Between Heartbeats

*Past*

"Isla, wake up!" The familiar voice sliced through my dreams, pulling me from the depths of sleep. As I opened my eyes, flashes of my childhood in the small town of Bramblewood danced in my mind—twirling in the backyard, my mother cheering me on as I imagined a future beyond our little town. I had always dreamed of this moment, and now, with only thirty minutes until I had to leave for Edinburgh, it was finally here.

"Isla, you're already running late! Get up!" Mom's voice grew more urgent, and I felt the blanket being pulled from my grasp. She knew it was the only way to drag me out of bed.

Groaning, I buried my face in the pillow, clinging to the last minutes of comfort. "Mom, five more minutes, please!" I begged, knowing full well it wouldn't work.

"No more minutes, Isla! If you're not up in 2 minutes, I'm calling your college counsellors to tell them you're too lazy to catch your own train!" she warned, her tone a mix of teasing and seriousness.

That threat did the trick. My eyes snapped open, and I sat up, wide awake. Mom had a way of pushing my buttons. I grabbed the towel she threw at me and dashed for the bathroom. As I showered, memories of my carefree days in Bramblewood flooded back—riding my bike down sun-soaked streets, hosting backyard barbecues with friends, and dreaming about my future adventures.

After a quick shower, I returned to my room to find my outfit for the day already laid out on the bed, a simple gesture that warmed my heart. I threw on the jeans and a light sweater Mom had chosen and hurried to the kitchen.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee and Scottish porridge greeted me as I entered. Mom, already finished with cooking, waited at the table with a bowl of steaming porridge topped with a drizzle of honey and fresh berries—my favorite breakfast.

"You're leaving for Edinburgh today. I thought you deserved a treat," she said, her stern demeanor softening as she watched me eat.

I sat down, savoring each bite, knowing this meal was as much an unspoken 'I'll miss you' as it was a send-off. The warmth of the porridge filled me with comfort, like a hug from home. "You do realize the train leaves in thirty minutes, right?" I said, looking up at her with wide eyes.

"Yes, and that's exactly why I packed your essentials! Your passport, college acceptance letter, student ID, financial aid paperwork, and health insurance details are all in a folder—it's in your backpack," she said, her tone turning serious again.

I glanced at her, trying to memorize every detail of her face. Deep down, I knew she'd miss me more than she was willing to show. I could already feel the heaviness of leaving my small-town life behind. After a few more minutes of quietly munching on breakfast, I washed my hands and began cleaning up, but Mom was already glancing at the clock, muttering about the time.

"Alright, alright, I'll get the dishes later. Go get your bags, Isla," she ordered, already heading for the front door with one of my suitcases in tow.

I grabbed my backpack, switching off the lights as I followed her downstairs. She was already behind the wheel when I slipped into the passenger seat and buckled up.

The early morning sun streamed through the trees as we drove through Bramblewood, the familiar sights flooding me with nostalgia. The streets, lined with quaint houses and blooming gardens, felt like a comforting embrace. I watched the sun glint off the dewy grass of Pine Grove Park, where I spent countless afternoons. Every corner held a memory—the old library where I first fell in love with stories, the café where me and my friends shared secrets over hot chocolate, and the small shop where I used to buy candy after school.

"Isla, take care of yourself in college. You're on your own now, so be smart. Stay away from trouble, keep your phone charged, and don't forget to call me. I packed some extra snacks for you too, just in case," she said, her eyes glancing at me from the rearview mirror.

"Aye, aye, Captain," I said with a giggle. "I'll miss you too." I couldn't help but think how ironic it was—my mom, the queen of organization, had packed enough snacks to feed a small army. I chuckled to myself, imagining the fun I'd have trying to navigate university life while also managing my mother's well-meaning but overzealous care.

The closer we got to the train station, the more my heart raced with excitement and a hint of anxiety. We reached Bramblewood Station, a small building nestled among the trees, where I had caught so many trains for day trips with friends. Mom parked the car, and we rushed toward the platform. My two bright red suitcases rolled behind me as we made our way to the train. When we reached my carriage, Mom helped me stow my luggage before handing me my ticket and reservation.

