Chapter Six

Thursday;

Sitting in General Physics, the room buzzed with quiet chatter as we finished our quizzes. Prof. Montgomery, standing at the front with her usual stern expression, announced that we'd be working in pairs for today's lesson—a group activity that had everyone glancing around for a partner.

I looked to my left, hoping to catch the attention of the guy next to me, but he was already leaning toward another student, his focus locked on someone else. Before I could decide what to do, I felt a light tap on my shoulder. I turned to my right and found myself looking into the eyes of a girl who looked like she'd just rolled out of bed.

Her dark hair was piled into a messy bun—so messy it was almost falling apart. She wore worn-out slippers, baggy sweatpants, and an oversized shirt that hung loosely on her frame, giving her the appearance of someone who hadn't planned to leave the house today. Despite her disheveled look, she flashed a bright, friendly smile.

"Want to team up?" she asked, her tone casual, as if we'd known each other for years.

I nodded, relieved to have found a partner without the awkwardness of searching any longer. She extended her hand, her grip surprisingly firm. "Name's Lea," she said with a slight tilt of her head, studying me.

"Valentina," I replied, shaking her hand. There was something refreshing about her carefree demeanor, and I was curious to see how this unexpected pairing would go.

Lea released my hand and casually dragged a chair closer, flopping into it with the grace of someone who hadn't had enough sleep. She slouched back, crossing her arms and shooting occasional glances at Prof. Montgomery, who was rummaging through her desk drawers. After a moment, the professor pulled out a hefty stack of papers and began distributing them around the room, her heels clicking sharply against the tile floor.

"The instructions are on the paper," Prof. Montgomery announced, her voice as flat and unbothered as ever. "Just follow them, and you'll be fine." She didn't bother with further explanation, her demeanor radiating impatience as she quickly moved on to the next row of students.

Lea and I grabbed our copies and immediately started scanning the dense text. The paper was crammed with instructions, bullet points, and diagrams—a daunting maze of tasks that felt overwhelming so early in the day. Lea let out a dramatic sigh, her shoulders slumping as she skimmed the first paragraph. "It's too early to read all this," she groaned, rubbing her eyes as if trying to wake herself up.

I chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. It's barely past seven, and we're already being put to work. I could feel the fatigue in my own bones, but Lea's relatable complaint eased some of the tension. We exchanged a knowing look before diving back into the paper, determined to make sense of the lengthy instructions despite the early hour.

Lea and I spent the entire lecture huddled together, bouncing ideas back and forth as we pieced together the project. We leaned over my laptop, searching for information, and occasionally scribbling notes on the worksheet. We debated our approach, shared quick laughs over missteps, and gradually, our combined efforts began to take shape. We were making good progress, and the more we talked it through, the clearer everything became.

By the time Prof. Montgomery finally dismissed us, we had a solid grasp of the project, and she informed the class we'd be continuing next lecture. Lea waited patiently as I packed up my things, casually leaning against a nearby desk with her arms crossed. Once I was done, we headed out of the room together.

As soon as we stepped outside, Lea let out a loud, exaggerated sigh, her body arching back as she stretched. "Man, I fucking hate these early lectures," she groaned, cracking open a can of Monster she'd pulled from her bag. She took a big gulp, the energy drink fizzing audibly in the morning air. "I'm supposed to be in bed still."

I glanced at her rumpled outfit, the oversized shirt, slippers, and messy bun that screamed 'I just rolled out of bed.' Lea looked exactly like someone who should still be under the covers, and I couldn't help but smile at the thought. My aunt would never let me leave the house like that, but Lea wore her sleepy, casual vibe with absolute confidence, and I had to admire her for it.

Lea took another long sip of her Monster, her eyes darting over me as if sizing me up. The fizz of the drink echoed softly in the quiet morning air, and she extended the can toward me. "Want some?" she offered, raising an eyebrow. I politely shook my head, not much of an energy drink person, and she just shrugged, taking another gulp.

"You don't talk much, do you?" Lea asked, her voice casual but curious as she studied me with a small smirk. I responded with another shake of my head, feeling a little shy under her gaze. Lea let out a loud, infectious laugh and without warning, slung her arm around my shoulders, pulling me close in a friendly squeeze. "Well, I don't have friends and you don't have friends, so let's be each other's friend."

