(𝐬𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐳𝐞 - 𝐬𝐳𝐚)
𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐀
The clock was mocking me, ticking away with a lazy rhythm that only made me more anxious. I couldn't concentrate on anything the professor was saying. My mind was else where, tangled up in thoughts of that presentation—the presentation. A room full of CEO'S, and I had to impress them all. No pressure right?
To me it's not only just that; it's about leaving a mark, proving I'm worth something. This could change everything. And the weight of it is suffocating.
I checked my phone for what felt like the hundredth time. Still no sign of Alayna. Where is she? I wondered, glancing at my phone. No new messages. She always had this way of showing up exactly when she's meant to, never a moment to early.
My back pressed against the cool wall, and I crossed my arms, trying to get my mind of the relentlessness building inside of me. She's my best friend, practically my sister. We'd been through everything together— classes, internships, family issues. Literally everything. And right now, I need her calm confidence more than ever.
But that uneasy feeling in my gut. It wasn't going anywhere. It cling to me like a shadow whispering that something wasn't right. And for some reason I feel like it's not just the presentation that's making me feel this way.
My fingers fiddled around with the charms of my bracelet as I try to focus on something—anything—else. But the more I pushed it down, the more it bubbled up. Was it just my nerves? I mean surely anyone would be nervous about something like this? But this felt different, like my body was trying to warn me about something my mind hadn't caught up to yet.
After what felt like forever, I heard her familiar footsteps echoing down the hallway. She moved with her usual confidence, Alayna had that effortless style, always put together, whilst I look more composed than I feel.
"Took you long enough," I said pushing off the wall.
She rolled her eyes, but there was a grin tugging at here lips, but there was a grin tugging at her lips "The stupid professor was ranting again. You know how he is"
"Yeah I do." I fell into step beside her as we headed for the cafe, the same spot we always end up after class. Alayna was talking about our upcoming trip to New York, throwing out ideas for what we should do when we get there. It was just the distraction I needed— a conversation to keep my mind away.
But that uneasy feeling gnawed at me, more persistent now. It wasn't just about the presentation anymore. It was something deeper, something lurking just out of sight. My thoughts swirled around it, trying to make sense of this anxiety that seemed to be feeding on itself.
"You're too quiet," Alayna said breaking into my thoughts. Her eyes narrowed as she tilted her head slightly. "I've seen that look before. What's going on?"
"Just...got a lot and my mind." I replied, attempting to downplay it. "You know the usual"
But it wasn't the usual. I could feel it in the way my heart wouldn't settle, in the tightness in my chest that wouldn't ease up. It was like I was standing on edge of something, and the ground beneath me was starting to crack. And the worst part? I didn't even know what I was afraid of.
She gave me a look— one that said she knew exactly what I wasn't saying. But she didn't push, instead she nudged me with her elbow, a silent reassurance. "You've got this, Nala. Don't overthink it. Your going to be fine"
