The next morning, I wake up to the soft rays of sunlight streaming through the curtains of my new room. My head is pounding slightly from the party, but there's a sense of relief in the air. Last night wasn't perfect, but it felt like a small victory. I roll out of bed, determined to make the most of today. I need to start focusing on myself and my new life at college.
Hayley is already up, making coffee in the kitchen. As I walk in, she greets me with a cheerful smile.
"Morning! How are you feeling today?" she asks, handing me a mug of coffee.
"Better, thanks. Last night was a good distraction. I'm glad I came to the party," I admit, taking a grateful sip of the coffee. "I was able to meet some new people, which was nice."
"Great to hear! And you should know, Aiden seemed pretty interested in you. I think he's a good guy to have around if you need a friend," she says with a knowing smile.
I blush slightly, not sure how to respond. "Yeah, Aiden is... interesting. We had a brief conversation. He's been kind of nice to me."
"Well, if you need any more tips on navigating this place, just ask. I'll be around," Hayley says, winking at me. "Now, let's get you to your first class. You don't want to be late."
As we head out, I feel a mix of excitement and nervousness about starting classes. The campus is bustling with students, and the energy is contagious. Hayley leads me to my first class, which turns out to be an introduction to psychology. I walk in and find a seat, trying to focus on the syllabus and the professor's introductory lecture.
Throughout the day, I find myself getting into a rhythm. Each class introduces me to new concepts and new people. During lunch, I sit with Hayley and some of her friends at a campus café. It feels nice to be included in their conversations, and they're all genuinely friendly.
In the afternoon, while I'm navigating my way to my next class, I accidentally bump into someone. I look up and find myself face-to-face with Aiden.
"Hey, Alli," he says with a grin. "Looks like we keep running into each other."
"Hey, Aiden," I reply, trying to sound casual. "Yeah, it seems like that."
"Got any plans for tonight? If you're free, I was thinking of checking out this cool event at the student union. It might be a good way to unwind," he suggests.
I hesitate for a moment, remembering the pain from last night but also acknowledging that a new experience could be exactly what I need. "Sure, I'd like that. What time?"
"Let's say 7 PM? I'll meet you at the entrance," he says, looking pleased. "It'll be fun."
We part ways, and I can't help but feel a bit excited about the evening. The day goes by smoothly, and by the time 7 PM rolls around, I'm ready to head to the student union.
When I arrive, Aiden is already there, waiting with a friendly wave. We enter together, and the event turns out to be a lively mixer with games, music, and lots of opportunities to meet new people. Aiden and I stick together, enjoying the atmosphere and chatting with various students.
As the night progresses, Aiden seems to effortlessly draw people into conversation. His charm and easy-going nature make him a hit, and I find myself feeling more relaxed and at ease. We end up playing a few games and sharing some laughs.
At one point, Aiden leans in and says, "You know, it's really great seeing you having fun. I hope you're starting to feel a bit more at home here."
"Yeah, I am," I reply, genuinely grateful. "It's been a rough start, but tonight has helped a lot."
We continue to enjoy the event, and as it winds down, Aiden walks me back to my dorm. The night has been a good distraction, and I feel a small sense of hope for the future. As we reach my building, Aiden turns to me.
"Thanks for coming tonight, Alli. I know things have been tough, but remember you're not alone here," he says sincerely.
"Thank you, Aiden. I really appreciate everything. It means a lot," I say, smiling at him.
As I head inside, I feel a glimmer of optimism. College is starting to feel a bit more like home, and even though Peter is no longer part of my life, I'm beginning to see that there are new possibilities and new friendships waiting for me.
YOU ARE READING
Controlled
Romance"I just thought that it was weird having you talking with me next to my feet." "Woah you're a dumbass!" I say "A dumbass that helped you, so that makes me less dumbass." he says with a big smirk on his face. - Allison Parker a strong woman who has c...
