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[color=D1668B][indent][indent][i][right]Saturday, August 24, 2019[/right]

The magical ways in which time governs itself never cease to amaze me. One day, I’m a fourteen year-old girl, staring out at the different sceneries rolling past my car window and about to be separated from her family for the first time in pursuit of a new academic adventure. Three years later, and I’m taking my place in that same passenger seat, now seventeen years old and about to set off on the last leg of said academic adventure.

No matter how much time I dwell on it, I am yet to be sure of what my future holds. I’m of the opinion that seventeen is much too early to be forced to make such a transcendental decision. Some days, I dream of becoming the ballerina of a prestigious ballet company, and traveling the world as I showcase my talents. Other days, I see myself furthering my education by attending university, gaining the knowledge to eventually help shape the minds, bodies and techniques of a new generation of dancers in my own studio. And occasionally, I find myself disappearing into fantasies of caring for beautiful children alongside the love of my life [sub][s](which may or may not share an eerie resemblance to one sailing instructor from a big island in the Pacific[/s][/sub]. Although the path I shall take remains one big mystery, there is one fact that I am certain beyond belief about. 

[b][u]I want to live life to the fullest.[/u][/b]

I want to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way, and embrace it wholeheartedly. I have spent so many years hiding behind my insecurities, the fear of failure and the unknown, that I know I have missed out on so many opportunities of self-discovery and self-growth. But that chapter of my life is slowly coming to a close. Never again will I shy away from listening to my heart, choose to ignore my gut feeling, or put others over myself. I will make my happiness my priority, and focus on myself and myself alone. I’ll let go of my fears and face any upcoming challenges with the same strength and iron will as that of the woman who raised me. And I’ll strive to always be on a permanent quest for bettering myself-- just like the man who helped shaped me.

The time for a new start is fast approaching, and I am eager to embark on this unpredictable journey.[/i][/indent][/indent][/color]

The short brunette in the passenger seat stared in admiration at her neat, perfect golden cursive for a few seconds before gently closing and locking the large, hardcover vintage diary. She had finished her latest entry just as her father’s vehicle was crossing the iron gates of Marble Academy. The six hour drive had been mostly quiet and uneventful-- something Tatum cherished immensely considering the chaos that had surrounded her upbringing. Occasionally, she snuck a look in the direction of the front seats, and smiled to herself as she caught glimpses of tender affection between her once-feuding parents. A stolen kiss here, the holding of a hand there, and snippets of shared laughter and conversation in between. Secretly, it filled Tatum with happiness and a sense of peace. After so many years of turbulence and toxicity, it was refreshing to watch her parents learn to love each other in the ways they deserved. As naive as it sounded, she always hoped it would last a lifetime.

Eventually, the vehicle carrying the members of the Paxton family came to a stop in front of The Oaklands residential building. There was small conversation and tearful farewells exchanged, along with many reminders for Tatum to have fun safely, keep in touch, and to never forget how loved she was and how proud she made them. After one last hug and kiss to each of her parents, the young woman grabbed her belongings and set off on her way to her assigned room on the second floor of the building. 

Although she’d grown up in a privileged position, it was hard for Tatum to not be taken aback by the sheer size and beauty of the new student building. The school had obviously injected no small amount of funds on the project, but they had been wise in their decision to do so. The spaciousness and comfort certainly made the whole boarding school experience all the more pleasant and inviting. And, Tae was sure, the students would certainly be thankful for the upgrades.

After a short elevator trip and a few steps Tatum reached room 205: her assigned new home for the school year. No sooner had she opened the door and began to take in her luxurious new living arrangements, when she came upon the sight of a shirtless Brodie Driver-Stewart standing right in the middle of her assigned dorm room.

Tae’s brown eyes widened to the size of saucers, and her jaw clenched up instantly. The girl’s breath caught in her throat, and there was no disguising the way she carefully etched every inch of his toned physique in her mind. She could feel her cheeks start to flush, blazing the same shade of scarlet as the blood currently rushing through her body.

Tatum didn't know how long she stood there, staring at her crush in disbelief while trying to process what was happening and the meaning behind it all. Until, finally, she somehow managed to regain her ability to speak just enough to croak out the softest and faintest [color=D1668B][b][i]“Hi”[/i][/b][/color].
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