MY FIRST LOVE

Aria!!” My mom’s voice cut through the quiet of the morning, drifting up from downstairs. I groaned into my pillow before forcing myself out of bed. I smoothed the sheets with slow, deliberate movements, tucking the corners like I always did. Funny how something so ordinary suddenly felt final—this would be the last time I made this bed for months. “Aria!” she called again. “I’m awake!” I shouted back, even though my body was still dragging. Pots clattered in the kitchen, the sharp rhythm of my mother’s nerves echoing against the cabinets. My stomach twisted tighter with every sound. Today wasn’t just another day—it was the day. For years I’d prepared for this moment while everyone else my age seemed more interested in parties and wasted weekends. The acceptance letter from NYU had been the reward I always dreamed of. I expected it, yes, but that didn’t dull the thrill. My mom cried like it was the end of the world, and secretly, I basked in her tears. All my studying, all my sacrifices—worth it. The hot shower soothed me for a moment, steam wrapping around my anxious thoughts. I washed quickly, shaved without much care, and wrapped myself in a towel. Right on cue, Mom yelled my name again. I ignored her this time. She wasn’t the only one with nerves. Uncle Chris and Jenna would arrive any minute. Jenna—my best friend, my anchor—wasn’t coming to college with me yet, though she should have been. A stupid kindergarten delay meant she was stuck behind by a year. Brilliant, perfect Jenna would be at NYU next fall, but today I’d be stepping into the unknown without her. All I could hope for was a decent roommate. Please, just let me get someone tolerable. “Ariana!” “I’m coming!” I snapped, trudging downstairs. Uncle Chris was already at the table, khakis and a green polo like always, his hair neat enough to belong in a magazine ad. He stood to hug me, flashing that perfect smile. “There’s our college girl.” I hugged him back, managing a smile of my own as I twisted my blonde hair into a bun. “Sweetheart, maybe fix your hair properly before we leave,” Mom murmured, her eyes flicking critically over me. Of course she noticed. Of course she said something. I sighed and leaned toward the mirror in the hall. She was right. Presentation mattered—especially today. The door burst open behind me. “Sorry! Sorry! Traffic was insane!” Jenna rushed in, cheeks flushed, hair windblown. “It’s fine—you’re right on time,” I said, grinning. Relief washed over me just seeing her. Uncle Chris grabbed the car keys. “I’ll load the bags.” He vanished out the door, leaving the three of us standing in the kitchen. By the time I slid into the car, the butterflies in my stomach had become a storm. The city, college life, strangers who would become classmates—I had no idea what awaited me. I leaned my head against the cool glass and whispered to myself, “Please let me find my place.”