Amber's POV
The late afternoon sun filtered through the windshield of my car as I drove through our quiet little town. My reflection in the rearview mirror caught my eye, and for a moment, I studied myself.
Mom always said I got my hair from her. It was a rich auburn, the strands curling softly around my shoulders like her own. But my eyes—that piercing blue that stood out even in dim light—were all Dad's. I was 5'4, with a small frame, a tiny waist, and curves that I'd always thought were subtle but apparently caught attention more often than I cared to admit. Not that I ever noticed much—I wasn't exactly one to flaunt myself.
Shaking my head at my reflection, I turned onto the familiar road leading to Luna's house. My best friends, Luna and Marco, were finally back in town after spending weeks on vacation. We hadn't seen each other in what felt like ages, and I was practically buzzing with excitement.
Luna's house was a warm shade of cream with green shutters and a big wraparound porch that always seemed to invite people in. It sat on a large lot surrounded by tall oak trees, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. A row of flowerbeds lined the walkway, bursting with vibrant colors that Luna's mom tended to religiously.
As I parked in the driveway, the front door flew open, and Luna came running out, her long dark hair flying behind her.
"Amber!" she squealed, practically launching herself into my arms.
I laughed, wrapping her in a tight hug. "Luna, I think you've been gone for years, not weeks."
"That's what it felt like!" she said, pulling back to grin at me. Luna was stunning, with sharp features and a flawless complexion that made her look like she'd just stepped out of a magazine. She always carried herself with a confidence I admired.
As we headed inside, Marco's voice echoed from the living room. "Finally! My favorite girl is here!"
I turned the corner to find him sprawled on the couch, his legs propped up on the armrest like he owned the place. Marco was impossible to miss with his bright smile, perfectly styled black curls, and a flair for fashion that always made me feel underdressed.
"Marco," I said with mock seriousness, crossing my arms. "I see the vacation didn't humble you."
He gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. "How dare you? I am the very picture of modesty."
Luna rolled her eyes. "He spent half the trip taking selfies, Amber. Don't let him fool you."
"Guilty as charged," Marco said with a grin, sitting up and holding out his arms. "Now, come here and hug me. I've missed you."
I laughed and leaned down to hug him. His cologne was fresh and citrusy, and it reminded me of how much life Marco always brought into a room.
We settled into the living room, the cozy space filled with mismatched furniture and walls adorned with family photos. Luna handed me a glass of iced tea before flopping onto the couch beside Marco.
"Okay, spill," she said, her eyes sparkling. "How was your first day of college?"
I groaned, sinking into the armchair. "It was… overwhelming. The campus is huge, and there are so many people everywhere. I think I spent most of the day just trying not to get lost."
"You didn't meet anyone interesting?" Marco asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Not really," I said, shaking my head. "I was too busy trying to figure out where I was supposed to be."
"Well, don't worry," Luna said with a knowing smile. "You'll settle in soon. And who knows? Maybe some handsome stranger will sweep you off your feet."
I rolled my eyes. "Right, because that's exactly what I need right now."
"Speaking of handsome strangers," Marco cut in, his grin widening. "I have news."
Luna and I leaned forward, our curiosity piqued.
"I met someone," Marco announced, his voice dripping with excitement. "His name is Jeffery, and he's absolutely perfect."
Luna gasped, clapping her hands together. "Oh my God, Marco! Tell us everything!"
"Well," Marco began, leaning back with a dramatic flair, "we met at a party during my vacation. He's a friend of a friend, and we just… clicked. He's smart, funny, and so sweet. And, ladies, he is gorgeous—like, jaw-droppingly gorgeous."
I couldn't help but smile. Marco had been single for a while, and it was rare to see him so smitten.
"Have you guys gone on a date yet?" I asked.
"Not yet," Marco admitted, "but we've been texting non-stop since I got back. And I'm seeing him this weekend."
"That's amazing, Marco," I said sincerely. "You deserve someone who makes you happy."
"Thank you, darling," he said, blowing me a kiss. "Now, enough about me. Luna, how was your vacation?"
Luna launched into a story about the places she and her boyfriend, Joshua, had visited, from beaches to hiking trails to charming little towns. She spoke with the ease of someone completely in love, and it was impossible not to feel happy for her.
As the conversation flowed, I realized how much I'd missed this—sitting with my best friends, sharing stories and laughter. It was like coming home, a reminder of who I was beyond the chaos of starting college.
"So," Luna said, turning to me with a mischievous smile. "Any plans to visit your parents' old friend, Dr. Hamilton, at the hospital? Or are you avoiding anything medical until classes force you to dive in?"
I shook my head with a chuckle. "One step at a time, Luna. Let me survive freshman year first."
"You will," Marco said confidently. "You've got the brains and the determination. If anyone can handle it, it's you."
His words warmed me. Sometimes, I doubted myself more than I cared to admit, but having friends who believed in me made all the difference.
As we laughed over one of Luna's stories about Joshua getting lost on a hiking trail, I glanced at my phone and felt a jolt of panic. The time read 8:47 p.m.
"Crap," I muttered, sitting up straighter. "I didn't realize it was this late. I have to head home before Mom freaks out—she's serious about this whole curfew thing."
Luna smirked. "Sheila does not mess around."
"Tell me about it," I said, standing and grabbing my bag. "Marco, want me to drop you off on my way? It's on the way back."
Marco beamed at me. "What would I do without you, darling? Yes, please."
Luna followed us to the door, hugging us both tightly. "Drive safe, okay? And let me know when you're home, Amber."
"I will," I promised, squeezing her hand.
As Marco and I climbed into my car, the evening air cooled my skin, and the quiet hum of the engine filled the silence. The streets were dark but familiar, lined with the shadows of towering trees and the glow of porch lights.
"You know," Marco said as I turned onto his street, "I missed this—us, hanging out. Life just feels… better with you guys around."
I smiled at him, the warmth of his words lingering as I pulled into his driveway.
"Same here," I said. "Don't go running off for another vacation anytime soon, okay?"
"No promises," he teased, leaning over to kiss my cheek before hopping out of the car. "Text me when you're home, love."