Chapter Nine

Thursday;

My nerves were on edge as I sat in the lecture hall, my eyes darting to the clock on the wall. Lea hadn't shown up yesterday, and I was terrified she'd skip today's class too. This was our last chance to finish the group activity, and with Prof. Montgomery already striding into the room ten minutes ago, time was slipping away.

I tapped my pen against the desk, staring at the door every few seconds. Without Lea's number, I had no way of reaching out to her, no way to ask if she was coming. Anxiety gnawed at me—I couldn't do this on my own, not with the deadline looming.

Just as I felt the panic rising, the lecture hall door creaked open. Lea slipped in as quietly as a whisper, her movements quick and deliberate as she slid into her seat. I let out a breath I didn't even realize I'd been holding. Prof. Montgomery, engrossed in her notes, hadn't noticed her late entrance. Relief washed over me—Lea was here, and maybe, just maybe, we could pull this off.

Lea rummaged through her bag, pulling out a pen and a crumpled notebook. She flipped it open, then turned to me with a wide grin. "Yo, what's up?" she greeted, her voice full of energy despite her tired appearance.

I couldn't hide my satisfaction as I returned her smile and slid my laptop toward her, the screen displaying the elusive answer we'd been struggling to find.

Lea's eyes widened as she skimmed through the bullet points, and she let out a gasp. "Bro, you got it!?" She pumped her fist in the air like she'd just scored the winning goal. "You're a genius."

Prof. Montgomery's voice cut through the chatter, announcing that we could continue with the activity. She then turned her attention back to her papers, leaving us to our work.

Lea turned back to me, drumming her fingers excitedly on the desk. "How'd you find the answer?" she asked, her curiosity barely contained.

I gave Lea a quick rundown of my exhausting day in the library, describing how I'd combed through book after book in search of the answer. I told her about the moment I'd swallowed my nerves and asked Prof. Montgomery for help, only for the professor to shove a thick, dusty book at me. "I thought it was my saving grace, but turns out she tricked me. The page just had some snarky message about not asking for help," I said, shaking my head. Lea's expression shifted from disbelief to annoyance as I spoke.

"After that, I was so frustrated I took a break at Midnight Mocha," I continued, glancing down at the notes in front of us. "When I got back, this random book was just sitting on my table. I must have grabbed it without realizing it. But it had everything we needed."

Lea nodded thoughtfully, her expression a mix of admiration and sympathy. "I seriously owe you big time for this," she said, lightly tapping her pen on the desk. "How about we hit the cafe after our last class today? My treat."

"Sounds good," I said, smiling at her. "Let's just get this activity finished before the lecture ends."

Lea and I worked together like a well-oiled machine, syncing up perfectly as we tackled each question with focused determination. At the halfway mark, Lea slumped back in her chair, groaning dramatically. "I have no energy for this," she whined, rummaging through her bag before triumphantly pulling out a can of Monster Energy. She cracked it open, and in one swift motion, downed nearly the whole drink in a single gulp, slamming the empty can on the desk with a satisfied grin.

Fueled up, we powered through the last question. Lea punched the final keystroke, and with a victorious smile, she raised her hand for a high-five, which I gladly returned. "Let's email this sucker," she said eagerly, reaching for my laptop. Before she could hit send, I stopped her. "Hang on, we need to proofread first. Let's make sure everything's answered correctly."

Lea nodded, settling back in her seat. "Good call. Better safe than sorry." We read through our work carefully, double-checking every answer and tweaking anything that seemed off. Satisfied, I finally clicked send, watching as our finished work zipped off to Prof. Montgomery.

For the rest of the lecture, Lea and I entertained ourselves by playing Fire Boy and Water Girl on my laptop, the nostalgic clicks and taps filling the quiet classroom. Around us, other students who had finished their work were either chatting softly, scrolling on their phones, or doodling in their notebooks. One by one, pairs of students sent off their completed activities to Prof. Montgomery, then busied themselves with anything to pass the time.

From across the room, a boy raised his hand, his voice cutting through the low hum of conversation. "Professor? When are we going to get our marks for that assignment we did?"

Prof. Montgomery sighed deeply, her eyes still glued to the papers she was grading. "When you get them," she replied flatly, her tone dripping with irritation. The boy frowned, clearly dissatisfied.

