Oliver ended up driving me home that night.
During the car ride, I couldn't stop replaying the events of the night in my head. Everything felt like a tangled web of emotions I wasn't ready to unravel.

Especially because, as we walked through the yard to leave, there was Reid—leaning casually against a wall, laughing with a group of guys I recognized as swimming athletes. My heart clenched the moment his eyes met mine.

I stiffened, unsure how to respond. Could I even look him in the eye after what had happened? I glanced away quickly, hoping he didn't notice the flicker of panic on my face. But I could feel it—the weight of his gaze burning into me as we passed.

Lila, sensing my discomfort, gave my hand a comforting squeeze. I turned to her and smiled weakly, grateful for her silent support.

Maddie didn't come home with us that night. I had suggested we wait for her, but to my surprise, Lila insisted we leave. "She'll be fine. Maddie knows her way around," she said, her tone unusually curt. I didn't press further, though I couldn't shake the feeling something had happened between them.

When Maddie finally stumbled into the dorm around 3 a.m., I asked her about it. She simply muttered, "I don't want to talk about it," before collapsing into bed. I decided to leave it at that—whatever was going on, they'd work it out. Maddie and Lila had been friends forever, and I knew better than to get in the middle of their fights.

Speaking of avoiding things... I was still ignoring Aaliyah. My stomach churned every time her name popped up on my phone. I didn't know how to explain the situation to her, so I thought it best to avoid it altogether. Spoiler: terrible idea. But I just couldn't deal with explaining everything—not yet, at least.

Rolling onto my side, I pulled my comforter over my head, desperately trying to cling to sleep. It was Saturday morning, after all, which meant I could afford to be lazy. Or so I thought, until my phone buzzed loudly on the nightstand.

Siri's voice announced the call: Incoming call from Mummy Dearest.

Panic surged through me. I'd completely forgotten about the regular check-ins I'd promised my mom when I left home. We'd gone from talking daily to barely speaking this past week, and I couldn't exactly claim it was accidental.

If I were honest, I'd been avoiding her too. I couldn't lie to her, but there was no way I was ready to tell her how disastrous my first month of college had been. Mom wouldn't judge me—she never did. She'd just offer love and support, which somehow made the idea of confessing my struggles even harder.

With a sigh, I picked up the phone and pressed it to my ear.

"So, you are alive," she teased, her warm voice pulling a smile from me.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I know I was supposed to check in."

"I get it—you're busy. But these calls help me sleep at night," she said gently.

"I know. I'm really, really sorry. Scouts honor—it won't happen again," I promised, crossing my fingers even though she couldn't see me.

She chuckled. "Fine. So... how's college? Met any cute guys yet?"

"Mom," I groaned, rolling my eyes even as a wave of nostalgia hit me. "Shouldn't you be asking about my classes or how I'm settling in?"

"Eh, who cares about the boring stuff?" she quipped, making me laugh.

Hearing her voice like this made me miss her even more. I wished I could be home, wrapped in the safety of our little family cocoon.

"I'm really glad you're my mom," I blurted out before I could stop myself.

There was a pause. "Oh no—what's wrong?" she asked, teasing, though I could hear the concern beneath her words.

"Nothing's wrong. I just miss you," I said, meaning every word.

"Okay, now I know something's definitely wrong," she said, laughing.

"How's Dad?" I asked quickly, steering the conversation away before I cracked under her gentle probing.

"He's traveling for work."

"And you're okay? You hate being alone," I said, worried about her. Growing up in a big family—and marrying my equally clingy dad—she was never used to solitude.

"Kemi's coming over for the weekend. It's going to be like a girls' trip. I'm actually excited!"

"Wow, you planned this without inviting me? Do you even love me anymore?" I teased, finally relaxing.

"Who's the one who skipped check-ins?" she shot back, making me laugh.

She grew serious again. "You know, you're always welcome to join us. I don't know what's bothering you, and I won't pry... but if you need an escape, you can come home. Or if you want some quality mother-daughter time, we'll ditch Kemi."

Tears pricked my eyes at her offer. "Thanks, Mom. I'll think about it."

"Okay. Stay safe, sweetheart. Love you to the moon and back."

"Love you more," I said before hanging up.

Talking to my mom gave me the clarity I needed. It was time to stop moping around. So what if Reid rejected me because I was a virgin? It wasn't the end of the world. Maybe, just maybe, this was the push I needed to finally move on from the two-year-long, one-sided crush I'd been clinging to.

Before Reid crashed into my car and derailed my life, I'd had a meticulously curated plan for college. It was time to get back to it.

I grabbed my planner from the desk and started flipping through the pages, ready to rework my four-year plan when the door burst open.

Lila slid in, her face pale and frantic.

"Maddie's not here," I said absently, reaching for my headphones and pen.

"I know," she said breathlessly. "Tell me you've seen it."

"Seen what?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Lila hesitated before holding out her phone. "I'm so sorry, Isla. Say the word, and I'll go beat that asshole up right now."

