𝘗𝘢𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘙𝘰𝘰𝘮 | 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻: 𝗜𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗼𝘄?

Uconn, Connecticut
4:49 PM
Sarahi's pov

Two days had passed since I last saw Paige at NorthRidge. Our texting had been minimal, yet it was clear she was making a greater effort than before. She suggested we meet after class and visit the local arcade. Despite knowing how exhausted I would be from my classes, I didn't want to decline her invitation.

Paige was demonstrating improvement, and I wanted to treat her well. I believed she deserved it for acknowledging her mistakes. Growth was significant to me, and I had always been forgiving. Apologies held great importance to me, and knowing she was woman enough to communicate that to me meant a lot.

Anyway.

As I entered the classroom, I immediately noticed several pairs of eyes fixed on me. A wave of confusion washed over me, and I furrowed my now perfect brows. It dawned on me that the stares were likely due to my noticeably altered appearance. Meeting the gazes of a few of the onlookers, I observed their reactions—some licked their lips and appraised me from head to toe. The sight made me physically recoil noticing it was mostly men.

The room was filled with conversations and the rustling of papers. I found an empty seat near the middle, hoping to blend in. As I settled down, I noticed the professor organizing his notes at the front, preparing for the lecture. The room gradually quieted as more students filed in, their faces a mix of anticipation and fatigue.

I glanced around, taking in the diverse group of classmates, which I never had really noticed before. Some were stuck in their laptops, typing away furiously, while others chatted in hushed tones.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and a latecomer hurried in, drawing everyone's attention for a brief moment. I noticed that it was Eden. She didn't look so good. Her hair was a frizz, she looked tired and she was almost still in her bedroom clothes. Giving her a nervous smile, she gave me a cold glance before finding a seat on the opposite side of the classroom.

We still hadn't talked since our small disagreement. I didn't think it was possible considering how close spaced we lived but one thing about Eden was that she never backed down and stood on her feelings. She was clearly still upset at me, and while I understood her feelings, I couldn't bring myself to admit it.

I wanted for her to understand me as well. I struggled to explain my attachment to Paige and the impact her words had on me. No one seemed to grasp how she made me feel, how she altered my perception of love, or how the blonde made me feel like I was on Ecstasy. 

Interrupting my thoughts, the professor cleared his throat and began the lecture. I took a deep breath, ready to immerse myself in the world of academia once again.

Nudging me, the boy next to me also cleared his throat, "Sarah? Sarah Castillo? Is that you?" He held his jaw agape.

I scrunched up my face in pure confusion. I knew that my make over made me look slightly different but it certainly wasn't that different. "Why wouldn't it be?" I whisper back.

The guy let out a chuckle, "Because you're hot?" He shook his head, "that's not the usual for you."

I rolled my eyes.

Soon, class was over and I headed over to the dining hall. I wasn't as hungry as I thought I was considering nothing on the menu looked good today. My energy level was low not only from not eating but also knowing Eden and I wasn't talking. I strongly disliked when we were upset at each other because she was the only person I could truly lean on and she wanted nothing to do with me as of right now.

My feelings were hurt. Everyone was upset at me. Including Uma. I hadn't talked to her either. I thought to send her a message but for some reason her number had completely erased itself from my phone.