"And when is that?" he pressed, crossing his arms defiantly as he leaned back in his chair. I winced, sensing the tension in the room rise. Prof. Montgomery's grip tightened around her pen, knuckles turning white as she slowly lifted her head, eyes sharp and unforgiving. "When I'm done marking them," she said through gritted teeth, her voice dangerously low. There was no mistaking the warning in her tone—this wasn't a conversation he was going to win.

✿

In my last lecture of the day, I was hunched over my desk, diligently working on the assignment that Prof. Vargas had just handed out. The clock ticked away as she explained that it was due by next Monday, which meant a weekend full of work. I scribbled notes in the margins of my textbook, trying to wrap my head around the requirements.

"Excuse me, Professor Vargas?" a girl seated at the front of the class called out, her voice tentative but clear. "Could you explain the section three part again, please?"

Prof. Vargas looked up, her expression instantly softening. She put down the notes she was reviewing and walked over to the student's desk with a bright, encouraging smile. Kneeling slightly to be at the girl's eye level, she launched into a detailed explanation, her voice patient and clear. She used gestures to illustrate her points, pausing every now and then to make sure the student was following along.

The girl nodded, her face gradually lighting up with understanding. "Thank you, Professor," she said gratefully, looking relieved.

Prof. Vargas beamed back at her. "You're welcome! And remember, if you need any more help, just let me know," she said, her warm smile never wavering as she returned to the front of the class.

Why couldn't Prof. Montgomery be more like this? The difference was night and day. Prof. Montgomery had a knack for snapping at us the moment we asked anything remotely off-mark, but here was Prof. Vargas, patiently answering every question—no matter how trivial—with a smile that could brighten anyone's day.

"Professor?" I called out, hesitating for a second as I glanced at my assignment. "Could you please explain section five to me?"

Prof. Vargas didn't miss a beat. She immediately walked over to my desk, her footsteps light and unhurried. She leaned over my shoulder, scanning the section in question with that ever-present smile. Her eyes flicked over the text, and she began to break down the concept step-by-step, making sure to touch on every detail. Her voice was warm, and the way she spoke made it easy to follow along.

I leaned in, absorbing her words, and nodded as she clarified the confusing bits, her explanation making the complex seem simple.

"Got it?" she asked, handing the assignment back to me with a gentle nod.

"Yes, thank you," I replied, feeling a sense of relief.

Prof. Vargas flashed me another one of her reassuring smiles before returning to her desk. She resumed her work, leaving behind an atmosphere that felt lighter, as though her kindness had brightened the entire room.

Determined to avoid spending my entire weekend bogged down by Prof. Vargas's assignment, I dove right into the research. My fingers tapped away at the keyboard as I sifted through articles, pulling up anything that seemed remotely useful. The hum of voices around me faded into background noise as I tried to get ahead of the workload, my eyes glued to the screen.

A sudden vibration in my pocket broke my concentration. I pulled out my phone and glanced at the screen: a new message from Lea. Finally having her number made things easier; no more wondering if she'd show up or if we'd connect on time.

I opened her text, "I just got dismissed from my lecture, when are you done?"

I quickly typed back, "I have about twenty minutes left," and hit send.

Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I refocused on the assignment, my eyes scanning through the dense text on the screen. I scribbled notes in the margins of my notebook, determined to make the most of these last few minutes before the lecture wrapped up.

I had just finished gathering my last bit of information when Prof. Vargas announced we were free to go. Relief washed over me as I packed my things, carefully tucking away my notes and laptop. I slung my bag over my shoulder, offering Prof. Vargas a polite smile as I waved goodbye. "Have a great day," she said, still beaming as she returned to her desk.

Once outside, I pulled out my phone and shot a quick message to Lea: "On my way to the cafe now." Tossing my bag into the back seat, I settled into the driver's seat, adjusting the mirror and exhaling softly before starting the car. But before pulling out of the lot, I scrolled through my playlists, landing on a Lana Del Rey mix—her sultry voice and melancholic beats were just what I needed to unwind.

The drive was short, the familiar streets flashing by in a blur of warm afternoon light. I pulled into the parking lot and found a spot close to the entrance. As I walked into Midnight Mocha, the comforting scent of coffee and pastries greeted me. My eyes landed on Lea sitting by the window, completely absorbed in her phone. Sunlight streamed through the glass, casting soft shadows on her face.

