1
Evelyn
__________________________
(5 years ago)
I was trembling with excitement and a little nervousness—today was a day I had been waiting for with eager anticipation. Today was the very first day of college, a new chapter in my life, brimming with endless possibilities, new faces, and fresh beginnings. But today was special for another reason, too—it was my seventeenth birthday. A day that felt like a gentle celebration of growing up, stepping into the unknown with a hopeful heart.
Yet beneath the bubbling excitement, there was a faint trace of sadness. Many of my closest friends had chosen different colleges, scattered like leaves in the wind, each going their own way. The thought of not seeing their familiar faces daily tugged quietly at my heart. But amidst that quiet ache, I felt a comforting warmth—my best friend Ava, and one other friend, were here with me. That was enough to steady my nerves.
The campus buzzed softly with the murmur of new students finding their paths, animated chatter and laughter bouncing off the old brick walls of the college buildings. The morning air was crisp, carrying the delicate scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass. Shafts of sunlight filtered through the tall oaks lining the campus walkways, casting dappled patterns on the pavement. The world felt alive and full of promise.
I walked steadily toward our classroom, my backpack slung casually over one shoulder, my heart fluttering like a captive bird. Suddenly, someone came up behind me and gently grabbed me by the shoulders. I turned around and smiled widely.
It was Ava.
"Hi... you took my breath away," I said with a teasing grin, unable to hide the happiness bubbling inside me.
She giggled—a soft, melodic sound that always made me smile—and then planted a quick kiss on my cheek, a sweet, friendly gesture that felt like a warm embrace.
"Happy birthday, my dearest friend! So, what are you going to give me as a treat today?" she teased, her eyes sparkling behind her big, thick glasses.
Ava was the kind of girl who seemed to light up any room she entered. Her glasses gave her an endearing, intellectual look, framing eyes that were kind and bright. She was two years older than me, but due to some difficulties earlier in her life, she had started school late. That's why, despite the age difference, we ended up in the same class. She was nineteen, shy and unassuming in many ways—still a virgin, which was unusual at her age among our peers—but she had an infectious warmth that drew people to her.
And then there was her love of food. Ava adored eating; it was her genuine passion and her favorite hobby. She could spend hours talking about the best places to eat, the perfect flavors, the textures and aromas of different dishes. Watching her enjoy food was like watching someone revel in pure joy.
I smiled, feeling the comforting weight of her hand resting gently on my shoulder, holding me in a kind of hug as we walked. I still couldn't believe she had become my best friend. Ava was beautiful, with long chestnut hair that caught the sunlight like strands of silk, and a natural grace that made heads turn. And me? I was quiet, unremarkable in many ways—barely even good enough in my own eyes.
Everyone seemed to have a crush on Ava, admired her from afar. But no one had ever looked at me that way. I remembered the first day I came to this school—how lonely I had felt, how the cruel whispers and stares had made me wish I could disappear. And then Ava had appeared, sitting beside me in silence during lunch, offering a smile that felt like a lifeline. Since that day, we had been inseparable.
I loved her as a friend. Absolutely, completely loved her. But there was a secret tucked away deep inside my heart—a secret I dared not share with anyone, not even Ava. Because I loved someone else, too. Someone I wanted to protect her from knowing. I loved her brother.
He was handsome in an almost unreal way—tall, with a strong jawline and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through you. He was twenty and completely unaware of the feelings I held for him. I kept my love hidden, locked away like a fragile bloom in a dark garden, fearing how it might change everything.
I stopped in front of the cafeteria and said, "You can have whatever you want. I don't mind. I'll pay."
Her face lit up instantly, the kind of joy that made her eyes sparkle behind those thick lenses. She chose a muffin, a sandwich, and a glass of juice, her smile widening as we moved toward the counter. I paid, feeling a quiet pride in being able to treat her on my birthday.
We found a spot near the window, where warm sunlight spilled like honey over the wooden tables. The chatter of students filled the air, a lively backdrop to the steady beat of my racing heart.
Since it was the first day, most of our classes were simple introductions. Teachers told us what to expect; students nervously shared little bits about themselves. The atmosphere was a blend of excitement and uncertainty, like the calm before a storm..
Our first class was biology, taught by Mr. Max. He was an older man, with graying hair and a kind yet authoritative presence. He began by asking us to introduce ourselves one by one.
One by one, we stood and spoke our names, our interests, our goals. When it came to Ava, something strange happened. Mr. Max didn't ask her to introduce herself. Instead, he addressed her directly by her first name—Ava—while calling the rest of us by our surnames. It was subtle, but I noticed the difference immediately.
Ava's face paled slightly, and I caught a flicker of fear in her eyes. She looked away, silent, unwilling to explain why Mr. Max knew her so well. The rest of the class exchanged curious glances, but no one pressed her.
I tried to focus on my notes, pushing the strange moment to the back of my mind. But even as the class continued, Ava seemed distracted, lost in thought. Her food remained untouched in her bag, untouched and forgotten. It was unlike her, the biggest foodie I knew, to leave a sandwich and muffin uneaten.
I watched her quietly during the break. She sat alone by the window, staring out at the campus as if searching for something—someone. Her fingers traced absent patterns on the table, her lips pressed into a thin line.
A wave of concern swept over me. I wanted to ask what was wrong but feared I might only deepen her silence.
The day stretched on, each class unfolding with a mixture of new knowledge and quiet mysteries. But Ava's unease lingered like a shadow, coloring the bright promise of the morning with a tinge of worry.
Finally, the day finished and we both went to Ava apartment. As it was my birthday but she was so rich than me and she had told to come to her apartment as her brother can pick us from there easily.