D.I.L.F

If there was one thing I promised myself, it was that I would never let anyone make me feel small again.

High school had been rough—not because I wasn't smart or pretty or capable, but because people like Alessia Valentini made sure I never forgot that I wasn't one of them. She had power, money, and an entire squad of equally shallow minions who clung to her every word like it was gospel. And me? I was the girl who never fit into their perfect little mold.

But that was high school.

Now, I was in college. A new chapter. A fresh start.

I wanted to make sure that this year, everyone was going to see that I had changed. That meant new clothes, a different style of makeup, and just an all-around glow-up. That way, girls like Alessia Valentini won't think twice about messing with a girl like me because I won't deal with it.

When I got up this morning, I ate a great meal, brushed my teeth, washed my face, and did my natural hair since Zolani wanted to play around with actually doing my hair. I took a look in the mirror and took a picture.

I tugged at the strap of my bag as I walked across campus with Zolani, the early morning sun casting a golden glow over everything.

The air felt lighter today—brighter, like the universe was aligning just right. This was the version of my life I had been waiting for. No more halls filled with judgmental stares. No more toxic cliques ruling over social spaces like they were royalty. Here, I could be me, and no one could tell me otherwise.

"Can you believe we're sophomores now?" Zolani asked, practically bouncing with excitement as we made our way toward the student center. Her long braids swayed with every step, and her oversized sunglasses sat perched on top of her head like she was the main character in a Netflix original.

"I know, right?" I grinned. "No more getting lost, no more gross communal bathrooms, and no more dealing with annoying freshmen energy. We're seasoned now."

"Exactly," she said, linking her arm with mine. "I'm claiming nothing but good vibes this year—good grades, good money, and fine, emotionally mature men."

I snorted. "Yeah, good luck with that last one."

"Hey, don't crush my dreams before classes even start! Oh, and by the way, you look good girl. I am loving the new style." she laughed, nudging me playfully. "Thanks boo, I can't wait for fall to get back into my dark feminine phase. I just know this year is going to be different. I can feel it. No distractions, no drama, just us thriving."

I smiled, letting her optimism sink in. She was right. This was our year.

And then, like the universe decided to test me immediately, I saw her.

Alessia Valentini.

The moment my eyes landed on her, I felt it—that old, familiar irritation curling in my stomach. She was standing near the entrance of the student center, sipping on an overpriced iced coffee, looking like she had just stepped off the set of a luxury fashion campaign.

Alessia had always been beautiful in that effortless, I-know-I'm-better-than-you way. Long, sleek brunette hair, striking blue eyes, and the kind of perfect posture that screamed privileged upbringing. Even in high school, she never had to try too hard—people just gravitated toward her, whether out of admiration or fear.

I wasn't one of those people.

And I never would be.

For a moment, I considered just walking past her. Ignoring her existence. But then she noticed me.

And, of course, she smirked.

"Zaria," she drawled, tilting her head slightly as if she were just noticing me. "Wow. You made it to college. I guess miracles do happen."

Zolani tensed beside me, already prepared to throw hands if necessary, but I wasn't going to give Alessia that satisfaction. I took a slow breath, plastering the sweetest, fakest smile on my face.

"Alessia," I said smoothly. "I can honestly say the same, given that we all knew what grades you made but Still talking like your words actually mean something? Cute."

Her smirk barely wavered, but I caught the slight twitch in her eye.

"Relax," she said, her voice dripping with fake innocence. "It's a new year, after all. No need to be so hostile."

I let out a short laugh, shaking my head. "Right. A new year. And let me make one thing very clear—whatever you did in high school? The little games, the whispers, the fake smiles? That doesn't fly here. You don't run this place, Alessia. And I promise you, if you try that mess with me again, you're going to regret it."

For a split second, I saw it—that flicker of something in her expression. Not fear, not exactly. But acknowledgment. She knew. She felt the shift. I wasn't the same girl she used to toy with.

I was better than her.

Zolani let out a low chuckle. "Oh, I love this new era of you."

Alessia's lips pressed into a thin line before she scoffed. "We'll see about that."

And just like that, she turned and walked away, her designer heels clicking against the pavement like she was strutting down a runway.

I let out a slow breath, shaking off the lingering tension as Zolani threw an arm around my shoulders.

"Proud of you, bestie," she said with a grin. "The growth? Immaculate."

I smiled, feeling lighter, feeling free.

This was my year.

And I was done letting people like Alessia Valentini think they had any power over me.

Like, Comment, Vote