A New Beginning

It was March 28th, and the fresh air of the Stanford campus was filled with the vibrant energy that always preceded the start of a new quarter. The sun filtered through the trees, casting long shadows on the grass while a local indie band played in a corner of the campus. Students passed around us, some carrying books, others laughing with friends, all preparing for what promised to be another challenging academic period.

Sack, Olivia, and I were sitting on a blanket spread over the grass, enjoying the music and the relaxed atmosphere before classes officially began on March 31st. Although we had spent intense days at the Sapphire Grove Hospital, we were now returning to university life with a new perspective on our lives and studies.

"You know, I never thought I'd say this, but I missed this place," said Olivia, stretching lazily on the blanket as she watched the band play. "Even midterms have some charm when you compare them to minimally invasive surgeries and nanotechnology."

I looked at Sack, who smiled, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm not sure 'charm' is the right word to describe Biology or Physics exams," he replied.

"It's a metaphor, Sack," responded Olivia with a dramatic sigh. "It means that even difficult things can seem lighter after facing something truly complicated."

I nodded, understanding her point.

"You're right. After everything we've experienced at the hospital, classes feel... less intimidating."

Olivia looked at me with a mischievous smile.

"Unless Sack decides to explain every mechanics concept as if it were a space engineering problem."

Sack pretended to be offended.

"Hey! My explanations are clear and precise. Besides, someone has to keep the intellectual level high around here."

"Sure, sure," responded Olivia, rolling her eyes. "And I'm the Queen of England."

We all laughed together, letting the conversation flow without rushing. But soon, the inevitable topic came up.

"Speaking of changes... What if we move in together?" proposed Olivia suddenly, as if she had been waiting for the perfect moment to launch the idea.

Sack and I exchanged a surprised look.

"Move in together?" I asked, intrigued but somewhat skeptical. "Like in an apartment near campus?"

"Exactly," responded Olivia, excited. "Think about it: we'd be closer to classes, have more space, and could cook our own meals instead of relying on the cafeteria. Plus, it would be like our own version of Friends , but without the ridiculous drama."

Sack frowned, thoughtful.

"Not a bad idea, but we'd need to find a place quickly. Classes start in three days."

"Leave that to me," said Sack, pulling out his phone. "My dad has contacts in real estate. I can make a quick call and see what options are available."

Olivia clapped excitedly.

"Perfect! I knew having a multimillionaire on the team would come in handy someday."

Sack shook his head, though he couldn't help but smile.

"I'm not a multimillionaire; my dad is, Olivia. I just have access to certain resources thanks to him."

"Details, details," she replied, brushing it off. "The important thing is that we now have a plan."

Sack made the call while Olivia and I continued listening to the band. A few minutes later, he hung up with a satisfied smile.

"We're lucky," he announced. "There's an apartment available just ten minutes from campus. It's a luxury duplex with three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a modern kitchen, and a small backyard. It's fully furnished and ready to move in."

Olivia's eyes widened.

"A backyard? This is getting interesting."

"And how much does it cost?" I asked, concerned about the practical details.

"Don't worry about that," Sack responded with a casual gesture. "My dad manages the property, so we can negotiate a reasonable price. Plus, divided among the three of us, it won't be too expensive."

Olivia nodded, pleased.

"Great, so we're officially moving. Now we just need to pack our things and bring them to the new home."

The next day, Sack drove us to the place in his car. It was impressive. Located in one of the most exclusive areas near Stanford, the duplex had a modern design with large windows that allowed natural light to flood in. The main living room featured elegant furniture and a large flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The kitchen was a dream come true, with state-of-the-art appliances and a central island perfect for cooking or working on group projects. The bedrooms were spacious and comfortable, each with its own style.

"This is incredible," said Olivia, spinning around in the middle of the living room. "We could throw epic parties here."

"Or just use it to study and rest," I suggested, trying to keep expectations realistic.

"Both," responded Olivia with a mischievous smile.

