Chapter 4: IV

Chapter 4: A New Beginning

The college campus buzzed with energy, a sea of students bustling between classes, lounging on the grass, or gathered in animated clusters. Riley Bennett stood just outside the main lecture hall, her eyes scanning the sprawling grounds. She inhaled deeply, the crisp autumn air a sharp reminder of how far she’d come.

Dressed in a sleek leather jacket, tailored black jeans, and boots that clicked confidently against the pavement, Riley looked like she belonged. Her dark hair, once an untamed mess, now framed her sharp features in soft, deliberate waves. She didn’t just walk anymore—she strode, her posture tall and self-assured.

The transformation wasn’t just about looks. Riley had spent years reshaping not just her body, but her mindset. And now, as she stood on the cusp of this new chapter, she was ready to see what the world had to offer.

“Riley!”

She turned at the sound of a familiar voice and smiled as Sam hurried toward her.

Sam, her best friend since high school, had always been a bundle of energy. His blond curls bounced as he jogged over, waving enthusiastically. Behind him trailed Jordan, his boyfriend, the perfect counterbalance to Sam’s exuberance.

“Look at you!” Sam exclaimed, throwing his arms around Riley in a dramatic hug. “You’re a whole new person. I mean, I knew you were hot, but damn!”

Riley chuckled, stepping back. “Nice to see you too, Sam.”

Jordan smirked, giving her a nod. “He’s right, though. You’ve really outdone yourself.”

“Thanks, Jordan,” Riley said, genuinely touched. “But come on, it’s not that big of a deal.”

Sam placed his hands on his hips, mock-offended. “Not a big deal? Riley Bennett, you look like a goddamn runway model. Own it.”

Riley laughed, shaking her head. “Okay, okay, fine. Let’s just grab coffee before you embarrass me further.”

The three of them found a cozy café just off campus, settling into a booth near the window. The warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as they placed their orders and began catching up.

“So,” Sam began, leaning forward with an eager grin, “how does it feel? New you, new school, new start. Tell me everything.”

“It feels... different,” Riley admitted, wrapping her hands around her coffee cup. “Good, but weird. Like I’m stepping into someone else’s life.”

Jordan raised an eyebrow. “Weird how?”

Riley hesitated, searching for the right words. “I guess it’s just... surreal. I worked so hard to get here, you know? And now that I’m finally living it, it almost doesn’t feel real.”

Sam reached across the table, patting her hand. “You’ve earned this, Riley. Don’t let imposter syndrome mess with you. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.”

Jordan nodded in agreement. “Sam’s right. You put in the work, and it shows. Be proud of yourself.”

Riley smiled, grateful for their support. “Thanks, guys. Really.”

“Anytime,” Sam said, grinning. “Now, more importantly... have you scoped out any campus cuties yet?”

Riley rolled her eyes. “Seriously, Sam?”

“What? It’s a valid question!” Sam protested, throwing his hands up.

“Not everyone is as obsessed with romance as you are,” Jordan teased, earning a playful glare from his boyfriend.

Riley laughed, shaking her head. “I’m just focused on settling in right now. But I’ll let you know if anyone catches my eye.”

“Good,” Sam said, satisfied. “Because trust me, I’ve got a sixth sense for these things. I’ll know if you’re lying.”

---

After parting ways with Sam and Jordan, Riley wandered the campus alone. The sprawling lawns and ivy-covered buildings felt like a world away from the life she had known before.

She passed groups of students laughing and chatting, their carefree energy reminding her of high school. Back then, she had always been on the outside looking in, watching people like Elena Castillo from afar.

Elena.

Even now, the thought of her sent a pang through Riley’s chest. She had spent years trying to forget that crush, convincing herself it was foolish to hold on to something so unattainable.

But deep down, she knew the truth. Everything she had done—the workouts, the style changes, the countless hours of self-improvement—had been driven by the hope that, someday, she might be good enough.

Riley shook her head, banishing the thought. She wasn’t that naive girl anymore. She was here for herself now.

---

Across campus, Elena Castillo leaned against a stone wall outside her dorm, scrolling through her phone. College had been a whirlwind so far, but she was adjusting well. Her classes were challenging but exciting, and her new friends were fun and supportive.

Still, there was a part of her that felt... unsettled.

She glanced up from her phone, her eyes scanning the crowds of students passing by. Something about being in a new environment made her hyperaware of the people around her, as if she were waiting for something—or someone.

And then she saw her.

At first, Elena didn’t recognize the figure striding confidently across the quad. A tall woman in a leather jacket, her dark hair catching the sunlight, exuded an effortless cool that drew glances from everyone she passed.

Elena’s brow furrowed. There was something familiar about her, but she couldn’t quite place it.

As the woman turned, her profile came into view, and Elena’s heart skipped a beat.

“Riley?”

The name escaped her lips before she could stop herself.

Elena stared, her mind racing. It couldn’t be. Riley Bennett had been shy and awkward, hiding behind baggy clothes and messy hair. This woman was poised and magnetic, completely unrecognizable—except for the eyes.

Those piercing, expressive eyes.

Elena’s friends noticed her distraction and nudged her playfully.

“See something you like?” one of them teased.

Elena blinked, forcing a laugh. “No, just thought I recognized someone.”

“From high school?” another friend asked.

“Maybe,” Elena said vaguely, not wanting to get into it.

Her friends shrugged, returning to their conversation, but Elena couldn’t shake the image of Riley from her mind.

She thought back to high school, to the quiet moments when she had noticed Riley in the background. Elena had always admired her determination, her quiet strength. But she had never imagined Riley could transform like this.

“Wow,” Elena whispered under her breath.

For the rest of the day, Elena found herself glancing around campus, half-expecting to see Riley again. She replayed their fleeting interactions from high school, wondering what had driven Riley to change so drastically.

Part of her wanted to approach her, to confirm what she already knew. But another part held her back, unsure of what she would even say.

Riley Bennett had always been a mystery to Elena, and now, she was more intriguing than ever.