Our different worlds

Welcome to Kingsford University!

Evelyn's PoV

The sun was barely up, casting that soft, early light over our quiet street as I zipped up my last bag, nerves sparking under my skin. Today was the day. Kingsford University. It felt surreal even saying it in my head. The kind of place I'd never dared to dream of-the kind of place that only seemed real in movies or on TV. But here I was, clutching my scholarship like a golden ticket, my one-way pass into the world of the elite.

As I went downstairs, I saw Mom standing by the door, looking both proud and worried. She smiled, pulling me into a hug. "Make us proud, honey. I know you will." Dad gave me his own quiet squeeze of encouragement, while my little brother dashed around us like a whirlwind, asking a million questions about "fancy ice cream" and if they had "princess rooms."

"Ethan, I'll come home and tell you everything, okay?" I promised, ruffling his hair.

Finally, with a deep breath, I turned to wave at them one last time before heading outside. Max was already waiting by his Jeep, his friends packed in and spilling laughter out the windows. Seeing him standing there, casually leaning against the door with that trademark grin, brought a weird sense of relief. Max was my neighbor, the rich kid next door, and a friend I hadn't expected to have. When he found out about my scholarship, he insisted I come with him and his friends for the drive to Kingsford. I was grateful, even if it was still hard to believe I belonged with them.

The moment I approached the Jeep, all eyes turned to me. Max's friends were giving me curious, amused looks. It didn't take long for the teasing to start.

"So, you're the famous scholarship student, huh?" Dan, a guy with messy hair and a grin that screamed trouble, smirked at me from the front seat. He looked like the kind of person who could make you laugh and roll your eyes at the same time.

I matched his smirk with my own. "Guilty," I said, tossing my bag into the back. Dan laughed, shuffling over to make room as I climbed in.

Beside him was Thomas, who greeted me with an easy, laid-back smile, like he was perfectly comfortable with everyone and everything. "Hey, Evelyn, nice to meet you," he said, and I was already grateful for his calm vibe. It felt like a steady presence in the midst of all my nerves.

Then, from the backseat, two girls twisted around, studying me with interest. Maeve and Julia. Maeve had this sharp, magnetic confidence about her, while Julia was all elegance and quiet mischief. They introduced themselves with almost intimidating ease, and before I could even process much, Maeve leaned in, catching Julia's gaze with a playful smile. And then, right there, the two of them kissed.

My eyes widened, and I was completely unable to look away for an embarrassing beat. Maeve pulled back, catching my gaze with an arched brow and a smirk.

"What?" she asked. "Want to join?"

"Oh-uh, no, thanks," I stammered, my cheeks burning. Julia chuckled softly, amused as she settled back into her seat, and I tried to pretend I hadn't just stared.

Max shot me a look over his shoulder, his expression somewhere between amused and sympathetic. "Alright, everyone's met our girl Evelyn. Everyone ready?"

The others cheered in response, and we took off, winding through the streets that felt more like a home than ever. I watched my neighborhood disappear behind us, excitement and nerves twisting together as I thought of what lay ahead.

Dan kept up a steady stream of jokes on the way, a lot of them about me being the scholarship student, which made me laugh despite myself. Thomas bobbed his head along to the music, eyes closed, and every so often Maeve and Julia whispered to each other, giving me quick, curious glances. I felt like a piece of some strange, complicated puzzle, fitting in and standing out all at once.