Back to You

Chapter:1 Navigating Expectations

Laura's voice cut through the quiet of the morning. "Anna, hurry up! You're going to be late! Your dad is waiting for you."

Anna glanced at the clock and sighed, her fingers deftly buttoning her blouse. "Mom, I can handle myself. I can drive my own car now."

Laura's concern was evident, her brow furrowed as she rushed to Anna's side. "Your father's just worried about you, honey. It's your first day of college."

As Anna grabbed her bag and headed for the door, she couldn't help but reflect on the day's significance. Today wasn't just the start of her college journey; it was a step towards fulfilling a dream her parents didn't quite share. Her mother, a dedicated nurse, and her father, a respected doctor, had always envisioned her following in their footsteps. They had their own idea of a safe, reliable future for her, a future in medicine. But Anna harbored a different dream—one of theater and the arts.

Being their only child, she had grown up under their watchful eyes, their conservative and protective nature always guiding her choices. At eighteen, she had yet to experience the romantic thrills of being courted. The "right guy" had yet to appear in her life, but she held on to the hope that someday, someone would.

As she approached the kitchen, her father, David, was waiting with a cup of coffee in hand. "Dad, can I use my car today?"

David's eyes softened with nostalgia. "Honey, you can use it next Monday."

Anna's frustration bubbled up. "How many Mondays, Dad? I already got my license."

David chuckled, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I can't believe my baby is old enough to drive. It feels like just yesterday you were crawling around the house."

Anna met his gaze, her voice firm but hopeful. "Dad, I'll be fine. You have to trust me."

David's smile widened, though a shadow of concern remained. "Alright, just be careful."

Anna's heart raced with anticipation. "So, does that mean I can use the car tomorrow?"

David's face brightened with a smile of surrender. "Yes."

Her face lit up with pure joy. "Thank you, Dad. You're the best. Thanks a lot."

It had been a long time coming, but David had finally relented. He had promised Anna a car when she turned eighteen, and he had kept that promise with a gleaming red Audi—her dream car. After weeks of persistent pleading and gentle persuasion, she was finally given the freedom she'd longed for. 

Anna winced as she bumped into someone in the crowded hallway. "Ouch! Are you blind?"

The guy she collided with looked up, a sheepish smile playing on his lips. "Oh, I'm sorry, miss."

Anna took a moment to assess him. He was undeniably cute, but there was something about him that seemed a little offbeat, almost eccentric.

"Be careful next time," she said, trying to mask her irritation.

"Okay, sorry... miss," he replied, a hint of awkwardness in his tone.

"What?" Anna asked, puzzled.

"What's your name?" he asked, his eyes brightening.

"Anna."

"Beautiful name. I'm Jaycee."

"Nice to meet you, Jaycee. I need to go."

"Okay, bye... Anna."

As Anna walked away, she couldn't help but wonder about Jaycee. He had an edge to him, something that made her think he might be a rapper or into funk music. Either way, she was ready to dive into college life and put the encounter behind her.