Grace's attention was drawn by the familiar ping of a notification on her phone. With swift interest, she picked up the device, her gaze fixating on the screen. It was a Facebook alert signaling a new friend request. Intrigued, she leaned in closer, her eyes focusing on the profile picture of a handsome young man who goes by the name "Nathan Smith".Pausing briefly, she studied the image with a hint of admiration before deciding to delve deeper into his profile. Grace had a habit of scrutinizing profile pictures before accepting requests, a practice ingrained from her cautious nature.A notification chimed on Grace's phone, as if the sender had been waiting for her to accept his friend request. She opened the message:"Hello beautiful, How are you doing?""Am fine and you," Grace replied, a smile tugging at the corner of her lip."Same here dear.""Nathan by name.""I know," she replied."How do you know?""I can see it from your username.""Oh I see. That's dumb of me for asking," he added with a laughing emoji."Not really. We all make mistakes sometimes. Where are you chatting from?" Grace asked."Chatting from San Francisco, California. And you?""Same here.""Wow, lucky me!""Why's that?""I thought you moved away from California. I haven't seen you around like before."Grace was taken aback by his reply. She didn't recall knowing this stranger. Perhaps the message was meant for someone else."I don't understand what you're saying. Perhaps the last message wasn't meant for me?" Grace asked."I know you, but you may not know me. You live on Union Street, across from my street, Hayes."His words piqued her interest further. He was right about where she lived, yet she couldn't recall ever meeting him. She clicked on his picture again to check if she really knew him from anywhere."Wow, nice meeting you anyway. What can I do for you?" Grace replied cautiously, feeling wary of this person who seemed to know her but whom she didn't recognize."I've been wanting to be friends all this time, but I never got the chance to ask. Can we be friends? I don't bite," he replied, adding a sticker that humorously depicted a raised arm, as if demonstrating his harmless intent."Sure, we can be friends," Grace replied, just as a knock on the door distracted her attention from her phone. She made her way to the door, curious about who could be knocking.Grace opened the door to find Sarah standing there, her smile wide and welcoming. They embraced warmly before entering the house."How's your day been?" Grace asked, gesturing for Sarah to take a seat opposite her on the couch."Great, and yours?" Sarah replied, settling in."The usual. It's quiet without Mom around, and my siblings are at school," Grace said." Same here. That's why I came over. Life post-high school can feel lonely sometimes," Sarah remarked, scrolling through her phone."I'm starting SAT tutorials tomorrow. It's a step towards university," Grace shared." That's fantastic. I can't afford tutorials, so I'll have to study on my own," Sarah said with a hint of resignation.Sarah's journey was a testament to determination and grace, shaped by the challenges of her father's passing and strained relationships with her stepfather and stepsiblings. From a young age, she bore the weight of these hardships with resilience. Sarah's days were a careful balancing act of study and work. While her peers enjoyed leisurely afternoons, she labored at a local diner, diligently serving customers and saving every hard-earned dollar for her future tuition. Grace often marveled at Sarah's unwavering resolve, contrasting it with her own more fortunate circumstances. Blessed with supportive parents who met her needs, Grace couldn't help but admire Sarah's fortitude in navigating a world where familial support was limited. Their friendship, nurtured over the years, provided Grace insights into Sarah's family-a household where Sarah's relationship with her stepfather and stepsiblings was strained, but her bond with her loving mother remained steadfast.Grace observed her friend typing on her phone, her thoughts drifting back to their moments together.One afternoon, seated together in the backyard, Grace finally voiced her admiration."Sarah," she began earnestly, "I admire you deeply. Your strength and perseverance inspire me daily. Despite your challenges, you always find kindness for others. Your mother must be incredibly proud of you."Sarah's smile conveyed a blend of gratitude and humility. "Thank you, Grace," she responded softly."It's not easy, but I'm fortunate to have my mother who believes in me and supports me in every way she can." Their bond deepened through mutual respect and admiration. Grace continued to draw inspiration from Sarah's unwavering spirit and the love that surrounded her, despite the obstacles they faced together.Drawing her attention to the present moment, Grace suddenly recalled her recent conversation with a handsome stranger."Oh, girl! I've got something to tell you," Grace exclaimed."What is it?" Sarah asked, leaning forward attentively.Grace recounted her encounter with the guy, and Sarah listened intently."Let me see his picture; maybe I'll recognize him," Sarah suggested.Grace showed her the picture, but neither of them recognized him."Be careful with this handsome dude, okay?" Sarah cautioned, handing the phone back to Grace, who nodded in agreement.Grace is 17 years old girl who possessed a striking figure-eight shape that accentuated her feminine curves. Her hips curved gracefully outward, leading