Today was my first day at Boston University. Walking through the campus corridors, a mix of nerves and excitement churned in my stomach. Jake had left early this morning for football practice, leaving me to navigate my first day alone. I couldn't wait to see him in action on the field—he'd always made the sport look effortless.
The air here felt different—fresh, alive, brimming with possibilities. I inhaled deeply, letting the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers calm my racing thoughts. College life. Freedom. Finally, a world where I wasn't constantly under my parents' watchful eyes.
Stepping into my first calculus lecture, I scanned the room. Students had already started settling in, scribbling notes, flipping through textbooks. I opted for a front-row seat, determined not to miss a single detail. My classmates looked focused, some intimidatingly so, but I reminded myself: Chill, Amelia. First day nerves were perfectly normal.
As I unpacked my notebook, a girl with short bobbed brown hair and soft gray eyes plopped down next to me. Freckles dotted her cheeks, giving her a youthful charm. She rummaged through her backpack, muttering under her breath, clearly flustered.
"Here." I handed her one of my pens, offering a small smile.
Her eyes widened, a mix of surprise and relief washing over her face. "Thanks," she said, grinning.
"Anytime," I replied, and just as our brief connection blossomed, the lecturer walked in, demanding our attention and forcing us to pause our conversation.
---
The lecture passed faster than I expected. The professor had a clear, engaging way of explaining the concepts, making complex topics surprisingly easy to follow. Two hours later, as I tucked my notebook back into my bag, the girl next to me handed my pen back.
"You saved my first lecture," she laughed, shaking her head. "I was such a mess, running late and all nervous. I didn't want to make a fool of myself."
"I've been there," I said with a soft laugh, remembering my own first-day jitters.
"I'm Stacey," she said, extending her hand.
"Amelia. Nice to meet you," I replied, shaking it warmly.
Her grin widened. "Pleasure's mine! I just moved into the dorms. You?"
I hesitated, slightly embarrassed. "I… actually live in a house here, with my brother."
Her eyes went wide. "Oh wow, that's… really cool."
I laughed awkwardly, shrugging. "Yeah, something like that."
"Have you looked at the community club booths yet?" she asked eagerly. "They're in Hall B. Lots of options—you'll find something you love."
"I haven't," I admitted. "I've been thinking about joining, but haven't decided which one yet."
"Want to come with me?" she offered.
"Absolutely!" I said, matching her excitement as we walked down the corridor.
---
"I've been dying to join the orchestra," she confessed as we strolled.
"You have an orchestra?" My eyes widened, excitement bubbling up inside me. I'd never joined a music club in high school—academics had always taken priority—but college felt like a fresh start. I wanted to explore everything, live fully, and experience every passion I'd neglected.
"Yes, and do you play an instrument?" Stacey asked curiously.
"I play the piano," I admitted.
Her eyes lit up, and she halted in her tracks. "Seriously? That's amazing! I play the violin. I didn't expect that from you."
I raised a brow. "Why not?"
"Sorry! I just… you seem more like a cheerleader type, not a classical music lover." She laughed, shaking her head as we continued walking. "No offense—I mean, you're gorgeous, and everyone notices you. Even I did."
I snorted, laughing. "Well, thanks, I guess. Though I've seen prettier girls."
We soon reached Hall B, and I stopped dead in my tracks. The hall was massive, filled with colorful booths and chattering students. Seniors explained their clubs passionately, inviting newcomers to join.
A video at one booth caught both our attention immediately. A brunette danced across the projector screen, moving with such grace and strength that my heart skipped a beat. Ballet fused with contemporary movements, each step elegant, confident, and mesmerizing. Even the male students around us were staring, mouths slightly agape—and honestly, I couldn't look away either.
"She's Ruby," one of the sophomore girls running the booth explained. "One of our best dancers. Practices every week, and we're always welcoming new members."
I laughed softly, shaking my head. No way could I be that graceful, I thought, but the temptation to join bubbled in my chest.
Passing by the football booth, I peeked for Jake and Damien, but neither were around. Football practice must've kept them busy.
I turned to leave, only for Stacey to tug at my arm. "Wait! Don't leave yet—you have to see the team!"
I chuckled. "I know plenty about them already. My brother's the captain."
Her jaw dropped. "Wait… Jake Spencer is your brother?"
I nodded, and the awe in her eyes confirmed just how famous Jake really was on campus.
Before I could respond further, someone cleared his throat. I turned and saw a tall, lean guy with messy dark brown curls, slightly hiding his face behind a curtain of hair. He fidgeted nervously, scratching the back of his head as he smiled.
"I saw you in calculus class," he said softly. "I'm Derek. Mind if we grab lunch together?"
I blinked, surprised he remembered me. "Uh… sure, I guess."
Before I could speak, a familiar voice interrupted. "Sorry, dude. She'll have lunch with me."
Jake appeared, pulling me close as Derek froze. He stepped back, defeated, as Jake's protective gaze never left him.
"That was mean, Jake," I whispered, though a small smile tugged at my lips.
"See why I have to watch out for you?" Jake murmured, slipping his arm around my shoulders as we walked. "That guy? Total creep."
"He was just being friendly. We went to high school together," I argued.
Jake shook his head, smirking. "Mel, I've got instincts. That guy was trouble."
"Jacob!" I groaned, rolling my eyes. "You'll never let me meet anyon
e!"
"I'll let someone who deserves you," he said casually, making me huff in mock frustration.