Nadia stood at the entrance of the college, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. The sun was shining brightly, but her mood was clouded with anxiety. It was the start of her fifth semester, and after a month-long break, she was back. Her cousin, who was a fashion designer, had taken the liberty of revamping her entire wardrobe during the vacation. Nadia felt like she was walking into college as a completely different person.
As she walked through the crowded hallways, she noticed the curious glances and whispered comments from her classmates. She could feel her heart racing and her palms becoming sweaty. Nadia had always been self-conscious, and the sudden attention made her feel even more on edge.
"Nadia!" She turned around to see her two friends from the previous semesters, Emma and Lily, walking towards her. They had been the only ones who were always nice to her, but she had recently learned that they would be in different classes this semester.
"Hey, guys!" Nadia greeted them with a smile, trying to hide her nervousness.
Emma, with her bright red hair and infectious energy, was the first to speak. "Nadia, you look amazing! I love your new outfit."
Lily, who was more reserved but equally kind, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you look great. Your cousin did an incredible job."
"Thanks," Nadia replied, feeling a bit more at ease. "It's a bit overwhelming, though. I feel like everyone's staring at me."
"Don't worry about them," Emma said reassuringly. "They're just curious. You'll get used to it."
Lily added, "And besides, you should be proud of how you look. You're stunning."
Nadia blushed at the compliments but couldn't shake off the feeling of anxiety. "I just wish we were in the same classes. It's going to be weird not having you guys around."
Emma sighed. "I know, it's a bummer. But we'll still see each other during breaks and after classes. We'll make it work."
Lily nodded. "Absolutely. We won't let different classes keep us apart."
Their conversation was interrupted by the ringing of the first bell, signaling the start of classes. Nadia took a deep breath and said her goodbyes to Emma and Lily before heading to her classroom. She found a seat near the back and tried to focus on the lecture, but her mind kept drifting.
During the break, she decided to find a quiet spot to collect her thoughts. She headed to the courtyard and found a bench under a tree. As she sat down, she heard a familiar voice calling from behind the bench.
"Nadia?"
She turned around, her heart skipping a beat. There stood Aaron, a guy from her previous class who had always been friendly and approachable. He had a warm smile on his face, and seeing him brought a wave of relief.
"Aaron! It's so good to see you," Nadia exclaimed, feeling a bit more relaxed.
Aaron walked over and sat beside her. "You look different. New wardrobe?"
Nadia nodded. "Yeah, my cousin is a fashion designer. She decided I needed a change."
"Well, you look great," Aaron said, his smile reassuring. "How's your first day going?"
Nadia sighed. "It's been... interesting. A lot of attention and anxiety."
"I can imagine," Aaron replied. "But remember, you're not alone. If you need anything, I'm here."
Nadia smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Aaron. That means a lot."
As they sat together, chatting and catching up, Nadia felt a sense of comfort. Aaron was a football player, known for his skill on the field and his friendly demeanor off it. His presence was calming, and his support meant the world to her. Maybe this semester wouldn't be so bad after all. With supportive friends, both old and new, she felt ready to face whatever challenges came her way.
Just then, someone called Nadia from behind.
who is this person? any idea.
...................................................................................................................................................
Dear Readers,
Thank you for joining Nadia on her journey. I hope you're enjoying the story! Did you catch the T20 World Cup finals? Share your favorite moments and who you were rooting for. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Stay tuned for more adventures with Nadia.
YOU ARE READING
From the Sidelines to Center Stage
Teen FictionThis is the story of a young woman in her early 20s who overcame a rough childhood to find her place in the world. As she navigates college, crushes, and her love for cricket, she dreams of being loved unconditionally. Leaving her home country to st...