to a generous and well-defined buttocks that drew admiring glances wherever she went. Despite her more modest chest size, her small breasts complemented her overall physique, blending seamlessly with her slender waist and shapely hips. Grace carried herself with confidence, her posture reflecting both her natural beauty and the allure of her curvaceous silhouette. while Sarah had a slender, graceful figure that accentuated her natural elegance. Her slender hips led to a petite, well-proportioned buttocks, complemented by modestly sized breasts that suited her frame perfectly. However, it was her captivating face that truly drew attention-her features were delicate yet striking, framed by a cascade of dark hair that highlighted her luminous eyes and gentle smile. Sarah's beauty was understated yet magnetic, leaving a lasting impression on those who crossed her path.Later in the evening, around 7 o'clock, Sarah returned to her house. Not long after, Grace's mother "Mrs. Linda" arrived home from her shop, accompanied by Grace's siblings who often went directly to their mother's shop after school and together, they all made their way home.After exchanging greetings and welcoming pleasantries, Mom and Grace proceeded to the kitchen to prepare dinner for the family. They enjoyed their meal together, and soon everyone retired to bed, except for Grace, who took out her phone to check her messages.In the quiet of her room, the message lit up Sarah's screen:"I am so happy that you agreed to be my friend. I can't describe how happy I am right now."Grace felt butterflies flutter in her stomach as a smile spread across her face. She was beginning to fall for this charming stranger."Oh, the pleasure is mine," Grace replied, eagerly awaiting his response. Disappointed that he wasn't online, she sighed and tossed her phone to the other side of the bed before settling in for the night. The familiar ping of a notification startled her, and she eagerly grabbed her phone from where it lay."He's online!" Grace exclaimed with joy as she read his reply."Sorry for the late reply, dear. I was busy earlier.""No worries," Grace replied, smiling to herself."What's your favorite movie?" Nathan asked."I'm not really into movies, but I do like Korean series," Grace responded."That's nice, but I prefer watching action movies," Nathan replied."I hate them!" Grace added, along with a disapproving emoji."Almost every lady does. What about your favorite sport?" Nathan inquired."Swimming," Grace answered."Really?""Yes.""Wow, that's nice. I prefer football, though.""Sure, every guy loves ball," Grace teased, adding a laugh."You're quite funny," Nathan replied."As are you."Their chat continued late into the night as they got to know each other better. Grace was certain that she was falling for the handsome Nathan!The next day dawned with a weighty agenda for Grace. She had stayed up late chatting with Nathan, leaving her feeling groggy when her alarm finally stirred her from sleep.Grace pitched in with her mother to tidy the house, while her younger siblings, Gabriel and Emma, prepared for school. Gabriel, aged 14, and Emma, the youngest at 9, Grace completed their morning routines under their mother's watchful eye.Once the house was in order and breakfast preparations underway, Grace retreated inside to prepare for her newly enrolled tutorial class.
After completing her morning routine and dressing in her room, Grace emerged to find her breakfast set out on the dining table. The sound of water splashing from her mother's bedroom indicated that her mom was showering. Grace settled into her chair and began eating, knowing her siblings had already left to catch their school bus.
Soon, her mother finished dressing, and they left the house together. They walked down the street to the nearest bus stop, joining the line of commuters waiting for the morning bus. When it arrived, Grace and her mom boarded and found seats."I met the tutorial instructor yesterday; he's very pleasant," her mother remarked, initiating conversation."That's good, Mom," Grace replied, her mind preoccupied.Their conversation continued until Grace was startled by a hand touching her bare neck from behind. Initially annoyed, she turned to find herself face to face with Nathan, the handsome guy she had been chatting with online. He smiled and winked at her, leaving Grace momentarily stunned. His presence, more captivating in person than in his photos, caught her off guard, and she found herself blushing."Hi," Nathan greeted, but Grace was too flustered to respond immediately. She turned back to face forward, trying to maintain composure with her crush behind her and her mother chatting beside her.Upon disembarking from the bus, Grace hurried ahead, leaving her mother engrossed in conversation with an unfamiliar woman they had encountered during the journey.
Arriving at her tutorial center, Grace settled into her seat."You must be Grace?" The tutorial master, whom she recognized, inquired once everyone had settled and the class was ready to begin."Yes, my mother was here yesterday," Grace replied."She spoke highly of you. I hope you'll enjoy my class," he said warmly."Thank you, sir," Grace responded politely."Have a productive day and feel free to interact with your peers," he added, moving on to greet other newcomers. The class proceeded smoothly, yet Nathan occupied Grace's thoughts incessantly. His presence had captivated her mind throughout the session.FIRST ENCOUNTER: FROM SCREEN TO REALITY