As we unpacked, Olivia couldn't resist making comments about the room arrangements.

"So, will Sack and Lindsay share a room again?" she asked teasingly. "I hope you have good nighttime habits. I don't want to wake up to... unexpected noises."

Sack and I blushed, though we tried to hide it.

"Olivia, please," I murmured, throwing a pillow at her.

"I'm just saying you should let me know if you plan to do anything loud," she continued, unable to contain her humor. "I need my beauty sleep, but even I have limits."

Sack intervened, trying to calm the situation.

"Olivia, I don't think anyone wants to hear your theories about our private life."

"Oh, come on, Sack," she said, pretending to be indignant. "I'm being practical. If you're going to do something, at least make sure it's quiet. Or better yet, buy headphones so we can all sleep peacefully."

I laughed despite myself.

"I think you've said enough, Olivia."

The next day, my parents, Amelia and Thomas Grove, arrived to check on me and congratulate me once again for my performance at the hospital. They found us in the living room, where we were discussing how to decorate the place.

"Lindsay!" exclaimed my mother, hugging me warmly. "We're so proud of you. We've heard wonderful things about your work at the hospital."

My father nodded, smiling.

"We hope this experience has helped you grow as a future doctor."

I smiled, visibly moved by their visit.

"Thank you, Mom, Dad. It's been an incredible experience."

As they chatted, Olivia, ever unpredictable, dropped one of her characteristic comments.

"By the way, Mr. and Mrs. Grove, did you know that Lindsay and Sack sleep together? Well, technically, they share a room. Though I suppose they also do other things... you know, being a couple and all."

My parents' kind faces turned serious immediately. I went pale, while Sack and I exchanged a panicked glance.

"Olivia..." I whispered, trying to stop her, but it was too late.

My mother looked at me with a mix of surprise and concern.

"Lindsay, is that true?"

I took a deep breath before responding.

"Yes, Mom, Dad. Sack and I are a couple. We've been together for a while, and sharing a room is normal for us. I didn't want to hide it, but I also didn't want it to be a constant topic of conversation."

There was an awkward silence for a few seconds until my father spoke.

"We understand that you're an adult, Lindsay, and that you have the right to make your own decisions. But we expect you to maintain a balance between your personal and academic life."

My mother nodded, though her expression remained serious.

"We only want the best for you, sweetheart. If Sack is important to you, then we accept him. But we expect both of you to be responsible."

Sack intervened, showing respect and maturity.

"Mr. and Mrs. Grove, I understand your concerns. I want to assure you that I value Lindsay very much and have always tried to support her in everything she does."

My mother finally smiled, though moderately.

"Good. We trust you, Lindsay. Just be careful."

Olivia, however, couldn't resist the opportunity to keep making comments.

"Besides, Mr. and Mrs. Grove, don't worry. I'm like a sort of moral guardian here. If anything goes wrong, I'll be the first to intervene. Although, honestly, I think you're in good hands. Sack is like the prince charming from fairy tales, but without the white horse."

My father raised an eyebrow, clearly confused.

"Prince charming?"

"Yes, Mr. Grove," responded Olivia with total seriousness. "Sack is basically a romantic hero from a novel. He saves hearts, literally and figuratively. Though, well, maybe not mine because I prefer luxury hotels."

Sack looked at her incredulously.

"Olivia, could you stop talking, please?"

"Relax, Sack," she said, winking at him. "I'm just helping your future in-laws get to know you better."

My mother let out a small laugh, though she tried to hide it.

"Well, it seems you have a very... direct friend."

"That's an understatement," I muttered, covering my face with my hands.

After my parents left, the three of us stayed silent for a moment, processing what had happened.

"Olivia, why do you always have to say everything you think?" I asked, though I couldn't help but smile.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist," she responded, shrugging. "Besides, now your parents know. No more secrets."

Once my parents left, we decided to focus on something more positive: decorating the house.

We spent the rest of the afternoon discussing ideas and making plans to transform our new home into a space that reflected our personalities.