On the table in front of her were two iced coffees and two slices of cake, perfectly presented on porcelain plates. She glanced up as I approached, her smile brightening. "Hey," I greeted, sliding into the seat across from her. "You already ordered?"

Lea set her phone down, her grin cheeky but warm. "Yeah, I remembered what you like," she said, her voice light. I couldn't help but smile—she'd gotten it just right.

I picked up my fork, slicing through the creamy cheesecake, letting the rich, velvety texture melt in my mouth. Across from me, Lea was already digging into her chocolate cake, each forkful disappearing quickly before she chased it with a sip of her iced coffee. The cafe hummed with quiet conversations, the soft clinking of cups, and the faint hiss of the espresso machine blending into the background.

"So," Lea began, pausing to swallow her mouthful of cake, "what are your plans for the weekend?" She leaned back in her chair, eyes bright with curiosity.

I swirled my iced coffee, watching the ice cubes clink against the glass before taking a sip. "I've got this assignment to finish," I said, brushing a crumb off my lip, "and I'll probably go volunteer at the hospital again."

Lea's eyebrows shot up, her fork pausing mid-air. "You volunteer?" she asked, clearly impressed, her tone shifting to genuine surprise.

I chuckled softly, nodding as I leaned back in my seat. "Yeah, I've been doing it for a while now. It's nothing huge, just helping out where I can."

"Damn!" Lea said, giving me an enthusiastic thumbs-up. "That's really cool of you. Makes me feel like I should be out there doing some good, too." Her eyes sparkled with admiration, and I couldn't help but smile, feeling a little lighter with her encouragement.

Lea finished the last of her iced coffee in one swift gulp, setting the empty glass down with a satisfying clink. She leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing playfully as she studied me. "So..." she began, drawing the word out, her hesitation clear. It was as if she was gauging whether she really wanted to say what was on her mind. "Are you seeing anyone?"

I couldn't help but chuckle, shaking my head. "Nope, not at the moment. What about you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

A bright smile spread across Lea's face, her whole demeanor softening. "Yeah," she nodded, a dreamy look in her eyes. "Her name is Regina." She rested her chin in her hand, a small, contented sigh escaping her lips.

The way she spoke and the way her eyes sparkled told me everything—she was deeply in love. "How long have you two been together?" I asked, scooping another bite of cheesecake and savoring its sweetness.

"We started dating in high school," she said, her smile widening at the memory. "Still going strong."

I paused, genuinely impressed. "That's a long time," I said, nodding thoughtfully. Years of being together, especially starting so young, was no small feat. It was clear that Regina wasn't just her girlfriend; she was her anchor, her partner through thick and thin.

I've never dated before. It's not that I haven't had the chance—I just never made time for it, and honestly, who would even look twice at the quiet girl? The idea of dating rarely crossed my mind, and it never bothered me that no one had asked. I was content on my own, lost in my books and routines, never really feeling like anything was missing.

Lea and I finished our cakes, savoring the last bites before we decided to get some fresh air. We made our way to the nearby park, and I drove while she followed closely behind on her motorcycle. When we arrived, I couldn't help but be drawn to her bike, its sleek frame glinting under the sun. "I didn't know you rode a motorcycle," I said, taking in the shining black paint and the polished chrome accents.

Lea grinned, her pride evident as she leaned against her bike, giving it a fond pat. "Yep, this is my second baby," she said with a laugh, her eyes twinkling. "Right after Regina, of course."

I laughed softly as she slung her arm over my shoulder, her carefree energy infectious. We strolled together toward a nearby bench, settling in comfortably as the breeze rustled through the trees around us.

Lea casually pulled out a cigarette, lighting it with a flick of her lighter. I stared at her, surprised as smoke curled lazily around her face. She smokes? I've never liked smoking—it's one of those things that instantly makes me uncomfortable. The sharp scent filled the air, clashing with the fresh, crisp atmosphere of the park.

She caught my gaze and raised an eyebrow, extending the pack toward me. "Want one?" she asked, her voice nonchalant as she held the cigarette between her fingers.

