FROM SAGE TO SAVED

FRIENDS ♾️

For those of you who've had the privilege of reading my high school scribbles, Twisted Fate of the Gang Wars, you've already tasted a slice of the wild imagination that shaped my perspective of campus life. Back then, I had no idea how much of my fiction would eventually reflect my reality—albeit with a few key differences. If you still have that book, do yourself a favor and return it. Copyright infringement is real, and I might just decide to pursue a case.

That book, though—what a ride. I poured my soul into it, even if I sprinkled it with a touch of fiction. Keriski, the protagonist, already knew Samira before stepping foot on Mayford University's campus. Mustafa was his loyal right-hand man, the epitome of unwavering loyalty, while Akram, his brother, provided the perfect foil with his antagonistic energy. It all built toward an inevitable war—a clash I could barely wait to write about.

Looking back, Twisted Fate was a reflection of the life I dreamed of living: fame, love, power, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. But as the saying goes, "Be careful what you wish for." I came to live some of it—just not in the way I expected. Reality, as always, had its own plot twists.

Meeting the MustafasFast-forward to my first days on campus, and enter the two lightskinned guys who quickly became my Mustafas—minus the dark drama. Jace and Felix, my dynamic duo, couldn't have been more different, yet they complemented each other perfectly.

Jace, the quieter one, had a certain air of mystery about him. His parents were clergy, and his upbringing showed in his calm demeanor and the subtle way he carried himself. He played the piano, which immediately struck a chord with me—pun intended. There was an unspoken understanding between us whenever music came into the conversation.Felix, on the other hand, was pure sunshine. An open book with nothing to hide, he was the kind of person who drew people in effortlessly. Hailing from California, he was obsessed with basketball and had this knack for making everyone feel seen and heard. And yes, he was as good-looking as you're imagining—probably better.

It didn't take long for us to become inseparable. Morning, noon, and night, we were together. They'd swing by my room after their showers, and we'd walk around campus, hang out, and spend hours on the basketball court. Even though my handles were terrible, Felix and Jace made me feel like a pro just by being there.

The Nights Were OursThose first few weeks felt like a dream. We took endless photos and spent evenings playing games in Jace's hostel. Sometimes his roommates would join us, and before I knew it, I was the only girl in a room full of fifteen guys. Surprisingly, it didn't feel intimidating. Quite the opposite—I felt safe, surrounded by my newfound circle of protection.Then came Marcus. He was the plus-one we didn't know we needed but somehow couldn't do without. Tall, dark, and undeniably charming, Marcus had a way with people—especially women. He could charm his way into any situation, and before I knew it, our trio had become a quartet.

With Marcus around, everything felt more dynamic. He had this knack for showing up at just the right moment, usually when a picture was being taken or plans were being made. It was as if he belonged, though none of us could pinpoint when or how he became part of the group.

My First "Girl" FriendBefore my high school friend Maya arrived on campus, another unexpected connection came my way: Felicy. She was different—a little wild, a little goofy, and completely unapologetic about it. When we met, she didn't have a single tattoo, but her free-spirited nature was already evident.Felicy was the first "girl" friend I made on campus, and her energy was infectious. We bonded over ridiculous things, like tracking down LGBTQ rumors and giggling like teenagers at every discovery. 

Dear reader, if I had known how much those first weeks would shape my journey, maybe I would've paid closer attention to the details. But hindsight is always 20/20, isn't it? I thought I was building a life that mirrored the fiction I once wrote, but life, as it turns out, has a way of defying even the most creative imaginations.Felix, Jace, Marcus, and even Felicy—they were more than just characters in my life. They were anchors, holding me steady in a world I barely understood. But as I would soon learn, the best stories are never without their twists.Let the story commence.