to dive into the family drama.

As they chatted, Helena's thoughts drifted to her family's complicated dynamics. Her parents' high expectations weighed heavily on her. She felt like she was walking a tightrope, balancing her own desires with their wishes.