Zina Davies leaned against her mom's car, taking in the sprawling campus of Thornfield University. The imposing buildings stretched out before her, their indifferent gazes seemingly welcoming each new student with a detached curiosity.
She adjusted the strap of her backpack and scanned the scene. Freshmen bustled around, some looking lost, others chattering excitedly in groups. Zina took a deep breath, straightening her posture. She was ready for this or at least, that's what she kept telling herself.
"Wow," Aria Thorne whispered beside her, her voice filled with awe. She gripped the handle of her suitcase, her wide eyes darting from one building to another. "I still can't believe we got the scholarship, knowing how few people get accepted."
Zina smirked, nudging her best friend lightly with her elbow. "Believe it."
Nearby, Zina's mom wrapped her in a tight embrace, her voice breaking slightly. "Your dad would be so proud of you, honey."
Zina's heart squeezed at her mother's words. She pulled away gently, wiping her mom's tears with a smile. "Don't cry, Mom. I know Dad's proud of me. I feel it."
Her mom nodded, giving Zina's hand one last squeeze before turning to Aria. She hugged both girls tightly. "Remember, we're only a phone call away. You girls will do great."
Aria's dad stepped forward with a reassuring smile. "We're so proud of you both."
Aria's mom added while hugging them, "We're always here if you need anything."
Their parents gave them one last wave before driving away.
As they walked toward their dorm, Zina glanced back at her mother's retreating car. The memories of her father surfaced, a bittersweet reminder of a past that still felt vivid. Though she was only eight when he passed away, his love remained a warm, constant presence in her heart. She remembered his laughter, the way he tucked her in at night, and the deep admiration with which he spoke of her mother. These memories were her anchor, keeping her tied to a cherished past.
After his death, life had shifted dramatically for her mother. Seeking a fresh start, her mom had moved them to a new town, where she had met Aria's mother. The bond between the two women had blossomed quickly into a deep friendship that had withstood the tests of time. For Zina and Aria, their friendship had been almost inevitable. As their mothers grew inseparable, the girls' childhoods had intertwined, woven together through shared laughter, secrets, and countless afternoons spent in each other's company.
Their bond went beyond mere proximity; it was forged in mutual understanding and companionship, strengthened by the comfort of shared experiences. Despite the rocky parts of their lives, they had always had each other, a testament to the enduring strength of their friendship.
As they reached their assigned dorm, Zina's attention was drawn to a group of seniors lounging near the entrance. One guy leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, his expression cold and distant. His gray eyes, reminiscent of an overcast sky, briefly met hers before looking away. His dark hair fell just above his eyes, and a small earring in his left ear contrasted with his otherwise stern demeanor. There was a controlled, almost impervious quality about him that intrigued Zina.
Beside him, another senior engaged in light conversation with others. His platinum blond hair gleamed in the sunlight, and he brushed it aside with an easy smile as he laughed at something said. His golden eyes sparkled warmly, making him the center of attention with an effortless charm. He glanced their way and gave a friendly smile before returning to his conversation.
"Who do you think they are?" Aria asked quietly, glancing back over her shoulder.
"They're probably seniors," Zina replied, her voice low as they entered their dorm. She noticed how Aria's gaze lingered on the blond guy, who, despite his friendly appearance, seemed to share a subtle darkness with his more intense friend.
As they closed their dorm room door, Zina finally had a moment to breathe. Her deep, caramel-toned skin glowed under the dorm's warm lights, her dark curls framing her face like a crown. She adjusted the navy blue jacket over her white T-shirt, a deliberate choice for their first day. Her almond-shaped eyes, lined with thick lashes, held a steady, unwavering gaze, combining challenge with charm.
Aria set her suitcase down with a sigh, her dark hair sleek and perfectly styled. Her fair skin seemed to glow under the warm light, and her soft hazel eyes wide and expressive carried a quiet intelligence and a hint of mystery. Though Aria's appearance contrasted with Zina's boldness, her subtle elegance and natural poise made her seem effortlessly sophisticated.
"I wonder if we'll see them again," Aria mused, clearly still intrigued by the seniors they had seen earlier.