I wrinkled my nose, shaking my head quickly. "No, thanks," I replied, my tone edged with disgust I couldn't quite hide. Lea just shrugged, tucking the pack back into her pocket. Noticing my discomfort, she stood up and moved a few feet away, giving me some space as she took a slow drag, exhaling a cloud of smoke.

She glanced back at me, eyes playful. "You sure you don't wanna come to the club with me this weekend?" she asked, her voice teasing but hopeful.

I sighed, leaning back against the bench and shaking my head. "I don't do clubs or drinking," I said, my voice firm. The idea of loud music, crowds, and alcohol wasn't appealing to me at all.

Lea clicked her tongue, flicking ash from her cigarette with a disappointed smirk. "Well, damn," she muttered, a playful pout crossing her lips.

In the distance, I spotted a familiar blur of fur barreling straight toward me. Oh no, not again. My pulse quickened as the dog drew closer, a big, goofy grin plastered on his face. Lea followed my gaze, her eyes widening in sheer panic. She took a hasty step back, nearly tripping over her own feet. "Is that dog running toward us?" she asked, her voice tinged with horror as she backed away further.

I let out a resigned sigh, already knowing what was about to happen. "Yep," I replied, watching the speeding furball get closer. I silently prayed it wouldn't be Prof. Montgomery trailing behind, leash in hand. Please let it just be the dog walker this time.

"Ah, hell nah!" Lea shrieked, the approaching dog sending her into full-on flight mode. Without a second thought, she vaulted over the bench with impressive agility, dropping her cigarette mid-air as if she were escaping a burning building. The discarded cigarette rolled onto the path, forgotten in her frenzy.

I couldn't help but laugh at the spectacle. The dog, Tuna, skidded to a stop right in front of me, his tail wagging with so much enthusiasm it looked like it might fly off. His tongue lolled out of his mouth as he gazed up at me with big, adoring eyes, completely oblivious to the chaos he'd caused.

I leaned down, giving Tuna a few affectionate pats on his head as his fur bristled under my fingers. "Hey there, Tuna," I cooed, rubbing behind his ears. He leaned into my touch, his entire body wiggling with joy, soaking up every bit of attention like he hadn't seen me in years.

Lea cautiously peeked over my shoulder, her eyes still wide with lingering shock. "Bro, you know this dog?" she asked, her voice dripping with disbelief. "You could've given me a heads up!" She shook her head, letting out a dramatic sigh as she climbed back over the bench, plopping down beside me as if she'd just run a marathon.

I stifled a laugh, still focused on Tuna, who was now nudging my hand for more pets. Moments later, the dog walker finally caught up, gasping for breath, her face flushed. She bent over, hands on her knees, trying to recover. "I am so incredibly sorry," she panted, sweat beading on her forehead. "I don't know why he keeps doing this—he just bolts whenever he sees you."

"It's all good," I said with a chuckle, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. Thank goodness it wasn't Prof. Montgomery trailing behind him. The last thing I needed was another glare from her; she'd probably find a new creative way to scold me if her dog ran to me again.

The dog walker clipped the leash back onto Tuna's collar, giving me an apologetic smile before leading him away. As they left, Lea watched the retreating dog, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "A Border Collie, huh? They're my favorite," she admitted, finally relaxing.

We sat quietly, both lost in our own thoughts as we watched the ducks glide effortlessly across the shimmering pond. The soft rustle of leaves danced in the gentle breeze, creating a calming melody that wrapped around us. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow that reflected off the water's surface, turning everything into a tranquil scene. Moments like these made me appreciate the simple beauty of life—the serenity of nature that made the world feel just a little bit slower, a little bit kinder.

"I should get going," I said, breaking the peaceful silence as I glanced at the time on my phone. The sun was dipping closer to the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. I still needed to make some progress on my assignment before exhaustion caught up with me.

Lea stretched and nodded, standing up from the bench. "Yeah, same here. I've got stuff to do too. I'll see you tomorrow," she said with a smile, slinging her bag over her shoulder.

I pushed myself up and gave her a quick wave. "See you." We parted ways, the sound of her motorcycle rumbling to life as she pulled away from the park.

Time to tackle that assignment and get it over with, I thought, feeling the weight of the day starting to settle on my shoulders as I walked to my car.