Chapter 8: College Chronicles

POV: Declan Blackwood

The University of Bellview stood grandiose against the autumn backdrop.

Majestic stone buildings soaked in history, surrounded by leaves dancing in hues of gold and rust.

As I treaded the cobblestone path, I couldn't help but feel the weight of change.

Amara was always a step ahead, her auburn waves shimmering in the sunlight.

She had taken to college life like a fish to water, her vivacious energy drawing people like a magnet.

"Declan,"

Her voice pulled me from my thoughts, her hand gesturing towards a tall guy with raven-black hair.

"This is Mark."

Mark extended his hand with a confident grin.

His eyes, a striking green, regarded me with slight amusement.

"Heard a lot about you."

I tried to return the smile, forcing my grip not to be overly firm.

"Same here."

She was elated, her days filled with dance rehearsals, pottery classes, and new friendships.

Often, I found myself on the periphery, observing her with a camera in hand.

Capturing moments, trying to freeze time.

We found solace in our late-night study sessions.

My dorm, bathed in the warm glow of fairy lights, indie music humming softly in the background, became our sanctuary.

It was during those times, with her head resting on my shoulder, the world felt right.

But that evening, as her phone buzzed with Mark's message, my gut clenched.

She looked at me, her green eyes filled with uncertainty.

"Just coffee,"

She whispered.

I wrestled with my feelings.

The weight of unspoken words between us was suffocating.

"Go if you want,"

I managed, my voice hoarse.

Our weekends, which were once about us, started to drift.

She was seeing more of the world, dating, living the college dream.

She would tell me about her dates, every word a dagger to my heart.

Yet, I listened, a smile plastered on my face.

It was one of those quiet evenings, her fingers playing with mine, that she voiced her own fears.

"Dec,"

Her voice trembled,

"Everything's changing so fast."

I pulled her closer.

"Change is inevitable,"

I murmured into her hair,

"but some things remain constant."

Our shared moments were my anchor, a tether to the past, a glimmer of hope for the future.

And as college life swirled around us, our bond remained unwavering, etched in the stone walls of Bellview, a testament to enduring friendship.

The days grew colder, as did the space between us, and I couldn't shake off the dread every time Mark's name was mentioned.

I had no right, no claim on her, but jealousy was an emotion that didn't heed logic.

One chilly afternoon, I decided to visit the local cafe for some respite.

As I approached, I noticed a familiar auburn cascade of hair through the window.

There she was, Amara, seated with Mark, the two of them engrossed in conversation.

A part of me wanted to turn away, to give them their moment, but my feet were rooted in place.

From my vantage point, their interaction looked harmless. Laughter spilled from her lips, a sight I'd cherished countless times. But today, it stung.

Inside, I quietly took a seat at a distant corner, hoping to go unnoticed. I couldn't help but eavesdrop, every fiber of my being straining to understand the nature of their bond.

"Your dance performance last week was phenomenal,"

Mark said, a genuine admiration in his tone.

Amara blushed, brushing a stray hair behind her ear.

"Thank you. It's always been my passion."

The conversation flowed effortlessly between them. It seemed like they'd known each other forever.

And as the minutes ticked by, a sinking realization dawned upon me.

I wasn't the only one who saw Amara's light, who got captivated by her spirit.

As their laughter echoed once more, my heartache deepened.

Yet, amidst this tumult of emotions, there was also an odd clarity.

If Amara's happiness lay in Mark's company, or anyone else's for that matter,

who was I to stand in the way?

Mustering up the courage, I decided to leave.

Just as I stood up, our gazes locked. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Declan? Hey!"

I tried to form words, but they caught in my throat.

"Hey, I was just... grabbing a coffee."

Mark looked up, giving a nod.

"Want to join us?"

The last thing I wanted was to intrude.

"No, no. I have some studying to do. Just thought I'd say hi."

Amara's eyes searched mine, sensing the layers beneath my words.

"Alright, text me later?"

I forced a smile.

"Sure."

Exiting the café, the cold air was a sharp contrast to the warmth inside.

The University of Bellview stretched out in front of me, the promise of a new day, a new challenge.

But for now, I needed solitude. I needed to face my feelings, to decide where we stood in this ever-changing tapestry of life.

It was time for introspection, and Bellview, with its age-old wisdom, was the perfect backdrop for it.