Between Heartbeats

Chaos in the Comfort

 *Past*

A week had passed since the welcome party, and the campus was now alive with the rhythms of a new semester. Isla could feel the excitement in the air, a blend of anticipation and nervousness as students settled into their routines. The sun cast a golden hue across the campus as she walked to her first class, her mind buzzing with thoughts of the events that had unfolded.

After the whirlwind of the party, Isla, Lila, and Zara had forged an unbreakable bond, sharing laughter over coffee and late-night study sessions. They had navigated their way through orientation, making new friends while steering clear of drama—at least, most of it.

Yet, Tiffany's shadow loomed large. Despite the joy of their outings, Isla couldn't shake the feeling that Tiffany was waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Her presence was a constant reminder of the challenges that came with newfound friendships, and Isla found herself on high alert.

On Monday afternoon, as the trio lounged on the grass near the student union, they enjoyed a brief moment of calm before the chaos of the week kicked in. Zara stretched out on the blanket, flipping through her notes. "So, are we still on for the picnic this weekend?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Absolutely! I've been looking forward to it," Lila replied, munching on a snack. "It'll be nice to unwind after this hectic week."

Isla nodded, a smile spreading across her face. "And we can invite Aiden and Jaxon again. They really added to the fun last time."

As they talked, Isla couldn't help but feel a rush of warmth at the thought of Aiden. Their connection had deepened over the past week, filled with shared glances and playful banter in between classes. He had a way of making her feel at ease, even amidst the pressures of college life.

However, just as she was lost in thoughts of Aiden, she caught a glimpse of Tiffany approaching with her usual entourage. The blonde's sharp gaze landed on Isla and her friends, a smirk creeping across her face.

"Looks like the wannabe stars are at it again," Tiffany called out, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Isla's heart sank, but she tried to brush it off. "Ignore her," Lila whispered, squeezing Isla's hand reassuringly.

"Are you all just pretending to have fun?" Tiffany continued, her voice loud enough for others to hear. "Or are you just waiting for Aiden to come sweep you off your feet?"

Zara rolled her eyes, but Isla felt a flush creeping up her cheeks. "We're just enjoying our day," Isla replied, trying to maintain her composure.

Tiffany laughed, turning to her friends, "Good luck with that, Isla. Just remember, fairy tales don't always end happily."

With that, Tiffany sauntered off, leaving a heavy silence in her wake. Isla felt a mix of frustration and determination. She wouldn't let Tiffany's negativity ruin her newfound happiness.

"Don't let her get to you," Zara said, breaking the silence. "We're having a great time, and that's what matters."

"Yeah, she's just looking for attention," Lila added. "We can rise above it."

As they regrouped, Isla took a deep breath, trying to shake off the encounter. The rest of the week passed in a blur of classes, laughter, and late-night study sessions. Aiden became a more prominent presence in her life, his easy charm making even the most mundane days brighter.

Friday rolled around again, and the anticipation for the weekend filled the air. Isla and her friends excitedly prepared for the picnic, a much-needed break from the stress of the week.

In the late afternoon, they spread out their blanket on the sunlit grass, surrounded by laughter and the delightful aromas of their homemade snacks. Aiden and Jaxon arrived shortly after, both wearing casual attire and smiles that lit up the area.