Back to You, BAD BOY.

In the sleepy town of Rosewood, Georgia, seventeen-year-old Ariella James, stared out the window of her bedroom, the late summer sun casting long shadows across her hardwood floor. The scent of lavender still lingered from her mother’s favorite candle, now just another reminder of everything she had lost. It had only been a few weeks since the funeral, and though the casseroles had stopped coming, the ache in her chest hadn’t. Ariella was the only child, though now it was just her and her dad. Since her mother’s passing, her father had done everything he could to keep her grounded, hiding his own pain behind soft smiles and packed lunches. But nothing could fill the silence left behind. She was stunning in a quiet, magnetic waysmooth mocha skin, long dark lashes framing soft brown eyes, and full lips that rarely smiled the way they used to. Her hair was thick, wavy, and dark, falling to the middle of her back, and her body held the gentle curves of a girl who had grown up under the Southern sun. Despite the pain, a new chapter was calling. Ariella had been accepted into Westbridge university in North Carolina, and though it was only a few hours away, it felt like a whole new world. She’d be moving into the dorms in two days, far from Rosewood’s whispers, the pitying stares, and the memories etched into every corner of her small town. She zipped up her last suitcase and sat on her bed, heart heavy but hopeful. She was ready to leave, to start fresh, and to find out who she was without the weight of grief. What she didn’t expect was to run into Zayn Carter, the boy who shattered her heart and disappeared. College was supposed to be a new beginning, but fate had other plans. The car ride from Rosewood to Westbridge University in North Carolina was filled with laughter, bittersweet memories, and the occasional off-key singalong to 90s R&B songs. Her dad, kept the conversation alive, recounting stories from his own college days, how he met Ariella’s mom at a campus poetry night, how nervous he was on his first day, and how his biggest mistake was skipping orientation. “Don't do what I did,” he said, glancing over at her with a grin. “Go to orientation. Make friends. Don’t just stay in your room and binge-watch crime shows.” “I make no promises,” Ariella joked, but there was a light in her eyes. They stopped for burgers at a diner just off the interstate. As they ate, her dad grew quiet, his gaze lingering on her face. “You’re growing up so fast,” he finally said. “It feels like just yesterday I was teaching you how to ride a bike, and now I’m dropping you off at college.” Ariella reached across the table and squeezed his hand. “You’ve done a great job, Dad. I’ll be okay.” When they finally reached Westbridge University’s campus, Ariella’s breath caught in her throat. The place was enormous, red brick buildings stood tall against a backdrop of golden autumn trees, students bustled around, dragging suitcases and laughing with friends. Banners welcomed the incoming class of freshmen, and upbeat music played from speakers set up around the quad. Her dad helped unload her things, but before they made it to her dorm, a student volunteer approached with a wide smile. “Welcome to Westbridge! You must be Ariella Carson?” “That’s me,” she said nervously. “Awesome! You’re in Maple Hall, third floor. Two-person suite. Let’s get you signed in.” Registration was a blur of paperwork, orientation schedules, and campus maps. But soon enough, Ariella found herself standing in front of her dorm door, heart pounding in her chest. Her dad gave her a one-arm hug. “I’ll let you get settled. But call me tonight, okay?” “I will,” she whispered, already missing him. Inside the room, a tall girl with auburn braids and a confident smile was already unpacking. She turned around as Ariella stepped in. “You must be my roommate. I’m Cassie. Cassie Monroe,” she said, holding out a hand. “Ariella Carson,” she replied, shaking it. Cassie gave her a quick once-over and grinned. “Cute shoes. We’re gonna get along just fine.” Ariella chuckled, some of her nerves melting away. As she began unpacking, the two girls chatted about where they were from, their majors, and their favorite snacks. Cassie was loud, funny, and full of stories, and Ariella found herself laughing more than she had in weeks. Later that night, as she lay on the unfamiliar mattress, staring at the ceiling, Ariella reached for the locket around her neck. She opened it, revealing a small photo of her mother smiling. “I made it, Mom,” she whispered. “I really did.” And though her chest ached with grief and uncertainty, there was a flicker of hope in her heart. Tomorrow, everything would begin. Ariella had just placed the final book on her shelf when her phone vibrated against the desk. She glanced down and saw her dad’s name lighting up the screen. Her heart warmed instantly. “Hey, Dad,” she answered, sitting on the edge of her new bed. “Just got back to Rosewood, sweetheart,” came his familiar voice, sounding a little tired but full of care. “The house already feels quiet without you.” Ariella smiled gently. “I’m glad you made it home safe. I was just about to call and check.” “You settling in okay?” he asked. “Yeah, I think so. My roommate’s cool. Her name’s Cassie. She’s funny and super friendly.” “That’s good to hear. Make sure you stick around good people,” he said, then paused. “And, Ariella… just know, if things ever feel too heavy, I’m just one call away.” “I know, Dad. I love you.” “Love you more. Get some rest later, okay? Don’t skip meals.” She chuckled. “Already on my way to fix that. Talk soon.” As she hung up, she looked out the window. The sun had dipped behind the trees, casting a soft orange glow across the Westbridge campus. The day had been long, but there was something peaceful about the twilight air. Just then, Cassie poked her head out of the bathroom, already changed into comfy jeans and a crop jacket. “Hey, Ari, wanna grab some food? I’m starving.” Ariella blinked in surprise. “You don’t want to order in?” Cassie gave her a playful smirk. “Girl, this campus is huge and full of life. You gotta see it at night. Besides, the food court’s got options. And the lights? So pretty. C’mon.” Ariella, still a bit shy, hesitated. But something about Cassie’s easy confidence made her want to say yes. “Okay. Lemme grab my bag.” They headed out into the evening, the cool air brushing against their skin as they walked along the paved campus paths. Lanterns lit up the walkways, casting golden halos that made the trees shimmer. Students sat in small groups on benches or the lawn, laughing, sharing snacks, and taking pictures. “Westbridge is really something,” Ariella murmured, taking it all in. “Told you,” Cassie replied. “Wait till you see the quad at night. It looks like a movie set.”