dfw_yesha123

Ava thought starting university would be exciting, but between getting lost on her first day, struggling with online classes, and surviving off snacks, she quickly realized she had no clue what she was doing. With her best friend Lydia joining her a year later, things started looking up—until a party changed everything.

At the party, Ava comes face-to-face with her longtime crush—a ridiculously handsome, smooth-talking guy she’s only admired from a distance. He’s got silky hair, stunning eyes, and an effortless charm that makes everyone fall for him. Ava never thought he’d notice her… until he did.

But when he finally approaches her, she panics so hard she chokes on her drink and embarrasses herself in front of everyone. Lydia watches in horror (or amusement), while Ava wonders if she can ever recover from the most humiliating moment of her life.

With her current boyfriend, Elijah, giving off major red flags, and a crush who’s a known player suddenly showing interest, Ava’s university life is about to get way more complicated.

Between friendships, romance, and reckless decisions, will Ava find herself—or just more trouble?

campus days and coffee breaks

Chapter 4: A New Beginning

Ava sat in the backseat of her parents' car, staring out the window as the university gates loomed ahead. This was it—the start of a new chapter. The campus buzzed with students carrying suitcases, reuniting with friends, and figuring out where to go. The excitement in the air was almost contagious, but Ava's mind was elsewhere.

Lydia wasn't with her. They had planned to do this together—to navigate university life as best friends. But fate had other plans. While Ava got admitted, Lydia didn't, leaving her behind. Instead, Ava would be staying with Bella, Lydia's older cousin, who was already in 300 level, studying Theatre Arts.

Bella was different from Lydia in every possible way. Where Lydia was soft-spoken and easygoing, Bella was bold, confident, and unpredictable. But Ava was hopeful. She imagined late-night conversations, Bella giving her advice about university life, and maybe even introducing her to new friends. It was going to be amazing.

After unloading her bags from the car, her mom and dad gave her the usual advice—stay safe, focus on your studies, don't trust people too easily. They hugged her, wished her well, and then they were gone. Just like that, Ava was on her own.

Bella arrived a few minutes later, dressed in ripped jeans and an oversized t-shirt, her curly hair tied up in a messy bun. She had a certain presence—like she owned every space she walked into.

"You must be Ava," she said, looking her up and down with a smirk. "Let's go."

Ava grabbed her suitcase and followed Bella to the off-campus apartment. The place was small but cozy, with posters of Broadway shows and classic movies covering the walls. It was clear Bella had a passion for theatre.

"You'll be sleeping in my roommate's old bed," Bella said, pointing to a neatly made space in the corner. "She moved out last semester, so you're lucky."

Bella nodded, then tossed her bag onto her own bed. "Look, I have rehearsals, and I won't be around much. Just don't mess with my stuff, and we'll be cool."

Ava blinked. That was…unexpected. She had imagined Bella being more welcoming, maybe even excited to have her around. Instead, it felt like she was just a guest in someone else's world.

As Bella grabbed her script and headed for the door, she turned back. "Oh, and one more thing—this place has rules. You'll figure them out soon enough."

With that, she was gone, leaving Ava alone in the unfamiliar apartment. She suddenly had a feeling that this was going to be a lot harder than she thought.

And she had no idea what she had just gotten herself into.

A new beginning