CHAPTER 6 : SWEET TASTE OF AFFECTION
949 Words
The first few weeks at Crescent Moon College passed more quickly than either Ariel or Ava had expected.
Every morning, the two friends walked through the grand gates together, laughing about assignments, teasing one another over forgotten books, and planning what they would do after classes. To everyone around them, they looked like sisters rather than friends.
Ariel couldn't have been happier.
Having Ava beside her again made the unfamiliar college feel like home.
"You'll see," Ariel said one morning as they crossed the courtyard. "By the end of this semester, you'll know everyone on campus."
Ava laughed softly.
"I don't think so. You're the popular one."
Ariel shook her head.
"I don't care about popularity."
"I know."
"And besides," Ariel added with a smile, "everyone will love you once they get to know you."
Those words stayed with Ava throughout the day.
During their first lecture, the professor asked the students to form groups for a research project. Before Ariel could say anything, several students turned toward Ava.
"Would you like to join our group?"
"You explained yesterday's lesson really well."
"I heard you ranked first in your previous school."
Ava blinked in surprise.
"They... want me?"
Ariel nudged her gently.
"Go on."
A shy smile spread across Ava's face.
"I'd love to."
For the rest of the class, her teammates listened carefully whenever she spoke. They praised her ideas and thanked her for helping organize their presentation.
When the lecture ended, one of the girls smiled warmly.
"We're lucky you're in our group."
Ava felt something flutter inside her chest.
She wasn't used to hearing compliments.
At the orphanage, she had often gone unnoticed.
Even after Victoria and Daniel welcomed her into their lives, she had always believed that Ariel was the one everyone admired.
Now, for the first time, people were noticing her.
As the days passed, similar moments became more frequent.
Students greeted her in the hallways.
Teachers complimented her dedication.
Even senior students recognized her kindness and willingness to help.
Whenever someone smiled at her or thanked her, warmth spread through her heart.
One afternoon, Ariel and Ava stopped by the campus café after class.
As they waited for their drinks, two girls approached their table.
"Excuse us," one of them said.
"Ava, your presentation this morning was amazing."
"You explained everything so clearly."
Ava smiled politely.
"Thank you. I'm glad it helped."
"We hope we'll be classmates again next semester."
After the girls left, Ariel grinned.
"See? I told you everyone would like you."
Ava laughed.
"You were right."
Although she spoke casually, she couldn't stop thinking about the compliments.
That evening, while brushing her hair in front of the mirror, she replayed every kind word she had heard throughout the day.
"You're amazing."
"You're so kind."
"We're lucky you're here."
The words echoed pleasantly in her mind.
For someone who had once believed she would never belong anywhere, they felt almost magical.
A few days later, Crescent Moon College organized a volunteer event to help younger students adjust to campus life.
Without hesitation, Ava signed up.
She spent the afternoon guiding nervous first-year students, helping them find classrooms, and answering their questions.
By sunset, dozens of students had thanked her.
"You're so patient."
"You made today much easier."
"I hope we become friends."
Each compliment made Ava smile a little brighter.
When Ariel found her later, she couldn't help laughing.
"I've been looking everywhere for you."
"I was helping the first years."
"I can see that."
Ariel pointed toward a group of students waving enthusiastically at Ava from across the courtyard.
"I think you've become more popular than I am."
Ava quickly shook her head.
"Don't say that."
"I'm serious."
"They really like you."
Ava looked toward the students.
They smiled and waved again.
Without thinking, she waved back.
A strange feeling settled inside her heart.
It wasn't pride.
It wasn't arrogance.
It was something she couldn't quite explain.
For the first time in her life...
She felt seen.
That weekend, Victoria invited both girls home for dinner.
Throughout the meal, Ariel excitedly shared stories about classes and new friends.
Then Victoria turned to Ava.
"And how are you settling in?"
Ava smiled.
"I'm happy."
"That's wonderful."
"The students have been very kind to me."
Victoria reached across the table and squeezed her hand.
"You deserve kindness, Ava."
Those simple words brought tears to Ava's eyes.
For years, she had wondered whether anyone would ever truly accept her.
Now, surrounded by Ariel's family and welcomed by her classmates, it finally felt as though she had found the place where she belonged.
Yet later that night, as she lay awake in bed, another thought quietly entered her mind.
What if one day they stop noticing me?
The idea frightened her.
She had grown accustomed to the smiles, the praise, and the admiration that greeted her each day.
She didn't want to lose them.
She closed her eyes and tried to dismiss the thought, convincing herself it was only a passing fear.
She didn't realize that this quiet longing for approval would slowly grow stronger with each passing month.
Nor did she realize that one day, the desire to remain admired would lead her to choices she never imagined she could make.
Outside her bedroom window, the full moon shone brightly over the Silver Moon Pack, silent and beautiful.
It watched over two young women whose bond seemed unbreakable.
One valued love above all else.
The other was beginning to value being admired just as much.
Neither of them knew that fate had already begun weaving the threads of a tragedy that would test their friendship, their loyalty, and the very meaning of family.
- Writer
