Ellie Miller's POV
I can't believe this is happening. A year ago, my life was completely different. I was alone, carrying the weight of family expectations and feeling invisible in a world where it seemed like no one noticed me. But now… now everything has changed. All thanks to them: Lindsay, Sack, and Olivia. I never imagined having friends could feel so good. It's not like I had any before; I was always the quiet girl, the scholarship student struggling to stay afloat while everyone else seemed to move forward effortlessly. Now, however, I feel like I'm not alone. My mother has a better job near Stanford thanks to Lindsay, and Charlotte… my little Charlotte is cured. Even she seems to have found a special place among them. How can I even express how grateful I am? I don't know what I'd do without them.
My thoughts were interrupted when the bedroom door burst open, revealing Olivia with a suitcase bigger than herself.
"Ellie!" she exclaimed, entering like a hurricane. "Are you done packing yet? We have exactly one hour to get to the airport, and you know how much I hate being late."
I looked up from my half-packed suitcase and smiled weakly.
"I'm almost done. I just need to pack a few more books."
Olivia let out a dramatic sigh.
"Books, of course. Always so responsible. Although, honestly, you should leave room for something fun. Maybe a picture of us or… a Stanford team T-shirt! You know, to impress your future classmates."
I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't help but laugh.
"I don't think impressing my classmates is a priority right now, Olivia."
She placed a hand on her hip, pretending to be offended.
"What do you mean by that? Everyone needs a little glamour in their life. Besides, I'm an expert at making grand entrances. You should learn from me."
Just then, Lindsay appeared behind Olivia with a big smile on her face.
"Has she started complaining about not using the private jet yet?" she asked, looking between us.
Olivia instantly pouted.
"It's unfair! My parents are in Europe closing important deals. How am I supposed to survive without my usual comforts?"
Lindsay laughed, leaning against the doorframe.
"Relax, Olivia. I booked access to the VIP lounge for everyone. So you won't have to share seats with 'regular people' or anything like that."
Olivia raised an eyebrow, visibly intrigued.
"The VIP lounge? Well, that changes things. At least I'll have decent champagne."
Ellie raised an eyebrow, unable to suppress a smile.
"I think you'll survive, Olivia. After all, you're the strongest person I know."
Olivia pretended to consider it for a second before flashing me a radiant smile.
"You're right, Ellie. I'm invincible. But that doesn't mean I can't complain a little about it."
Once we finished packing, we gathered in the main room, where Margaret (my mother) and Charlotte were already ready to leave. Charlotte carried her little pink bag full of drawings and toys, while my mother nervously checked her phone, making sure we hadn't forgotten anything important.
"Ready?" Sack asked, entering with his backpack slung over his shoulder. His tone was calm but firm, as always.
I nodded, adjusting the strap on my suitcase.
"Yes, I think so."
Olivia took one last spin around the room, inspecting every corner.
"Well, let's go then. The sooner we get to the airport, the sooner we can get coffee. And I confess I'll need a lot of coffee after this trip."
Lindsay gave her an amused look.
"Don't exaggerate, Olivia. It'll only be a few hours."
Olivia crossed her arms, adopting a solemn expression.
"A few hours can feel like days if you don't have access to basic comforts. Like first-class pillows or personalized onboard service."
We all laughed, including my mother, who shook her head.
"Sometimes I wonder how you manage to stay sane, Olivia."
Olivia shrugged.
"It's part of my charm, Mrs. Miller. Without a little madness, life would be boring."
The ride to the airport was lively, filled with jokes and laughter. Olivia took the opportunity to talk about how excited she was to return to Stanford.
"This is going to be our best year," she declared from the backseat, gesturing dramatically. "Second year is always epic. Fewer introductory classes, more social events, and, of course, more time to plan incredible adventures."
Lindsay turned her head toward her, raising an eyebrow.
"Please tell me you haven't started planning anything extravagant yet."
Olivia raised her hands in a gesture of innocence.
"Me? Plan something extravagant? Never. I'm just thinking of creative ways to make this year unforgettable. For example, we could organize a monthly photo exhibition. Or maybe even create an exclusive photography club for the most interesting students on campus."
Sack chimed in, laughing.
"You do realize photography isn't exactly your strong suit, right?"
Olivia glared at him.
"Details, details. What matters is the intention. Besides, I'm sure Lindsay can help me choose some interesting themes."
Lindsay smiled, clearly pleased.
"Sure, Olivia. But only if you promise to actually participate."
Olivia waved her hand dismissively.
"Obviously. I'm all professionalism when it comes to art."
We all burst into laughter, including me. There was something comforting about hearing them interact like that. It was as if every comment fit perfectly into a puzzle.
When we arrived at the airport, Olivia led us straight to the VIP lounge, where a calm and comfortable atmosphere awaited us.
"Look at this," Olivia said, spreading her arms as if she were the host of a TV show. "This is what I call traveling in style. No lines, no chaos, no people trying to take your seat."
Margaret chuckled softly.
"You should dedicate yourself to improving airports, Olivia. It seems like you have clear ideas."
Olivia nodded seriously.
"It's an excellent idea, Mrs. Miller. Put it on my list of future projects."
As we waited, Charlotte began jumping around us, excited about the trip.
"We're going to fly like birds!" she exclaimed, stretching her arms like wings.
My mother took her hand, smiling.
"Careful, sweetheart. We don't want you turning into a real bird."
Olivia winked at Charlotte.
"Though, come to think of it, being a bird wouldn't be so bad. We could travel without needing planes or endless lines."
Charlotte clapped delightedly.
"Yes! And we could sing songs in the sky."
Lindsay joined the conversation.
"Just make sure not to forget your passport, Charlotte. Birds need legal documents too."
Olivia pretended to be offended.
"Exactly! Nobody wants trouble with avian migration."
We all laughed again, and at that moment, I felt a special warmth in my heart. I knew that, no matter what this new year at Stanford brought, I would never be alone. I had my friends, my family, and, above all, I had hope.
After going through security and waiting in the VIP lounge, we sat in the boarding area. Olivia kept making funny comments about the trip, while Lindsay and Sack discussed the courses they would take this semester. Charlotte dozed off in my mother's lap, and I observed everything with a mix of excitement and gratitude.
This is just the beginning , I thought to myself. But I know it will be something big. Something beautiful.