Page 1 of Upgraded Friendship

Chapter one

Andrea

My fingers swiftly tap away at the keyboard, immersed in coding lines for my latest tech project. The rhythmic clicking is interrupted by the persistent ringing of my phone. I glance at the caller ID—Tanya Carter. With a sigh, I answer, preparing for the unexpected.

“Hey, Tanya. What’s up?” My voice maintains my composure despite the apprehension building within me.

“Oh, Andrea, you won’t believe what I just heard,” Tanya’s voice bursts through the line, filled with a mixture of excitement and concern.

My eyebrows knit together as I reply, “What happened? Did someone hack my project file again?”

Tanya chuckles, “No, nothing like that. It’s about Jeremy.”

My heart skips a beat at the mention of his name. Jeremy—the guy who had been the subject of countless daydreams during my teenage years. “What about him?” I manage to ask, keeping my tone nonchalant.

“He proposed to his college girlfriend, can you believe it?” Tanya reveals, her words hanging in the air with a mix of disbelief and amusement.

I freeze for a moment, processing the unexpected news. “Oh, wow,” I finally respond, feigning surprise. Inside, a whirlwind of emotions stirs, threatening to unravel my carefully maintained composure.

Tanya continues, “The engagement party is just around the corner. You have to come with me, Andrea. It’s going to be like a high school reunion. You can’t miss it.”

The idea of facing Jeremy, seeing him happy with someone else, tightens a knot in my stomach. “I don’t know, Tanya. Maybe it’s better if I just skip it. I mean, what’s the point?”

“Don’t be ridiculous! You can’t let him get to you. Besides, you’ve got to show everyone that you’re doing amazing things in life,” Tanya insists, her voice determined.

With a reluctant sigh, I agree, “Okay, fine. I’ll go. But I’m not going alone.”

“That’s the spirit! We’ll find you a date, no worries,” Tanya assures me. “You know what…I’m coming over. Let’s go out so I can help you feel better about all of this. Okay?” she adds.

“Okay, okay. I’ll be here waiting,” I say trying to sound good with the whole situation.

As I sit on my bed, I can’t help but think of my days in high school…

The morning sun filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow across my room. I awaken to the promise of a new day. It’s Valentine’s Day, a day that holds both hope and apprehension in equal measure. As I lie in bed, my thoughts drift to Jeremy—the object of my affection—and the bold plan that has been swirling in my mind for weeks.

With a determined resolve, I rise from bed and begin my morning routine. The anticipation of what the day may hold propels me forward. The familiar sights and sounds of the school day greet me as I make my way through the bustling hallways, a mix of excitement and nerves churning in my stomach.

As I enter the school grounds, the air is thick with the scent of freshly cut grass and the chatter of students asking the ones they love to be their valentine. My heart flutters at the sight of Jeremy, his infectious smile lighting up the corridor as he chats with his friends.

Today is the day, I remind myself, steeling my nerves as I approach my best friend, Tanya, with determination. “Tanya, I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to ask Jeremy to be my valentine,” I declare, my voice trembling.

Tanya’s eyes widen with concern, her brows furrowed. “Andrea, are you sure about this? I mean, Jeremy is...well, he’s Jeremy,” she says cautiously, her voice laced with apprehension.

I nod, my resolve unwavering. “I’ve thought about it long and hard, Tanya. This is something I need to do,” I insist, my heart pounding in my chest at the prospect of finally making my feelings known.

With Tanya’s hesitant blessing, I set off on a mission, my steps filled with purpose as I make my way through the crowded hallways. As I catch glimpses of Jeremy, my pulse quickens, the butterflies in my stomach fluttering with anticipation.

Finally, the moment of truth arrives. With a deep breath, I approach him with his friends gathered around him like a protective shield. “Hey, Jeremy,” I greet him, my voice surprisingly steady despite the turmoil raging within me.

Jeremy turns to face me, his smile widening as he catches sight of me. “Hey, Andrea. What’s up?” he responds, his gaze warm and inviting.

Summoning every ounce of courage, I take a step forward, my heart racing with anticipation. “I was wondering if...if you’d like to be my valentine,” I blurt out, the words tumbling from my lips in a rush.

For a moment, the world seems to stand still as Jeremy’s friends exchange knowing glances. Then, as if on cue, the hallway erupts into laughter, the sound echoing off the walls like a mocking chorus.

Jeremy’s laughter joins the cacophony, his smile faltering slightly as he shakes his head. “Sorry, Andrea. I already have plans for Valentine’s Day,” he replies, his tone apologetic but final.

The sting of rejection cuts deep, and I feel the weight of embarrassment settle over me like a heavy cloak. Tanya appears at my side, her expression a mix of sympathy and concern as she places a comforting hand on my shoulder.

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