In the quiet town of Stanford, where life moved at its own leisurely pace. Nestled amidst rolling hills there was a quaint cottage.
Alex Thorn a fresher who got enrolled in his dream college, prepared for a day that held the promise of both excitement and uncertainty. Today marked his first day at college, a moment he had long anticipated.
As he was coming down the stairs he couldn't help but think about a moment from 10 years ago, after remembering it a faint smile appeared on his face.
"Morning, young man. Are you that excited to meet your childhood sweetheart?"
Alex smiled at the question. "You know, Mom, it's been years since we last saw each other. But today, I'll finally see her again." He replied to his mother Linda Thorn.
The memory of his childhood friend, Serena Alvin, was still fresh in his mind so it flooded his mind.
They had made a promise as children—to meet again in the most influential college in their state, to study together, and for her to become his wife after their studies. It was a promise born out of childhood innocence and the unbreakable bond they had shared at that 'time'.
Yet, with happy memory also came the sad one, as he remembered why they had to separate in the first place. It was all the fault of his father, the infidelity of his father had shattered their family at that time. His affair had resulted in another woman's pregnancy, which led to his mother getting divorced.
Because of the rumor all over the place, they had to leave their neighborhood and move to the other end of the state.
Serena had cried inconsolably when they had parted ways, but she had made him promise that they would meet again someday.
Alex had carried that promise with him through the years, a beacon of hope that had guided him to this moment.
***
As they ate breakfast, Linda studied her son's face with a knowing gaze. "Sweetie, we all have our dreams and aspirations. But don't let them distract you from the present. College is a time for growth and learning you know."
Alex glanced at his mother, sensing some deeper meaning in her words.
Linda Thorn is a woman who bore the grace of maturity with elegance, her chestnut hair lightly streaked with silver, fell in soft waves around her shoulders. Her hazel eyes held a warmth that had seen both joy and tribulations, as they sparkled with maternal wisdom.
She had a slender figure, and her attire, while simple, exuded a timeless charm that complemented her graceful demeanor.
"I know, Mom. You've always supported my dreams, especially the one about Serena and me and I promise I will not let them distract me with my studies." He replied while thinking that she was talking about his studies.
Linda smiled gently, her eyes filled with a mix of pride and concern. "Your dreams are precious, Alex. Just remember that sometimes, life has its own plans, and dreams can take unexpected turns."
"Ok Mom I will remember it"
After Alex finished his breakfast he grabbed his bag, and left for his college, seeing his leaving figure his mother's expression shifted from warmth to a look of worry. She mumbled softly to herself, "Son, you have to hang in there for what's about to come." With those cryptic words, she closed the door.
**
When Alex finally reached college, he headed straight for the department head's office to collect the list of students in his batch as he had to do his work as a representative of his batch.
After making his promise to his childhood swee- 'ahem' friend he studied hard with the goal of getting selected for this college, he had studied to the point that the word 'living under the rock' suited him correctly as he didn't know what anime and web novels are in this generation. But all this study managed to get a perfect score in the entrance exam.
And due to his outstanding performance in the entrance exams, breaking all previous records he has been chosen as the representative of his batch.
He got full marks in his entrance exams even though authorities had to triple-check his score just for their satisfaction, after asking how he was able to get a full score they were left marveled to know about his ability to memorize anything effortlessly.
After getting the list in hand, he first scanned it so that he could find Serena's name and it didn't take long for him to find her name—Serena Alvin on the list. A surge of excitement coursed through him as he thought about reuniting with his childhood friend.
***
The opening ceremony was grand, with speeches from the college staff and faculty and as the fresher representative, Alex was called upon to deliver his speech. His heart raced with anticipation as he stepped up to the podium.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty, and my fellow students," he began, his voice clear and confident. "Today, we embark on a new journey, one that holds the promise of growth, learning, and discovery. As we stand on the threshold of our college life, I am reminded of a dream—one that has guided me here."
He looked at the audience, his gaze filled with determination. "From a young age, I dreamed of attending this college, not only because of its academic excellence but because it represents a place where dreams become reality. Each one of us carries a dream within our hearts, a dream that has brought us here today."
Alex continued to speak eloquently about the importance of his dreams, aspirations, and the journey ahead. He shared his belief in the power of dreams to shape the future and encouraged his fellow students to pursue their passions relentlessly.
As his speech came to a close, he couldn't help but think of the dream that had guided him—his promise to Serena and the hope of rekindling their friendship.
Once the speeches concluded, students dispersed to their respective classes. As Alex made his way to his class, his gaze fell upon a girl whose beauty transcended mortal comprehension.
She exuded an air of nobility that seemed otherworldly. And guess who it was and yes you guessed it correctly.
It was Serena. Looking at Serena he forgot about everything and His heart started beating faster, as he approached her with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
But as he was about to say hello, his voice caught in his throat as he overheard a conversation between Serena and a boy who stood beside her. The words struck him like a thunderbolt, shattering the anticipation of their reunion.
The boy, with a sly grin, leaned closer to Serena. "Babe, your body looked perfect last night. Why are you worrying about gaining extra weight? Even if you do, you know we can burn it during our nightly activities."
Serena's cheeks flushed, as she chuckled softly. "You're incurable, Elyan."
The boy whose name is Elyan, wrapped an arm around Serena's waist possessively. "Well, what can I say? I can't resist your charms, and I know you can't resist mine."
Hearing all this, Alex felt a mix of emotions—shock, betrayal, and a sinking feeling in his chest.
The world had changed, and so had Serena. It was a painful revelation that marked the beginning of Alex's college journey—one filled with unexpected challenges, heartache (according to him), and the realization that dreams could be as fragile as they were powerful.