Laura could hardly keep her hands from shaking as she stared at the email on her screen. She had been accepted into the University of Texas.
Laura didn't waste a second.....
The moment the acceptance sank in, the world shifted into motion, calls were made, bags were packed and dreams she has only whispered to herself suddenly felt real. The journey to Texas felt shorter than it should have, her mind too busy painting pictures of the life ahead.
When she finally stepped onto campus, she paused.
It was even more beautiful than she had imagined.
The wide pathways, the tall buildings standing like silent witnesses to years of ambition, the soft buzz of students moving with purpose, it all wrapped around her like a warm welcome. Laura smiled to herself. She was exactly where she meant to be.
Her hostel stood just beyond a row of trees, lively and buzzing with new arrivals. Dragging her suitcase behind her, she stepped inside, her heart was beating with a mix of excitement and nerves.
Room 214.
She knocked slightly before pushing the door open. 'HI, You must be Laura, a cheerful voice called out. A girl with curly hair and bright eyes jumped up from one of the beds and stretched out her hand. 'I'm Maya'.
Before Laura could respond, another voice came from the other side of the room, softer but warm. 'And I'm Zara'. 'We've been waiting for you'.
Laura let down a small laugh, instantly at ease.'I hope I'm not late to the party'.
'Not at all', Maya grinned. ' you came just in time we were arguing over who gets which side of the wardrobe '.
Zara rolled her eyes playfully, 'ignore her, we saved you the best space'.
The room was simple but full of life already, half unpacked boxes, scattered clothes, and the kind of chaos that promised new friendships.
As Laura set her suitcase down, she took it all in, the laughter, the warmth, the unfamiliar turning into something that already felt like home.
That night, lying on her bed, listening to the quiet chatter of her new roommates, Laura smiled into the darkness.
She loved it here .
Not just the school, not just the campus, but the feeling, the beginning and the endless possibilities.
And deep down, she knew this was going to be the best chapter of her life.
* * * * *
It didn't take long for Laura to notice the pattern.
Maya's phone buzzed almost every evening, followed by a grin she didn't even try to hide.
Zara, on the other hand, always had something new, bracelets, perfumes, little gift bags that seemed to appear out of nowhere.
At first, Laura found it cute.
Then, it became constant.
One Friday evening, the room was filled with soft glow of fairy lights and the sound of rustling shopping bags. Maya tossed herself onto her bed dramatically holding up a small box.
'Guess what Daniel got me this time'.
Zara didn't even look surprised, 'if it's not something expensive, I'm so disappointed on your behalf.'
Maya opened the box with a flourish, 'Necklace, Real Silver'.
They both burst into laughter, the kind that comes easily when you feel adored.
Laura smiled, shaking her head as she folded her clothes.
'You people are enjoying ' she said.
' Enjoying?' Maya turned to her. Laura, this is standard, you need to upgrade your life'. Zara nodded in agreement. 'Seriously, you're too fine to be single like this'.
Laura raised an eyebrow, amused. 'Too fine to be at peace, you mean?'
Maya laughed, 'No, too fine to be missing out, imagine having someone that just sends you money for no reason'.
'or surprises'. Zara added, admiring her bracelet.
Laura leaned back on her bed, watching them. 'And the big expectations that comes with it?'
They paused for half a second, just enough to notice, not enough to admit.
Maya waved it off.' Not every relationship is stressful'.
'Exactly', Zara chimed in. 'You just need the right guy, Let us find one for you'.
Laura sat up quickly, 'Ah ah, don't start matchmaking ministry in this room'.
Maya pointed at her. 'Too late, operation 'Find Laura a boyfriend' has already begun'.
Zara grinned mischievously. 'We'll start from your department, fine boys are there'.
Laura laughed, but there was firmness behind it. 'i'm not against relationships, okay? I just want peace for now.
For a moment, the room went quiet, not awkward, just thoughtful.
Then Zara shrugged, 'Fair enough, but when you're ready, we're your agents'.
Maya added with a wink, 'Premium agents'.
They all laughed again, the tension dissolving into something lighter.
Later that night, as their voices faded Into sleepy whispers about dates, surprises, and late night calls, Laura lay awake, staring at the ceiling.
It wasn't that she didn't notice, the gifts, the attention, the way her friends lit up when they talked about their boyfriends.
Of course she did.
She is human.