Love Lessons by Veda

The Beginning The morning sun cast a warm glow over Sarah's childhood home, illuminating the familiar surroundings. She couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation as she prepared to leave for college. It was a day filled with the promise of new beginnings. In her room, Sarah hastily checked her packing list. Toothpaste, definitely toothbrush. Hair brush? ''Ughhh, packing is so frustrating.'' Her mom's voice called out from downstairs, "Sarah, have you packed everything you need?" She quickly scanned her room, adding a few items she thought she might need. After double-checking her suitcase, she made her way downstairs. Where she saw her parents busy with the final preparations, ensuring everything was ready for the journey. Her dad was adjusting some luggage in the car, and her mom was organizing some last-minute things. Sarah decided to grab a quick breakfast to be a little less hungry for the long drive. She took a piece of toast from the plate and ate it while chatting with her best friend, Vanessa. Vanessa: "Hey, Sarah, You are finally going to college!!! Since I've been at college 2 weeks before you i should totally be like your big sister and tell you all you need to know. Sarah: "Vanessa, 2 weeks isn't a lot and i refuse to see you as my big sister. ? Vanessa: "Okay fine. College has been fun though. Probably cause i have not started classes. I've met so many people, like a lot It's kinda exhausting tbh" Sarah: "You know how i am with new people. I hope i actually make friends. How was your first day though?" Vanessa: "It was some experience i can't lie.The campus is hugeeee, and there's so much to explore. But you know what they say, 'smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.' It's been stressful, but I know I'll learn eventually." Sarah: "Okayy. I'm low-key nervous". Vanessa: "You'll be fine". While engrossed in the convo Sarah didn't notice her parents were already waiting in the car, ready to leave. Her dad called out, "Sarah, come on, we're running late!" She hurriedly finished her toast and rushed out the door, still texting Vanessa. Sarah: "Gotta go, Vanessa. See you soon!" Vanessa: "Okay byeeee." As she entered the car, her phone buzzed with a message from Adam, her boyfriend. The name on the screen brought a smile to her face. Her mom couldn't help but notice her daughter's beaming expression. Mom: "Why are you smiling so much, Sarah?" Sarah's heart raced, knowing that she had kept her relationship with Adam a secret from her parents. She quickly thought of a cover story. Sarah: "Um oh, Mom, it's just Vanessa, my best friend from high school. We've been chatting about how much we're going to miss each other." She then let out an akward laugh. Her mom smiled warmly, satisfied with the explanation. "That's sweet, dear. It's always hard to leave your friends behind, especially when you're starting something new." "Yes mom, it is". That has to be the worst cover story ever, at least she bought it. Get it together Sarah. The text conversation with Adam continued, and Sarah's thoughts drifted to the challenges of high school. It had been a mix of joy and sorrow, Sarah and Adam have been in a long distance relationship for a while now though Adam had already started college and is presently a sophomore while she was still in high school. The memories of their long-distance relationship were a testament to their love and commitment or so she thought. Her mind wandered to her high school days, where she had been bullied for her appearance. Her former classmates, from affluent backgrounds, had taunted her, calling her "poor" due to her middle-class upbringing. They had made her feel inadequate and unattractive. It was Vanessa who had been her anchor during those difficult times, offering unwavering support and friendship. But then, there was Adam, who had entered her life during a summer camp. His love and admiration had made her feel beautiful, a sentiment she had never truly believed in until she met him. I love Adam. She thought to herself. Her mind wandered and she stared through the window and watched as the world was literally passing by. Soon enough they arrived at the college campus, the moment of parting came, and it was a heartfelt goodbye between Sarah and her parents. Tears welled in her mom's eyes, and her dad embraced her tightly, offering words of encouragement and love. As she stepped out of the car, Sarah couldn't help but feel like a main character in her own story. With newfound confidence, she walked toward the housing area, her heart brimming with hope and determination. Her main character moment was cut short as she approached the building, with a sight that dampened her spirits. There, stretching out in front of her, was a massive line of fellow students, all eager to secure their dorms. "Okay Sarah, it's just a line. It's just a line." Sarah had been standing on the line for what felt like days and when she was next in line a fellow student, clearly new to the college, brazenly cut in line ahead of her. "Did she just? I am thirsty and tired and I just want to get my room" Sarah held her hand in a fist and her teeth gritted trying not to scream at a random person in front of everybody. "Excuse me," Sarah said, her voice firm but not confrontational. "The line starts back there." The freshman turned to look at her, a nonchalant expression on their face. "What's the big deal? It's just a line." Sarah was taken aback by the lack of consideration. "The big deal is that we're all waiting our turn. It's not fair to cut in line. Please go to the back like everyone else." The freshman shrugged and took a step forward, ignoring Sarah's request. "Relax, it's not that serious." Sarah's frustration grew, and she knew she had to stand her ground. "It is serious. We're all here to get our dorms. Please respect the queue." The tension in the air was palpable as Sarah and the freshman locked eyes, neither willing to back down.