BOUGHT NOT LOVED

: MEET ALE

black hair bounced with each step, and her bright hazel eyes sparkled with a hint of misc

had a packed schedule with classes, work, and a night out with friends

her best friend since freshman year. "Hey, girl! what's the p

e would bring. Alex was a junior, majoring in marketing, and

r lack thereof. She'd had her share if short-lived flings and disappointing da

riendships. She pushed open the door to the student union, re

ampus life, the sense of possibility that hung in the air. As she made her way to her favou

barista about her favourite flavors. She ordered a large iced co

he was a marketing major and today's lecture was on branding strategies. Alex was fascinated by

ces. She spotted Rachel in the back row, typing away on her laptop. Alex g

ered, not looking up from

ulling out her own laptop. "Just

ss discuss the importance of consistency in branding. Alex was captivated by the, and

nd buzzing with new ideas and insights. She packed up her lap

e their way out of the lecture hall,

or the weekend. Alex was thinking of attending a party on Saturday nigh

pouting. "I wish I could jus

h me ," Rachel offered. "I'll make som

t sounds like the

he cafeteria, scanning th

and made their way over, settli

n a few dates recently, but nothing had really clicked. Alex beginning to wo

out to put a hand on her arm. "Hey what's w

I just feel like I'm never going t

amazing person and you deserve someone who

gratitude towards her friend. "Thanks

n wash over her. She was going to focus on herself and her o

tive afternoon classes. Alex felt a sense of excitement and anticipat

ar face of the professor. Dr. Lee was a well-respected expert in the f

ng out her laptop and notebook. She was ready to

e discussion. Dr. Lee was a dynamic and charismatic speaker, and

inspired. She had always been fascinated psychology, a

d out of the class room, feeling a

ork. She pulled out her laptop and began working on a marketing p

was he just pretending to be someone he wasn't? Alex has always been a bit sk

a knock at the door. She got up to answer it, expecti

anied by Mike. Alex felt a sudden jolt

t notice the way Mike looked at Rachel. It was clear that he

ake the feeling that something was off. She couldn't quite

e her doubts. Maybe she was just being paranoid. Mik

eekend, Alex notice Mike seemed evasive. He dodged Rachel'

digging. Who was Mike, really? She