Chapter 1: Welcome Party

Brookfield Town

Aviana POV

"Aviana, hurry up! We're going to be late!" Cassie shouted from the driveway, leaning on her car horn with an impatient voice.

"Dad, we're heading out! I might be a little late tonight because of the campus program," I called out, pressing a quick kiss to my father's cheek.

"All right, just be careful," my dad warned gently, holding my gaze. "And don't walk home in the dark by yourself!"

I offered a reassuring shake of my head and hurried out the door. Honestly, who in their right mind would try to harm me? Aside from wearing a modest long skirt and a vintage floral blouse, I was practically invisible behind my thick glasses—not to mention the fact that half the town knew I was the sheriff's daughter. 

As I slid into the passenger seat, Cassie shot me a critical, head-to-toe look and grimaced. "Oh, goodness, Aviana! We're juniors now, but your style hasn't changed at all! How are you ever going to land a boyfriend?" 

"You're way too loud. Just start the engine and drive—we're going to be late," I groaned, rolling my eyes. "And Cassie, it's not like you're one to talk. You act like you're an expert, but you completely forget we're charter members of the N.B.S.B. club!" I laughed, pushing my thick glasses back up the bridge of my nose.

Cassie scowled playfully before grinning. "That's why I'm working on my makeover—so I can finally graduate from being No Boyfriend Since Birth!" With a triumphant laugh, she threw the car into gear and sped away from the curb.

I turned to face the car window while turning up the radio because Cassie was still lecturing me.

——*——

Stanwood University

In the distance, the vibrant energy of the university festival spilled across the grounds. Colorful lights strung between the oak trees glowed against the evening sky, and students buzzed with excitement as they reunited with classmates after the break, while a few long-distance couples joyfully embraced after weeks apart.

"I just hope our class gets some fresh transfers," Cassie sighed, slinging her bag over her shoulder as she stepped out of the driver's side. "I am so tired of interacting with Grayson's crew day in and day out until graduation."

I stepped onto the pavement, a teasing smile playing on my lips as I looked at her. "What's this? Have you finally moved on from your crush on Grayson?"

Cassie crossed her arms with a dramatic frown. "I am officially over him. He's way too obsessed with his cheerleader girlfriend."

She stepped closer to me to make her point—and the words died instantly in her throat. Her triumphant grin vanished as her eyes locked on a spot a few yards away, where Grayson was currently wrapped in a tight, affectionate embrace with Vivian, the star captain of the Stanwood cheer squad. 

"Oh, I thought you were completely over him? Why is your lip dragging on the floor?" I giggled, nudging her shoulder as we started walking side by side.

"Let's not talk about that jerk—he is not going to ruin my night!" Cassie huffed, quickening her pace while looping her arm through mine and pulling me along with her.

Along the way, we passed a group of guys,"Yo, nerd! How was your break?" Carl, one of my classmates, yelled, flashing a mocking grin as he singled me out for his usual target practice.

Before I could even blink, Cassie whirled around. "Hey moron, Aviana's break was actually fun and meaningful! What about you? Let me guess, you spent the whole time trying to grow your muscles while completely forgetting to nourish your brain!" she snapped, dragging me past them before they could retort.

A ripple of sudden laughter broke out from the surrounding students, though it abruptly died away when Carl shot a deadly glare at his friends to shut them up. While Carl was the kind of guy everyone at Stanwood steered clear of, Cassie had never learned the art of backing down. 

"Thank goodness Carl is head over heels for you," I whispered to Cassie as we hurried up the steps. "If he wasn't, I'm pretty sure we wouldn't have made it to our first class alive, and we'd be checking into the infirmary instead!"

Cassie stopped short with her hand on the classroom door handle, her eyes going wide as she stared at me. "What is that supposed to mean? Has Carl's stupidity finally rubbed off on your brilliant brain?" she demanded.

I laughed, slipping past her into the room. Everyone on campus knew about Carl's not-so-secret soft spot for Cassie, except for Cassie herself.

"I swear, you are either the most oblivious person on this planet," I teased, heading over to my usual seat in the far corner, "or you're just choosing to be completely blind."

"Forget Carl—let's focus on what we're going to wear to the welcome party tonight!" Cassie whispered, excitedly dragging her chair right next to mine. 

"What are you thinking?" I asked as I listened to her attentively.

"I am going to give you a full makeover for the party, and then we are going to find you the absolute ideal date," she beamed, leaning in close. 

Hearing her plan felt like being doused in freezing water. I scowled and pushed her away. "Stop right there. I am not looking for a boyfriend!" Groaning, I slumped forward, rested my forehead against the desk, and slapped a heavy textbook over my head to block her out.

Stubborn as always, Cassie refused to back down, nagging and brainstorming until I finally wore down and agreed just to shut her up.

Even though it was only the first day of the term, the upcoming welcome party meant classes were cut short, and the faculty sent everyone home early to get ready. True to her word, Cassie dragged me straight to her house and immediately put her master plan into reality.

"Here, try this," Cassie commanded, shoving a dress she’d pulled from her closet into my hands. 

I go to the bathroom and force myself to put on the dress. Due to a lack of interest,I didn't even bother looking in the mirror to check my reflection. 

As soon as I stepped out of the bathroom, Cassie gasped, throwing her hands up. "Bestie! You look stunning!" Since I'm not wearing my glasses, I can't see myself when Cassie  shows me in the mirror.

"Do you want me to die in shame?" I complained to Cassie as I pulled on the crumpled shroud that covered my breast.

“Oh my gosh, you're so conservative!” Cassie muttered while looking for a dress that would pass my old fashion taste.

"Try this one, "Cassie handed over a black dress.

I initially looked at the dress. When I noticed that the dress had off-shoulder sleeves, I stopped myself from complaining. But when I saw Cassie's dark face, I didn't continue and rushed straight to the restroom to try the dress on.

When I came out of the bathroom to complain again, Cassie preceded me in speaking.

"That is literally the most conservative dress I own! Besides, I already donated all my truly old-fashioned clothes to charity!" Cassie protested, throwing her hands up in defeat. 

I  forced myself to agree. Cassie also wanted to take my glasses off, but I no longer let her.

"If you take my glasses off, I am staying home," I pleaded, quickly sliding them back onto the bridge of my nose. "I won't be able to see a single thing!"

"Fine, but those outdated frames are getting replaced before regular classes start next week!" Cassie declared, crossing her arms.

I frowned as I adjusted my glasses before sitting on Cassie's bed.

While watching Cassie, I felt drowsy. Murmuring a quiet excuse, I curled up against the pillows and let my eyes close, drifting off to sleep. 

——*——