Her Ideal Boy

Friends and Foe

Keith couldn't sleep that night, her mind racing with anticipation for the morning to come. She was beyond thrilled at the thought of meeting Zachariah in the  park just outside the college. A few months ago, this encounter would have seemed impossible. Her heart pounded at the thought of him, sending shivers down her spine.

The next day, she woke up brimming with excitement, though she masked it well. She chose her new outfit: a pair of stylish pants and a pink top adorned with delicate frills at the sleeves and waist. After taking one last look in the mirror, she grabbed her scooter, feeling a swarm of butterflies in her stomach, and headed out. Arriving early, she parked her scooter in the college parking lot and made her way to the nearby park.

The minutes of waiting felt like an eternity. She nervously scanned the park, her thoughts a jumble of excitement and anxiety. Then she heard it.

"Keith."

She turned around to see Zachariah standing there, looking effortlessly handsome in his black turtleneck and khaki pants. Her jaw dropped internally, but she maintained her composure, greeting him with a smile. "Hey, Zachariah."

"So, how are you doing?" Zachariah asked sincerely, his voice warm and inviting.

"I've been fine," Keith replied, masking her inner turmoil. She was beyond thrilled and going bonkers inside, but she didn't let it show.

Zachariah reached into his pocket and pulled out a small maroon box, extending it towards Keith. Confused, she accepted it, her fingers brushing against his cold skin, sending an electric shock through her spine. She opened the box and gasped. Inside was a delicate silver pendant with a small flower tinged in pink. It was exquisite, the kind of jewelry she would never buy for herself.

"Zachariah, it’s beautiful," she muttered, almost hypnotized. "You didn’t have to get me this."

Zachariah chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "It's okay, Keith. We're friends. It’s a thank you gift for yesterday’s company. Besides, I saw this in the mall yesterday and thought it would look great on you."

Keith stared at him in awe, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice full of sincerity.

Zachariah was pleased, seeing the evident delight in Keith’s eyes. They walked to the college together, chattering about their favorite books, movies, and everything in between. Keith couldn’t help but feel self-conscious, thinking about her weight and how she often felt unattractive compared to the other girls. But Zachariah didn’t seem to acknowledge any of her perceived flaws. His genuine interest made her feel beautiful and confident.

As they entered the college building, they parted ways. Keith felt a surge of happiness she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Her thoughts were interrupted by Rose, who had been waiting impatiently in the corridor.

"Where were you, Keith?" Rose demanded, her frustration barely concealed.

"I just got delayed," Keith replied cautiously, not ready to reveal her budding feelings for Zachariah and risk humiliation.

"You look different… Is it the dress? Oh, it's the pendant!" Rose exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise.

Keith smiled, avoiding telling her the name of the person who gifted it. "Just something I picked up," she said nonchalantly.

During lunch break, Keith, Rose, and their friends gathered in the library to study. The large windows let in the bright spring sunlight, casting a warm glow over the room. As they sat down with their books, Rose looked around and sighed.

"Spring is finally here," Rose said dreamily. "We should do something fun, you know, to celebrate."

The idea immediately caught on. "That sounds perfect!" exclaimed Mia, another friend. "We’ve been cooped up inside studying for so long. We need a break."