Life of a College Whore

“Happpppy birthday toooo you... Happy birthday tooooo you!!!”

Laughter and cheers filled the air as all of Emma’s friends gathered around her, their voices blending together in a chaotic yet heartwarming melody. The glow of the candles flickered, casting a golden hue over her face as she stood in front of the cake, eyes twinkling with excitement.

“Make a wish!” James grinned at her, his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her slightly closer.

Emma clasped her hands together, her heart pounding as she squeezed her eyes shut. It wasn’t just any birthday—it was her 18th, a milestone, a threshold into a new world of adulthood. A thousand thoughts raced through her mind as she silently whispered a wish, hoping, dreaming. Then, with one deep breath, she blew out the candles. The room erupted into cheers and applause.

“Yayyyyyyy!”

The music picked up again, filling the house with a lively beat. Friends rushed forward, hugging her, handing her gifts, and clinking red plastic cups in celebration. The night was electric, filled with laughter, flashing phone cameras, and the scent of birthday cake mingling with the crisp evening air that floated in from the open balcony doors.

Hours passed in a blur of dancing, storytelling, and playful dares. But as the night grew older and the guests slowly trickled out, Emma found herself curled up in a quiet corner of the living room, nestled on James’s lap. The once lively house was now dimly lit, the soft hum of a slow song playing in the background.

She twirled a strand of her hair nervously, biting her lip. “I’m so nervous for college,” she admitted in a small voice. “What if everyone hates me? What if I hate it?”

James tightened his arms around her, pressing a reassuring kiss to her temple. “Nooo, it will be okay. You’re amazing. Everyone will love you, I promise.”

The thought of moving away, stepping into the unknown, made her stomach churn. But the good thing—the one solid, comforting fact—was that James was going with her. They had both been accepted into Arizona State University, the party school of party schools, a place where wild nights and unforgettable memories awaited them.

“You’ll love it,” James continued, his fingers gently tracing circles on her back. “Think of it as an adventure. New people, new experiences… And hey, we’ll be together. You won’t be alone.”

She exhaled, allowing his words to settle her nerves. Maybe he was right. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. Maybe, just maybe, the best years of her life were about to begin.

She leaned in, resting her forehead against his. “Promise?”

He smiled, his brown eyes full of certainty. “Promise.”

And in that moment, as the night wrapped around them and the future loomed ahead, Emma allowed herself to believe that everything was going to be okay.