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CHAPTER ONE: NEW BEGINNINGS
EVAN'S POV
I'm sitting here on the lawn in the mansion's backyard, gazing at the stars while sipping a can of beer and listening to music from the outside speakers. Inside, a crowd of students is dancing and drinking, but I don't really care. Today was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. Summer just ended, and we won the soccer championship. Filled with mixed emotions, I'm overwhelmed by the euphoria of the championship victory and the loneliness I feel amidst the crowd.
I look around and see my teammates celebrating, hugging, and laughing together. I feel happy about our success on the field, but something inside makes me feel disconnected from the shared joy.
I just ended my two-year relationship with my partner because he's moving to another state to start a new life, and we're terrified of the possibility of cheating on each other.
"Buck, I love you, but my dreams are outside of California."
I sigh deeply and run a hand through my blond hair, trying to clear my mind of negative thoughts. I can't allow myself to sink into sadness. Suddenly, I hear footsteps approaching and open my eyes to find a tall, beautiful figure. It was Taylor, my best friend and confidante.
Taylor stops in front of me, looking at me with curiosity in her gray eyes.
"Are you okay?" she asks in a firm but gentle voice.
I nod, trying to force a smile onto my face.
"Yeah, I just needed some fresh air."
"Evan, you don't have to pretend to be strong, not with me. I just saw Connor practically run inside the mansion."
"We're done," I say, a lump forming in my throat as I try to hold back the tears that threaten to spill.
I see the cheerleader sit down and touch my shoulder, wanting to comfort me.
"I'm so sorry, Ev. I know you've been together for a long time, but maybe this is for the best."
I stared at the grass before replying.
"I know, but I can't help feeling devastated. I thought we were going to be together forever."
"Evan, things might seem difficult right now, but time heals all wounds. Maybe this is a chance for both of you to grow and find what truly makes you happy. Don't dwell on the past and hold onto hope for a better future."
I smiled weakly, grateful for my friend's words. After all, I have her and her beautiful charisma.
"Thanks, Ty. It means so much to me that you're here."
"I'll always be here for you, Evan. Count on me through thick and thin." She hugged me.
Then I saw my friend stand up and extend her hand, encouraging me to get up.
"I'll always be here for you, Evan. Count on me through thick and thin."
"I'll see my friend stand up and extend her hand, encouraging me to get up."
"I'll always be here for you, though."
"I'll always be here for you, Evan. Count on me through thick and thin."
"I'll always be here for you, though."
"I'll always be here for you "It's the homecoming party. Summer's officially over, and you're the host," she smiled.
I rolled my eyes and did as she said. Together we went back inside the sorority house and started hanging out with the rest of our friends.
✨✨✨
TOMMY'S POV
I wake up to the sound of the airplane wheels touching the runway. I look out the window and see the "Welcome to California" sign. I sigh and stretch in my seat. It had been a long flight from Boston, where I'd lived my whole life.
"We're here, son. Are you ready to start a new adventure?" my mother said, patting me on the shoulder.
I nod, but I'm not very enthusiastic. I just won a partial scholarship to study at the University of California, Los Angeles, a city over 100 kilometers away. That meant leaving behind my home, my friends, and what hurt the most, my girlfriend, Abby.
Abby and I have been dating for a year. She's an exceptional and intelligent girl. She's currently the library assistant at my old school. She took this job to save money on her sick mother's medication. We promised to stay in touch and visit each other whenever we could. But I know long-distance relationships are more difficult, and I fear things will change.
As I collect my luggage and follow my mother toward the exit, I take out my phone and text Abby.
"I've arrived in Los Angeles. I miss you so much."
She didn't reply right away, and I assumed she was still on duty. I can't help but feel a little disappointed; I wanted to talk to her.
After collecting our bags, we leave the airport and head to the car. During the drive to my new life, my mind can't help but wander to all the things I left behind.
We finally arrive at the campus, and I'm dazzled by how beautiful the building is. It's an imposing building, with modern architecture and large windows that let in the sunlight. I feel small compared to the magnitude of this new chapter opening before me.
As we walk around the campus, I feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Everything is new, from the buildings to the unfamiliar faces around me. I wonder if I'll be able to adapt to this new life, far from everything I know.
When I arrive at the university residence where I'll be staying, my mother gives me a comforting hug before saying goodbye. I stand alone, still in front of my room, number 217. I take a deep breath and grab my keys to open it, revealing a short boy with dark hair and brown eyes lying on the bed.
"Hey," he says, sitting up to greet me with a handshake. "I'm Sal de Luca, you can just call me Sal. Welcome to campus."
"Thanks, I'm Tommy," I reply with a smile. I put my suitcases on what will be my bed and start unpacking.
"What are you going to study?" he asks.
"Art," I answer proudly. "And you?"
"Acting."
"Cool," I say, folding my clothes and putting them in a drawer of the small dresser. The rest is hanging in the closet. After finishing my homework, I lie down on my bed and grab my laptop. I open my favorite social media apps and check my friends' updates. I felt a pang of nostalgia and loneliness. Not even a day had passed and I already missed them terribly.
Then I hear knocking on the door and see my roommate open it.
"Hey Sal, is Tommy Kinnard here?" I hear a female voice and, curious, I get up to see who it is. I'm surprised to see her. Lucy Donato, my Uncle Ian's daughter. I had completely forgotten they lived here in California. I smile broadly and hug her tightly.
"Lucy, it's good to see a familiar face," I say happily. "How did you know which room was mine?"
"It just so happens I was arriving on campus when I ran into my aunt, and she told me you were here."
"Sorry to ruin your family moment, but I was wondering if you're going to the welcome party?" my roommate interrupts, looking at my cousin.
"Yes," the blonde replies with a sweet smile, which I can't help but think isn't just a friendly smile.
"Are you coming with us?" she asks, turning her attention back to me.
"I'm coming with you." “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” I tried to persuade her. “I just moved in and…”
“And I imagine you plan on staying in your bed, listening to music while missing your girlfriend, right?”
“Are you psychic?” I asked in amazement.
“No, but I know you well enough to know you’re making up excuses,” she said, crossing her arms.
“Well, maybe you have a point,” I admitted with a smile, knowing Lucy was right. My reluctance to go to the party wasn’t just because I’d recently moved into my room, but also because I missed my girlfriend.
“Okay, I’ll go with you to the welcome party,” I finally gave in, excited by the prospect of spending time with my cousin and meeting new people on campus.
We got ready quickly, getting dressed for the occasion and joining Sal. Although I was excited to start a new life, I also had some apprehension. I had never lived far from my friends before, and now I would have to adapt to a new environment. But I was confident it would be fun and exciting.