"Honestly I probably would have turned into an octopus."

Snort.

Here's the mall. Isabella lands and goes in.

Katarzyna follows, keeping an eye out for the Olive Garden or anything else particularly interesting. 

They go through a Nordstrom and pass a movie theater, an electronics shop, a Hot Topic, a Cheesecake Factory, a jewelry store, and a Rainforest Café before locating the Olive Garden.

She makes a mental note of some of the jewelry aesthetics just in case. 

The Olive Garden smells really good. 

They are seated and provided with breadsticks, water, and menus. Isabella munches a breadstick.

Katarzyna nibbles a breadstick while looking at the menu. 

"Uh--I can pay," she adds after a minute.

"If your dad wishes to authorize Olive Garden for two I will not lose any sleep over it."

"I have a personal allowance."

"Even better."

"Father has his flaws but it can't be said that he doesn't commit to the 'provide materially for your children' thing."

"I have money but not enough to burn a hole in my pocket."

"Awkwardness surrounding wealth differences is a common fictional trope. I have no idea how realistic it is."

"I won't be awkward about it if you're not!"

"I don't intend to be."

"Splendid. I'm getting the bolognese, and do you wanna split this chicken appetizer?"

"Oh, certainly--I think I'll have the shrimp scampi."

And they order. "What's your school like?"

"It's...very rules-oriented, in many ways. There are schedules we're supposed to adhere to, even when classes aren't in session--you can get away with deviating from them, but not with flaunting it. Many of the teachers are excellent, but some of them are also uncomfortably authoritarian. We have an excellent library. The cafeteria is adequate. Rooms are usually shared--there are singles but not many. I room with my sister; having a roommate I disliked being around would be uncomfortable and I'm glad I don't have to deal with it."

"I'm glad they let you room with her. Are you violating your schedule right now?"

"Technically yes."

"Oh nooooo."

"They'll get over it."

"Why this school in particular, just because it's nearish by?"

"I like the library. Also, it is far enough away that I have an excuse to not visit home very often."