Beneath the skyscrapers

Chapter six: college drama

As I made my way to class, the bustling energy of NYU's campus filled the air with excitement and anticipation. I waved goodbye to Asia, our usual ritual of blowing kisses back and forth felt like a small reprieve from the chaos around us. "Have a good day!" I called after her, trying to shake off the remnants of my recent breakup with Casey, which had left me raw and a little off balance.

Just as I turned the corner, I spotted Carla in a heated conversation with King, her boyfriend. The way her arms were animated, and her voice pitched with annoyance told me things weren't going smoothly. King's friend stood off to the side, rolling his eyes like he was witnessing a soap opera. I didn't know his name, but he flashed me a smile as I approached, and I felt a brief spark of interest despite myself.

"Hey, Ericka," King greeted me, his tone a mix of camaraderie and concern. As he introduced me to his friend, Ace, I couldn't help but notice his confident demeanor. I felt my heart race a little—that was until Carla threw a snide comment my way.

"Nice outfit, Ericka. Hope you didn't have to try too hard," she said, a fake sweetness coating her words. It was her signature move, trying to undermine me with passive-aggressive jabs. I just smiled, letting it roll off my back. I'd spent years building my resilience in a rough neighborhood; one pettiness from Carla wouldn't tear me down.

"What's your major?" Ace asked, his curiosity genuine. I could feel Carla's eyes piercing into me, waiting for me to respond so she could pounce with yet another jab.

"Law and social justice," I replied, my voice steady. "I want to make a difference, you know?"

"Impressive," he said, nodding. "I'm double majoring in business and psychology. Maybe I should keep you in mind for when King and I need some legal advice," he added with a grin, pulling my confidence even higher.

As King and Ace made their way to class, Carla turned to me, her expression shifting from playful to serious. "Good luck with Ace. He's in a relationship with my best friend Kia, but you never know," she said, her eyes narrowing slightly.

I couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Actually, Carla, I just got out of a pretty tough relationship and I'm not looking for anything right now." I gave her a pointed look, hoping to deflate her unnecessary bravado.

"Right," she scoffed, and I could see the gears turning in her mind, trying to fabricate a narrative that would put me in a bad light. But I'd faced worse than her petty jealousy.

As we walked towards our classrooms, the atmosphere thick with tension and snap judgments, I silently vowed to focus on my goals and friendships that lifted me up, not those that sought to bring me down.