!!PLEASE REVIEW!!

AUTHORS NOTES:  THIS IS A STORY BASED LOOSELY ON PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.  I’M OBVIOUSLY REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF TIME IN WHICH THIS ALL OCCURED, TRYING TO MAKE IT AS LEAST BORING AS POSSIBLE.  THE STORY HAS STRONG LANGUAGE, AND VIOLENCE IN ITS FUTURE, SO BEWARE.

THOUGHTS ARE IN ITALICS

CHANGING TIDES OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP – CHAPTER 1

Miranda carefully colored in the last bubble on her scantron sheet.  ‘One hundred questions finally finished.’ Thought Miranda.

She quickly scanned the sheet to make sure she didn’t miss any questions.  After she was satisfied, she quietly rose from her seat and proceeded to the front of the classroom.

The professor watched as she set down her papers in their designated places and signed out.

As she exited the eerily silent room, she looked back and hastily scanned the group of exam taking students.

In the front row was Holly, her best friend of 5 years.  She had shoulder length wavy brown hair tied back in a ponytail, hazel eyes hidden by tasteful glasses, and had a very trim build.  Her creamy skin radiated with a natural glow.  Holly was easily one of the most beautiful women Miranda had ever met.

Holly was intently reading the questions booklet, deep in thought.  So studious.

In the back of the room sat Rachael, Miranda’s other best friend.  They have been friends for 13 years now.  Rachael had short brown hair and brown eyes.  She had a bigger build than Holly and Miranda though.  She was a bit of a butch, she was captain of the rugby team back in high school. 

Rachael was carelessly scribbling on the scantron sheet, not even looking at the question booklet.

Miranda raised her eyebrows as she turned to leave.  She was still in awe at how Rachael had managed to stay in university for so long.

Miranda then headed for the courtyard.  She sought out an empty bench and sat down on it.  She patiently waited for her 2 friends to finish their exam.

Approximately 10 minutes later, Rachael sauntered out into the courtyard.  She stopped momentarily to put on sunglasses to shield her eyes from the bright June skies.

“That test was beyond boring.” Rachael complained as she walked towards Miranda.

“Well it wasn’t exactly created for entertainment purposes.” Miranda pointed out as she slid over on the bench to make room for Rachael.  Rachael laughed and sat down.

“I suppose you’re right.  So its gonna be at least another 20 minutes before Holly finishes up.  You know how long she takes to write exams.”

Miranda nodded while smiling.  “Yep, that’s Holly.  Always gotta be painstakingly meticulous.”

“Uh huh.  Maybe we could go to the campus cafeteria and get a quick snack then?” Rachael suggested as she leaned forward resting her elbows on her knees.

Miranda looked at the modest flower garden contemplating the suggestion.  “Yah, alright, lets go then.”

Rachael stood up, turned and offered her hand to Miranda.  Miranda cocked an eyebrow at the gesture and proceeded to get up on her own.

Rachael frowned and quickly pulled her hand back.  They walked in silence to the cafeteria.  As they approached the doors, Rachael hastened her pace and opened the door, holding it for Miranda.

Miranda let out an awkward laugh, confused about Rachael’s behavior.  She stiffly walked into the cafeteria and looked back.  Rachael was smiling and appeared to be blushing.

‘Blushing?’ Miranda thought, ‘That’s not like her.’

Miranda recalled that Rachael had been acting really weird around her recently.  Awkward almost.

‘Could she know…?’  Miranda worried.  But she hastily pushed the suspicious thoughts to the back of her mind.

After they both got their snacks, they headed back to the courtyard.  The only noise shared between the 2 was the munching of their snacks.

Just as they were about to sit down, they were both simultaneously tapped on the shoulder.  They both turned around to see Holly standing there smiling.

“I take it you think you did well?” Rachael asked even though she knew the answer.  Holly nodded her head, face glowing.

“That’s good.  We should all get together tonight and watch movies at my place.”  Rachael suggested as she shifted her gaze between the other 2 girls.

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Miranda replied.  Then she and Rachael looked to Holly for her response.

“I can’t tonight.  My parents are expecting me home for dinner.”  Holly said remorsefully.

Rachael laughed then said, “Hmm, tough luck.  Oh well, Miranda and I will hang out tonight.” They all agreed then went their separate ways. 

Rachael was very nervous about tonight.  She had something very important to tell Miranda. There was nothing she could do to improve the situation.  Just hope for the best.