Ugh... I really dislike it when Dad insists on dragging me to social gatherings. Ever since I didn't meet the standards for Oxley University and got rejected, he's been relentless. Yes, Oxley has one of the best medical programs in the country, but I refuse to be a nerd for the rest of my life. That place is nothing more than a competitive den for overachievers. Honestly, I'm relieved they rejected me.
"Annabel!"
My dad's cold, stern voice pulled me back to reality. "What were you thinking? . If you had just focused on the right thoughts before answering those interview questions, we might have been thanking God for your admission by now." There he goes again. I quickly hopped out of the car and followed him inside. We had just gotten to the Walters' manor. It was just another day for him to brag about his company's success, while businessmen snagged deals left and right. This kind of social scene in Winston is pretty common, with people throwing parties for every little accomplishment. I've always wondered why Dad bothers to go, though. He doesn't really get along with most of those guys beyond work. Like he always says, it's just a way to network.
I felt a warm hand on my shoulder and turned to see James. I grinned and said, "Hey Jamsie!" He raised an eyebrow, a playful frown crossing his face. "You know I've mentioned this before, but Jamsie isn't a name for a guy like me. It's James," he replied, his tone light but firm. Teasing James about his nickname was always entertaining; I knew how much he disliked it. It's funny how it was his family's event, but he still sought me out to share a moment of solidarity amidst the festivities. We've known each other since kindergarten and kept in touch through high school, even though we attended different schools.
James is one of the key reasons I decided to apply to Seleby's without telling my parents or my friends. I'm really curious to see if I'll get accepted. He applied there as well, as a computer science major, which feels promising. It'll be great to have a friend at a new school, making the transition a lot less intimidating. And then there's Nic. Nicholas—James' brother—played a significant role in my choice to apply to Selby's. I can't help but wonder what our experiences will be like there and how everything will unfold!
"Speaking of Nic, where's he?"
Ah, there he is. I turned my gaze and spotted him through the glass. He was in the garden alongside his parents and other guests, a striking figure amid the gathering. Unlike James, who had effortlessly evaded his family, Nic seemed anchored to theirs, following their lead with an air of composed grace. His expression was calm, almost transcendent—an embodiment of innocence. The sleek mid-taper fade of his haircut framed his face, and his black wavy hair fell gently on his face making the fade almost invisible.
He was wearing a crisp white button-up shirt, casually hanging over neat black suit pants, and there was something about his look that felt effortlessly classy. He almost seemed ethereal. I've admired him from a distance for a while, drawn in by his calm vibe, kind spirit, and how his soft eyes sparkled with warmth against his lightly sun-kissed skin. I couldn't help but feel drawn to him, totally unable to look away.
Though I'm good friends with his brother James, I still feel like my relationship with Nic is a bit of a puzzle. My feelings for him are something I keep tucked away in my heart—definitely not something I'd want to share with Jamsie, who might just brush it off as a fleeting thought.
In that captivating moment, Nic turned just enough for me to feel the magnetic pull of the world around him. He scanned the sea of faces, searching for a glimmer of recognition, and then—bam—our eyes met for a fleeting heartbeat. There was a brief spark of connection that sent my heart racing, filling me with hope and warmth. Yet, just as quickly as that moment blossomed, I began to wonder if he had truly seen me at all. Gently shaking off the enchantment, I redirected my focus to James, a whirlwind of questions swirling in my mind about the situation at hand. What would happen next? If we will... ever share a word.
"So when are you informing your parents about Seleby's?" James brought me back to reality. I haven't really thought of bringing it up with my father. Mom will be cool about it, but Dad, who's been so obsessed with Oxley...Lord help me