"Remember to keep your phone close," she said, her voice thick with emotion as she pulled me into a tight hug. "And Isla... I'm proud of you."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I hugged her back. "I'll miss you so much, Mom. Don't forget to take care of yourself, okay? Take your meds on time, and switch off the TV before you fall asleep."

She wiped my tears away with a gentle smile. "You be good, Isla. You'll do great."

The train's whistle blew, signaling it was time for her to go. She turned and walked off the train just as it began to move, and I watched her through the window, waving until she was out of sight.

I sat back in my seat and sighed. It was happening. I was finally on my way to Edinburgh for college at the University of Edinburgh. I pulled out my phone and downloaded Uber, knowing I'd need a ride from the station when I arrived. As I rummaged through my backpack for my air pods, I smiled in relief when I found them. I popped them in, letting the catchy beat of  "New Rules" by Dua Lipa fill my ears as the train began its journey. The empowering lyrics echoed in my mind, reminding me that this was the start of something incredible. With each note, I felt more confident about my decision to embark on this new adventure, ready to embrace whatever came my way.

Somewhere along the way, I drifted off, only to wake up to the train's announcement that we'd be arriving in ten minutes. I quickly gathered my things, booked my Uber, and called Mom to let her know I was almost there.

As the train finally pulled into Edinburgh Waverley, the rush of excitement surged through me like a shot of espresso. The air was alive with the sounds of chatter and the distant clatter of luggage. I struggled with my bags through the crowded platform, the weight of them feeling both familiar and strange. After what felt like an eternity, I found exit number 2, where my Uber driver was waiting. The warmth of the summer sun enveloped me as I stepped out, and I hurried into the car, grateful when the cool air conditioning hit me.

The drive to the University of Edinburgh was a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was it. The start of a new chapter. I glanced out the window, taking in the city's breathtaking architecture, the way the old stone buildings seemed to whisper secrets of history.

"Madam, we've arrived," the driver said, gently waking me from my daydream. I stepped out of the taxi, stretching as I glanced up at the towering stone buildings of the university. My dream was finally within reach.

As I dragged my luggage toward the admissions office, I was distracted by my phone, texting my mom, when I collided with someone. My bags toppled over, and I stumbled back.

"You okay?" a deep voice asked, pulling my gaze up.

I looked up, annoyed, only to be met by the most striking pair of green eyes I had ever seen—intense and mysterious, framed by dark hair that fell just above his brow. The guy standing before me had an effortless charm, his slight smile drawing me in despite my irritation. I could sense an air of wealth about him, the kind that came from privilege, and I felt a flutter of something unfamiliar as I realized he was just my type. He offered me his hand. "Sorry about that. Didn't mean to knock you over."

His voice was warm, almost teasing, and for a moment, I found myself at a loss for words, my irritation melting away. "I... I'm fine," I stammered, taking his hand. His grip was firm yet gentle, sending a shiver up my spine.

As I regained my balance, I caught a glimpse of a hint of mischief in his eyes, as if he knew something I didn't. "First day, huh?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

I nodded, suddenly feeling flustered. "Yeah, I just arrived for my first semester at the University of Edinburgh."

"Welcome to the chaos," he said with a smirk, glancing around at the bustling crowd. "I'm Aiden, by the way. You'll want to keep your wits about you; the campus can be a bit overwhelming at first."

"Isla," I replied, my heart racing as I realized I was still holding his hand. I pulled away, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Thanks for... well, for not letting me fall flat on my face."

"Anytime," Aiden said, his smile widened. "Maybe I can show you around later, if you're up for it."

I was taken aback, a mix of excitement and apprehension fluttering in my stomach. "Sure! I'd like that."

As we exchanged a few more words, I felt a spark of something—intrigue, curiosity, and a hint of attraction. With every moment spent with him, I felt the thrill of new friendships and unforgettable memories waiting just around the corner, and I couldn't wait to embrace them all.