"Lila, what are you talking about?" I asked, confused but smiling.

She turned her phone toward me, revealing an open article on Bruin Buzz.

My stomach dropped.

What had they written about me now?

Blog Post: Bruin Buzz

Title: Beverly Princess or UCLA's Heartbreaker? The Juiciest Drama of the Semester!

UCLA, hold onto your hats because we've got a scandal hotter than the California sun. Our beloved "Beverly Princess" Isla found herself at the center of a swirling storm of whispers and wild accusations after last night's drama.

Here's what went down:

Sources report that Isla and Reid Carter—yes, the Reid Carter, UCLA's swimming golden boy and certified heartthrob—were spotted slipping into a room together at a party after Isla had kissed him on the dance floor. Romantic vibes? Definitely. But hold onto your popcorn because this story takes a turn.

According to multiple eyewitnesses, Reid left the room mere minutes later, looking anything but thrilled. And the alleged reason? Wait for it... Turns out our Beverly Princess is still a virgin. Yep, you read that right. Witnesses say Reid bounced faster than your GPA after midterms because of this revelation. Ouch.

But here's where it gets spicier. Oliver Kingsley, our campus's shy British charmer, was seen entering the same room shortly after Reid left. He reportedly stayed there for quite a while. Not only that, but Oliver later drove Isla home. Coincidence? We think not.

So, the million-dollar question: Is Isla as innocent as she seems, or is she just playing her cards to keep two of UCLA's hottest guys wrapped around her finger? The rumor mill is on fire, and we're all ears.

Comment Section

    1.    @PartyGossip101: "Lmao, Reid dodged a bullet. Who even brags about being a virgin in 2024? 🙄"
    2.    @QueenBeeBuzz: "Typical rich girl drama. Plays innocent but clearly knows how to work the system. Not buying it."
    3.    @ReidFan_4Life: "Reid is too good for her anyway. She's just using her 'good girl' image to gain clout."
    4.    @BritLover: "Oliver deserves better than being second choice. Poor guy probably doesn't even know he's the rebound."
    5.    @UCLARealist: "Bet she's loving the attention. Who else has the guts to get two guys fighting over her? Iconic or pathetic?"
    6.    @DramaFiend: "Bruin Buzz with the tea AGAIN. Can't wait to see how this plays out. Someone hand me the popcorn."
    7.    @IslaFanPage: "Y'all are just jealous. Isla's living rent-free in your heads!"
    8.    @SwimTeamStan: "Reid's too classy to comment on this drama. If it's true, she's the one who lost out."

I couldn't read any further. I felt like I was going to throw up. My throat tightened as I finished reading the post, my head spinning with disbelief. Every word, every comment burned into my mind like hot iron. I felt my breath quicken, panic setting in as the weight of it all crushed my chest.

"Are you okay?" Lila asked, her voice soft and cautious.

I shook my head, stepping back instinctively. I couldn't let Lila see me like this—weak, broken, and teetering on the edge.

Maddie walked in, taking one look at the scene and instantly understanding. She tried to approach, but I pulled away, my hands trembling as i scratched at my neck in a desperate attempt to ground myself.

"I'm just going to go," I stammered, barely audible.

"But where?" Lila asked, her voice rising with worry. "You don't look good—at least let us come with you."

"I'm fine. I just need to go home." My voice cracked, but I forced herself to sound firm.

My hands fumbled for my phone and keys as I headed for the door. Lila's phone pinged again, and her expression darkened.

"What now?" I snapped, bracing myself for more bad news.

Lila hesitated, clearly torn. "It's nothing," she lied.

I didn't buy it. Snatching my own phone, I saw the newest Bruin Buzz post.

Title: Reid Breaks His Silence! Are Isla and Reid the Real Deal?

The Bruin Buzz team was already sipping tea from last night's drama, but then Reid Carter himself came through with a mic drop moment.

In a rare move (seriously, this man never comments on our posts), Reid left this comment under our last article:

"Take this down. This has gone too far, and it's none of your business."

Whoa. Let's just pause and let that sink in. Not only does Reid typically steer clear of our gossip, but this protective tone? Could it be that Isla is special to him after all?

So now the question is: What's the truth behind their connection? Was Reid standing up for Isla because of something deeper, or is he just trying to save face? One thing's for sure—this is far from over.

Don't forget to follow Bruin Buzz for more juicy updates as this story unfolds!

My stomach churned as I read it, my vision blurring from unshed tears.

That was it. I couldn't stay here another second.

"I'm going home," I muttered, my voice shaking.

I ignored the stares as I hurried down the hall, reaching my car with trembling hands. Once on the road, the floodgates opened. Silent tears turned into wracking sobs as I sped toward Beverly Hills.

All i needed was my mom.

♥ⓛⓞⓥⓔ♥☜

Authors note
Thank you for reading. Pls don't forget to vote and comment.