Devi sat cross-legged on her bed, surrounded by textbooks and snacks, ready for her FaceTime call with Fabiola and Eleanor. She was excited to share all the new experiences she'd been having at Princeton, but an underlying tension loomed in her mind. It had been over a week since she'd last connected with her friends from home, and the guilt of their distance nagged at her.
Just as she pressed the call button, her phone buzzed with a message from Maddie, reminding her of their plans to work on a group art project later that evening. Devi felt a pang of anxiety; she wanted to participate, but she also knew her friends needed her to be present.
The screen lit up, and Fabiola's face filled the frame, followed by Eleanor's familiar smile. "Devi!" Eleanor exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "We miss you!"
"I miss you guys too!" Devi said, her heart warming at the sight of their faces. "It's been a bit crazy here."
"How's college life treating you? Made any amazing art pieces yet?" Fabiola asked, her tone laced with genuine curiosity.
"Yeah! I joined the art club, and we're working on this mural project together. It's so much fun!" Devi replied, trying to mask the flicker of unease rising within her.
Eleanor exchanged a glance with Fabiola, the playful mood suddenly shifting. "That sounds awesome! But what about us? You've been so busy with your new friends," Eleanor said, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Devi felt her stomach twist. "I'm sorry! I've just been trying to adjust. It's overwhelming here."
"Overwhelming is one thing, but it feels like you're replacing us," Fabiola said, her voice steady yet vulnerable. "We were always there for each other, Devi. And now you're just... gone."
Devi's heart sank as Fabiola's words hit her like a wave. "I'm not trying to replace you! I promise! It's just been hard to balance everything," she explained, her voice rising in urgency.
Eleanor leaned closer to the camera, her expression softening but still serious. "We just want to feel included. It's like we're getting left behind, and we don't want that. You know?"
Devi swallowed hard, tears threatening to spill. "I didn't mean for it to feel that way. I really value our friendship! I just... I'm trying to fit in here too. It's a lot, and I thought I could share it all with you," she confessed, her voice trembling.
"I get that, but it's tough seeing you thrive while we're struggling to keep up," Fabiola said, her gaze unwavering. "We miss our Devi—the one who would call us every day, the one who always made time for us."
"I miss you guys too! I really do!" Devi pleaded. "I just need to find my balance."
A heavy silence filled the air, and Devi felt the weight of their disappointment pressing down on her. She remembered all the moments they had shared, the late-night conversations, the laughter, and the comfort of their unbreakable bond. The last thing she wanted was to feel distant from them.
"Let's make a pact," Eleanor suggested, breaking the silence. "No matter what, we set aside time to talk regularly. Like, every week. No excuses!"
"I like that idea," Fabiola said, her tone softening. "We just want to feel like you still care about us."
"Of course I care! You both are my best friends. I'll always want to be there for you," Devi said, her voice firm with resolve. "I promise I'll make more time for you."
"Okay, then! Let's start fresh!" Eleanor smiled, her eyes brightening. "And we want updates on everything—your art projects, your new friends, everything!"
Devi chuckled, feeling the tension beginning to lift. "Deal! You'll be the first to know about the mural."
As they continued chatting, the laughter gradually returned, filling the virtual space with warmth. Devi felt a wave of relief wash over her; she didn't have to choose between her new life and her old friends. There was room for both.
Later That Night
After the call, Devi sat on her bed, reflecting on the conversation. She felt a mix of gratitude and guilt. She had almost let her new friendships overshadow the bonds that had carried her through high school.
Just then, Maddie knocked on the door, poking her head inside. "Hey! You ready for our art project? We've got to get started!"
Devi smiled at her roommate's enthusiasm, feeling a renewed sense of energy. "Yeah, let's do it!" she replied, excitement bubbling up again.
As they headed to the art studio, Devi couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility for her friendships. She knew she needed to strike a balance, to nurture the connections that had shaped her into who she was.
Once inside the studio, the vibrant colors and creative atmosphere invigorated her. The walls were covered in various artworks, each piece telling a unique story. Devi felt inspired, ready to contribute her own chapter to this vibrant community.
"Let's get started on our mural!" Maddie said, grabbing a palette. "I have a vision!"
Devi chuckled, excitement replacing her earlier worries. Together, they began mixing colors, their laughter echoing in the studio. As she painted, Devi felt a sense of belonging envelop her, reminding her that friendships—new and old—were what truly colored her world.
In the Days That Follow
As the days turned into weeks, Devi found herself effortlessly juggling her new life at college and maintaining her connections with Fabiola and Eleanor. They set regular FaceTime dates, sharing updates, laughter, and even the occasional virtual movie night.
One evening, after finishing their art project, Devi found herself scrolling through her phone, feeling the warmth of connection even from a distance. She saw a text from Fabiola that made her smile: "Can't wait for our weekly call! We're planning something special for you!"
Curiosity piqued, Devi quickly replied, asking for details. She realized that, despite the distance, her friends were still deeply invested in her life, and she wanted to reciprocate that support.
"Let's make sure to plan something fun for our next call," she typed back. "Miss you both so much!"
Feeling a rush of happiness, Devi knew that their friendship was stronger than the distance. She couldn't wait to share her world with them and see theirs in return.
YOU ARE READING
Never Have I Ever Spinn off Concept Season 1 (FAN MADE)
Teen FictionDive back into the world of Never Have I Ever with this fan-made spin-off that explores the lives of Devi and her friends as they navigate the ups and downs of young adulthood. Set after the events of the original series, Season 1 follows Devi as sh...