Ice & Prejudice

Chapter 82

Ria's POV:

Layla drummed her fingers on the steering wheel, humming along to the song playing softly in the background. It was one of those late 2000s pop hits that had a weirdly nostalgic feel to it. I glanced out the window, the city's lights flickering by as we drove downtown toward the new low-key secret club. I wasn't sure if I was excited or nervous. Maybe both.

"So," I started, looking over at Layla, "you've really got your heart set on Oxford, huh?"

She gave me a sideways glance, smirking. "What can I say? Eddy's been in my ear about it nonstop. He's like my actual dad, but one that actually responds to my texts."

I snorted, leaning back in my seat. "Yeah, well, I never thought I'd be saying this, but it's kind of tempting. I mean, it's Oxford. But also... isn't it cold and rainy all the time? I know you're more of a summer and sun person."

Layla rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh, come on. We're psych majors. We could study the effects of seasonal depression firsthand. How's that for immersive learning?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "You're really selling it, Layla. Maybe we can freeze our butts off while getting a world-class education. Plus, there's tea. Like, so much tea."

"Don't forget the hot accents," she added with a grin. "And honestly, the campus looks like it's straight out of a movie. Stone buildings, ivy-covered walls, and ancient libraries. You'd probably feel like Hermione Granger in a hoodie."

"Yeah, but not nearly as smart or magical. I'd just be cold and sarcastic."

"You already are cold and sarcastic," she shot back, grinning. "But fine, what's your alternative? Where else would we go if not Oxford? I swear to God, if you say Oregon State, I'm pulling over."

I raised my hands defensively. "Okay, okay, I won't say Oregon State. But how about somewhere warmer, so you won't fall into your winter depression? Maybe somewhere in Spain? Or Italy? They have good food there."

Layla gave a mock sigh of defeat. "Yes, that is a very important point, Ria. Lots of sun, lots of opportunities, and way fewer chances of us drowning in a British downpour."

"Plus, palm trees. In Spain they have cool palm trees. Who doesn't love palm trees?"

"People who hate joy. That's who."

We both laughed, the bickering flowing so easily now that it didn't even feel like arguing. It was like we'd become each other's soundboard for everything - school, life, boys, whatever. Layla wasn't just my best friend; she was my person, my platonic soulmate, and I was honestly thankful for it. After all the crap I'd been through with stacy, having someone who could make me laugh like this was more than I could have asked for.

"So, we're really doing this?" I asked, biting my lip. "Picking a school together?"

Layla turned to me, her expression softening a bit. "Of course we are. I'm not going anywhere without you. We started this journey together, and we're going to keep going. Whether it's Oxford or somewhere in Spain or freaking Mars, we're sticking together."

I couldn't help the warmth that bloomed in my chest. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Layla."

She smirked, her sass back in full force. "Probably end up at Oregon State, alone, drinking sad black tea in the rain."

"Okay, that's enough slander on Oregon for one night," I said, laughing again.

We pulled up to the venue, which was tucked away in an alley downtown, hidden enough that you had to know it was there to find it. The entrance was dimly lit with neon signs that flickered pink and blue, giving the place a futuristic, otherworldly vibe. Inside, the décor matched the mood - dim lighting, splashes of neon paint on the walls, and glowing accents everywhere. The air was thick with the bass of whatever song people were silently dancing to, the colored lights bouncing off the crowd like they were part of the music itself.