Her unexpected proposal caught me off guard. Most people already had their friend groups sorted by now, but here was Lea, offering friendship like it was the easiest thing in the world. I blinked at her, surprised but grateful. "I'd like that," I said, smiling softly.

Lea's face lit up, and she pulled me into a warm, bear-like hug, squeezing tight before letting go and grabbing my shoulders playfully. "Perfect! Now, I need something sweet to eat. My brain needs fuel."

I laughed as she gave me a gentle shake, her energy contagious. "We can go to that café a few minutes from campus," I suggested, pointing toward the direction of Midnight Mocha.

Lea's eyes lit up at the mention of the café, and without missing a beat, she started marching in the direction I had pointed out. I let out a snort of laughter, quickly jogging to catch up with her long strides before settling into a more relaxed pace by her side. The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled light on the sidewalk as we walked, making everything feel a little brighter.

"Do we share any lectures together besides General Physics?" I asked, glancing at her curiously. Lea furrowed her brows, thinking for a moment. "I think we also have Biophysics together," she finally said, nodding as if confirming it to herself. That was good news—a friendly face in another class. It was strange I hadn't noticed her before, but then again, I never really paid much attention to the other students. I was usually too focused on getting through the day.

A few minutes later, we strolled into Midnight Mocha, the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries immediately hitting our senses. The cozy, dimly lit café was already buzzing with the quiet chatter of early patrons. We headed straight to the counter, where Ethan, the friendly barista with curly hair and a perpetual smile, was busy wiping down the espresso machine.

"Morning, Ethan," I greeted, giving him a small wave. He looked up, his face breaking into a wide grin as he recognized me.

"Hey, Valentina! Good to see you again," Ethan replied, his voice warm and welcoming. He turned his attention to Lea, nodding in greeting as she looked over the menu, her eyes scanning the pastries like she was trying to decide the fate of the world.

We placed our orders—me sticking with my usual slice of cheesecake, while Lea went straight for the chocolate cake, practically drooling as she pointed it out. Ethan jotted it all down with a knowing smirk, as if he could already tell we were about to enjoy every bite.

Lea and I hovered by the pick-up counter, watching as Ethan carefully prepared our orders. The air was filled with the rich aroma of coffee and freshly baked goods, making it impossible not to feel a little impatient. After a moment, Ethan called our names, sliding the plates of cake across the counter. Lea nudged me gently, motioning for me to head back to our table.

"I got it. Keep our spot," she said with a grin before darting up to grab the plates. I settled into my seat, adjusting the small vase of flowers at the center of the table as I waited. Moments later, Lea returned, balancing both slices carefully. She set my cheesecake in front of me before taking her own seat, her eyes practically sparkling with excitement.

Lea stared at her chocolate cake as if it were a treasure, licking her lips in anticipation. "This is going to be so damn good," she murmured, rubbing her hands together as though she were about to unwrap a long-awaited gift. Without wasting another second, she picked up her fork and eagerly dug in, scooping up a generous bite.

The second the rich, velvety cake touched her tongue, her eyes widened in pure delight. "Yo! This is so fucking good!" she exclaimed, her voice full of genuine surprise as she pointed enthusiastically at her plate. She didn't even wait to swallow before taking another bite, savoring the sweetness as if she had discovered the best thing in the world.

Lea and I savored our cakes in a quiet, contented rhythm, each bite a perfect blend of sweetness and texture. The creamy cheesecake melted on my tongue, while Lea's chocolate cake seemed to vanish almost instantly; she practically inhaled it in less than two minutes. Without missing a beat, she jumped up and returned to the counter, coming back moments later with a fresh slice of cake and two glasses of water.

"Thanks," I said, smiling as I accepted the glass, taking a refreshing sip. Lea nodded with a grin, already diving into her second helping. She closed her eyes briefly, clearly savoring the rich flavor, while I took another slow bite of my own dessert.

Time seemed to slip away, and before long, it was almost time for our next lecture. I started to stand, ready to head to the counter to settle the bill, but Lea stopped me with a casual wave of her hand.

