Everything with you

Part 48

Emma

I stood in the middle of the campus courtyard, my bag slung over one shoulder and my coffee in hand. The warm sun filtered through the trees, casting a golden glow on the bustling crowd of students. It was my third week back at college, and for the first time in months, I felt a sense of stability.

My classes this semester were different—focused on courses related to social work and community engagement. Today's lecture on child development had been particularly engaging, sparking ideas for projects I wanted to pursue. The thought of making a difference filled me with purpose.

Later that afternoon, I found myself at the dance studio, tying my sneakers as the sound of music and laughter echoed through the space. I'd landed a part-time job as an assistant at the studio—a place I'd spent countless hours in my younger years. The scent of polished wood floors and faint traces of perfume brought back fond memories. Although today I was filling in for Sophia as she had an emergency.

"Alright, everyone!" I called out to the group of young dancers as they lined up in front of the mirror. "Let's go over the routine from the top."

The kids groaned playfully, and I laughed, clapping my hands to energize them. As the music started, I danced alongside them, encouraging and correcting their movements. The joy on their faces was contagious.

After class, I tided up the studio and headed to my dorms.

As I walked back to my dorm that evening, my body pleasantly tired from the day's activities, I realized I hadn't thought about Justin or the breakup once. For the first time, my world felt like it was mine again—filled with possibilities, growth, and a newfound peace. I smiled to myself, letting the cool night air carry my forward.

As I walked back to my dorm, the cool night air brushing against my skin, I felt a sense of calm I hadn't experienced in a while. Tomorrow was my birthday, though I hardly thought of it as anything special. I never liked making a big deal out of the day, preferring to let it pass quietly.

Thankfully, no one here seemed to know, and I intended to keep it that way.

My phone buzzed with a notification from Joel, a simple meme about coffee that made her smile. I tucked it back into her pocket, grateful for the little things that made my days brighter. Tomorrow, I'd treat myself to an extra-large coffee and maybe an indulgent pastry, and that would be enough. For now, all I wanted was to fall into bed and drift off.

I had just settled into my bed with a book, the soft glow of my bedside lamp casting a warm light over the small dorm room. I had plans to spend the evening in quiet solitude, maybe streaming a movie and treating myself to a snack. Tomorrow, my birthday would come and go like any other day. At least, that was the plan.

The door burst open with a dramatic flair, and Hayley stormed in, her backpack slung over one shoulder and her cheeks flushed from rushing across campus.

"Emma! You're not going to believe what I just found out," Hayley said, her words tumbling over each other. She dropped her bag onto the floor and plopped onto my bed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Emma sighed, bookmarking her page. "What?"

Hayley grinned mischievously. "Tomorrow is a very special day, and someone I know is turning eighteen."

I groaned, tossing the book onto my nightstand. "How did you find out?"

"I have my ways," Hayley said smugly, crossing her arms. "And don't even try to tell me you're planning to spend your eighteenth birthday holed up in here like a hermit."

I rolled her eyes. "I wasn't planning anything, Hayles. I don't like making a big deal out of my birthday."

She wasn't having it. She jumped up and grabbed my hands, pulling me to my feet. "Absolutely not. This is your eighteenth birthday, Emma. You're officially an adult! You only get one of these, and we are not letting it slip by unnoticed."