Wishful Longings

Part 1

Liora Elowen

"Liora, why don't you try this app called Omegle? You can meet new people from all over the world, and you can even set your preferences, like 'football,'" said Seraphina or Phina, as I usually called her with her usual enthusiasm.

Seraphina Lune had been my best friend since we were thirteen. We met at school, and from that day on, she latched onto me like a leech, treating my house as if it were her own. Not that I minded, really. But today, her suggestion made me roll my eyes.

"No, thanks. I'm so tired of men," I replied, the weariness in my voice palpable. To me, all men were the same playing around, breaking hearts, and moving on as if it meant nothing.

"Just because one guy broke your heart and cheated on you doesn't mean all men are the same," Phina countered, grabbing my phone before I could protest. She was already searching for the website. I was too lazy to argue, so I let her have her way, watching as she navigated the app with ease.

"Liora, look at this! Someone shares the same interests as you!" Phina's voice broke through my thoughts.

I glared at her. "Can you just enjoy our time together instead of always dragging men into everything?" My annoyance was clear, but Phina remained unfazed. I didn't understand why she was so determined to make me meet new guys. Making friends with strangers on the internet without even knowing their real faces? It was downright creepy.

When I saw that Phina had used my real name to introduce herself to the stranger on the other end, I couldn't help it I spanked her on the head.

"Ouch! Why did you do that?" she exclaimed, rubbing the spot where I'd hit her.

I grabbed my phone from her and quickly scanned the conversation she'd started.

????: Hi, Caelum Sylas, 21. How about you?
Liora (Phina): Hi, Liora Elowen, 21. So we do have the same interests.
Caelum Sylas: Hahaha, I guess. What do you do?
Liora (Phina): Right now, I'm on my mid-semester break. How about you?
Caelum Sylas: Ah, where do you study?
Liora (Phina): Um, Cambridge.
Caelum Sylas: Wow, so you're a nerd. Can I have your Instagram?
Liora (Phina): Yes, here: @LioraElowen_
Caelum Sylas: Wow, not really that nerdy you're so pretty.
Liora (Phina): Liora left the chat.

My face turned bright red. "Why did you expose my private life to a stranger? Are you insane? What's wrong with you?" I stormed out of the room, heading for the kitchen to grab a glass of water, trying to calm the fury building inside me.

After a few deep breaths, I checked my phone again. Sure enough, that guy had already started following me on Instagram. Against my better judgment, I clicked on his profile. Not bad blue eyes, curly hair, and cool bikes. I caught myself. Wait, what? No, Liora, focus on your goals. No men in your life they're all the same.

1 week later..

As the end of the semester break loomed, Phina clung to me like a shadow, her expression one of exaggerated sorrow. Her "cute" pouting face was starting to wear thin. "I can't believe our break is over," she whined, making me roll my eyes in exasperation.

Just then, I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I fished it out and saw a notification from Instagram: SylasCae replied to your story. My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly turned off my phone, hoping Phina wouldn't see. The last thing I needed was her turning into a nosy matchmaker.

Phina's curiosity was palpable. "Why are you acting like that? Did something happen?"

I tried to keep my irritation in check. "Can you please mind your own business?"

Her eyes widened in mock hurt. "Why are you being so harsh? Are you still mad at me, Lio?" She put on her best puppy-dog eyes, but I was having none of it.

"No, I'm not mad. Just stop running your mouth. Our class is starting soon." The bell rang just as I finished speaking, and Phina and I sprinted down the hallway.

As soon as we were seated in class, I discreetly pulled out my phone and checked the message from SylasCae. A flutter of nerves tickled my stomach. Focus, Liora, I told myself. Why should you be nervous about this?

I tapped on the notification to see what he had replied.