"I paid when I went up for my second slice," she said nonchalantly, popping another piece of cake into her mouth.

I blinked in surprise, feeling a pang of guilt. "Thanks, but next time, it's on me. I can't let you keep paying!" I insisted, hating the idea of not pulling my weight. Lea just laughed, brushing it off as if it was no big deal, but I made a mental note to make sure our next outing would be on me.

✿

Saturday;

It's the weekend, and I'd much rather be at the hospital volunteering like I usually do, but instead, I'm trapped in my room, hunched over my desk, working on the dreaded assignment Prof. Montgomery gave us. Sunlight streamed through my window, taunting me with the promise of a perfect day outside while I clicked away on my laptop, surrounded by scattered notes and empty coffee cups.

The assignment is due by email before Monday, but thankfully, it's not a huge task, and I've been powering through it faster than I expected. I'd estimate I'm about eighty percent done, but the final stretch feels like it's dragging.

I tapped my pen against the desk, weighing my options. I could push through and finish now, or leave it for tomorrow when my brain was fresher. After staring at the screen for a solid ten seconds, I made my decision: I'd wrap it up tomorrow. It would only take a couple of hours at most, and today, I needed a break.

With a nod and a heavy sigh, I pushed myself away from my desk, rubbing my tired eyes before heading to my closet. I rifled through the hangers, searching for something comfortable but still polished enough for the hospital—something that said, "I'm here to help" without looking like I just rolled out of bed. After slipping into a simple blouse and neatly pressed pants, I checked my reflection, adjusting my hair to make sure I looked presentable.

Grabbing my car keys, I locked the front door behind me and headed out. My car was finally back from the mechanic, looking almost unrecognizable in its shiny, restored condition—it felt like getting a part of my freedom back. The mechanic had done a fantastic job; it looked brand new, and I couldn't be happier.

After a smooth thirty-minute drive, I pulled into the hospital parking lot, steering towards the more affluent side reserved for patients and their visitors. As I parked, I couldn't help but feel a bit out of place; my little car stood awkwardly among a sea of sleek luxury vehicles, gleaming like they'd never seen a day of rain. I brushed off the thought, grabbed my volunteer badge, and headed inside, ready to make the most of my day.

I had barely stepped through the hospital's sliding doors when I was enveloped in a warm hug, familiar and comforting. The scent of jasmine and vanilla gave her away instantly—it was Aunt Grace. I hugged her back tightly, feeling a bit of my stress melt away.

"Val, honey!" she beamed, pulling back to look at me. "Have you finished your assignment yet?" Without waiting for my answer, she steered me toward a small coffee stand tucked in the corner of the lobby. "Two cappuccinos, please," she told the barista, flashing her usual bright smile.

I shook my head with a half-smile as I followed her. "Not yet. I'll wrap it up tomorrow," I said, trying not to sound too guilty about procrastinating. She nodded understandingly, paid for the drinks, and handed me one, the warm cup soothing my hands.

"You're going to need this," she sighed, her usually cheerful face looking a little weary. "Everyone's got a chip on their shoulder today."

I thanked her and took a slow sip, the rich, foamy taste hitting just right. This was exactly the pick-me-up I didn't know I needed.

Before I could even finish my next sip, Aunt Grace was whisked away by Dr. Bryson, the head of surgery, who looked particularly frazzled. She shot me an apologetic wave over her shoulder, leaving me momentarily stranded in the bustling lobby. I shrugged—typical hospital chaos.

Guess it's time to get to work. With my cappuccino in hand, I strolled down the familiar hallways, the sterile scent of antiseptic and faint hum of medical equipment filling the air. I nodded at passing nurses, exchanged brief smiles with doctors, and waved to a few of the patients I recognized.

Most of the staff knew me by now; I'd been volunteering here so often that I'd become a regular fixture. It had taken a while to settle in and get comfortable, but now it felt almost second nature. I'd worked my way into their little world, blending in so seamlessly that some days, I felt like I was more than just a volunteer—almost like one of them, just without the scrubs and the degree.

I'd been on my feet for the last two hours, dashing between rooms with trays of food, handing out water bottles, cleaning up spills, and guiding patients slowly down the hallways. My muscles ached, and I was starting to feel that familiar twinge of exhaustion creeping in. I needed a break, and there was no better place to catch my breath than Elizabeth's room, where I could chat with her for a few minutes.

Just as I was approaching her door, a sharp, commanding voice halted me in my tracks. I turned my head to see the old man from last week—the same one who had barked at me for water. He was lounging in his plush bed, absorbed in his phone. Without even glancing up, he barked, "You! I need some water!" His tone was dismissive, as if I were a servant rather than a volunteer.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Do rich people ever learn the word 'please'? Holding back a sigh, I spun on my heel and headed back to the service area, grabbing a chilled bottle of water before he could get louder.

Returning to his room, I twisted the cap off the bottle and placed it gently on his bedside table, my hand lingering just a second longer than necessary, half hoping for some semblance of gratitude. Instead, he waved me off dismissively, his eyes never leaving his screen. No "thank you," not even a nod of acknowledgment. Just that cold, habitual dismissal. I should have known better than to expect anything else.

I gave a soft knock on Elizabeth's door before slipping inside. She looked up from her worn paperback, her face lighting up with a warm, welcoming smile. "Hello, dear!" she chimed, carefully closing her book and setting it on the small bedside table.

"How are you doing today?" I asked, slipping a chocolate pudding from my pocket and sliding it onto her tray with a sly grin. I'd swiped it from the cart when no one was looking, knowing how much she loved these little treats. Her eyes sparkled, and she let out a delighted laugh as she reached for the pudding.

"Oh, you spoil me!" she teased, peeling back the lid with the eagerness of a child. "I'm doing much better, thanks to this," she said, spooning a bit of the pudding into her mouth. She savored the first taste before turning her gaze back to me, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "How were your lectures this week?"

I sank into the old, well-worn couch by the window, stretching my legs and getting comfortable. "They were fine," I replied, feeling the familiar weight of schoolwork settle on my shoulders. "But the workload's piling up faster than I can handle." I sighed, leaning back against the cushions. "I swear, it never ends."

Elizabeth chuckled softly, setting the empty pudding cup back on her tray with a satisfied sigh. She turned her warm, wise eyes on me, her expression soft with understanding. "That's university for you," she said with a knowing smile. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of relief—I was almost done, and the thought of no more all-nighters or endless assignments was the only thing keeping me going.

"So, how's it going with that strict professor you were telling me about?" she asked, leaning back against her pillows and interlocking her fingers in her lap.

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Oh, it's fine," I said, though my tone didn't quite match my words. "She's still as moody as ever, but I guess I'm getting used to it." The truth was, I wasn't getting used to it at all, but I didn't want to sound like I was complaining too much. I shifted in my seat and glanced out the window, remembering that bizarre encounter. "Actually, I saw her the other day while she was out running with her dog."

Elizabeth's eyebrows lifted with interest, and I launched into the story, recounting how I was sitting on a park bench, minding my own business, when her dog spotted me and bolted over like I was an old friend. I described the chaos of Prof. Montgomery chasing after him, her irritated expression when she finally reached us, and how she barely seemed to register who I was before whisking her dog away. "She didn't even recognize me," I finished, still half-amused by the memory. Elizabeth laughed, shaking her head. "Sounds like quite the encounter," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Elizabeth listened closely as I vented, her kind eyes never leaving my face. I could see she was genuinely interested, nodding at all the right moments, and it felt like a weight off my shoulders to let it all out. I adore my aunt, but sometimes I hesitate to burden her with too much of my rambling. Elizabeth, though, was an open ear and an understanding smile—exactly what I needed.

We chatted for another twenty minutes, the conversation light and easy as we swapped stories. Eventually, I pushed myself off the couch with a reluctant sigh. I could technically take as many breaks as I wanted, but sitting around didn't feel right when there was work to be done. I had to earn my keep at the hospital, even if it was just volunteering.

"I'll see you later, Elizabeth," I said, giving her a quick wave as I slipped out of her room. She waved back, her smile lingering as the door softly clicked shut behind me. As I walked down the bustling hallway, I sent my aunt a quick message, letting her know to call me when her shift ended so we could head home together.

Time to get back to work—whatever the hospital had in store for me next.