Chapter 33: Race Against Time

I’d never run that fast in my life.

The rain lashed against my face like icy needles. I couldn’t see much in the dark streets, but I refused to slow my pace. Would I make it in time? Maybe he had already gotten onto the bus. Maybe he was already gone.

Oh no.

With my phone still clutched tightly in my hand, I fumbled to dial his number. Multitasking didn’t work out for me. My finger slipped on the wet screen. Then the device fell from my grasp and tumbled to the ground.

Crack!

The sound was sickening. I froze in place. It was broken, wasn’t it? Now I couldn’t call James. I couldn’t stop him from leaving… I picked up the phone and flipped it around.

The screen was cracked.

The shards of glass glinted in the dim light, but miraculously, the device still flickered to life. Thank goodness! I stood there and hastily dialed James’s number. My heart pounded in my ears with each unanswered ring.

Ring…

Ring…

Voicemail.

He wasn’t picking up. Damn. I was not going to give up that easily! Ignoring the ache in my muscles and the burn in my lungs, I pushed myself to run again. Faster this time!

Gasping for breath, I finally reached the bus station. I must have been a sight to behold. My clothes were plastered to my skin and my hair dripped with rainwater.

I stopped running when I saw James. He stood at the edge of the platform. He was about to get on the bus…

“James!” I cried out, my voice hoarse and raw with emotion. His expression was one of disbelief as he caught sight of me.

He stared at me. His eyes were wider than I’ve ever seen them. It was as if he couldn’t quite believe that I was standing there in the pouring rain.

“What the hell are you doing?” he demanded.

But I refused to back down. Ignoring the stares of the other passengers and the chill that seeped into my bones, I stood my ground, my eyes locked with his.

I was not a pushover.

“I’m here to talk to you.”

And I was not pathetic.

I balled my fists at my side and James hesitated for a moment. Uncertainty flickered in his eyes.

“Go inside the bus station, Keily,” he urged, motioning for me to do so.

“Not until you listen to me,” I insisted.

I crossed my arms stubbornly, my gaze unwavering.

“Ok, I am listening,” James caved.

The bus’s doors opened… But James stayed put. He was all ears.

Despite the rain drumming against the roof of the bus station and the curious stares of passersby, I took a deep breath and made my declaration. My voice trembled slightly with emotion, but there was an undeniable strength in my words.

“I'm sorry, James,” I began, my voice carrying above the noise of the storm. “I'm sorry for being so selfish, for putting so much pressure on you to live the perfect college life with me.”

The words spilled out of me in a rush, each one heavy with the weight of my guilt. I could feel the pressure of James’s gaze on me. His eyes searched mine for any sign of insincerity. But I held his gaze steadily, my resolve unshakeable.

“I know how hard you worked for my sake,” I continued. “And I felt so loved that you tried so hard for me. But you don't have to do that anymore.”

The world seemed to revolve around us. All I could focus on was James, his expression unreadable as he listened to my words. And then, slowly, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips, his eyes softening.

The other passengers on the platform exchanged curious glances, their conversations hushed as they eavesdropped on our exchange.

Even the bus driver didn’t drive away.

“You don’t need to force yourself to stay in college for my sake,” I continued. My voice steady despite the tumult of emotions coursing through me. I was strong. I was in control. “Or for your parents’ sake. You have nothing to prove to anyone.”

His gaze softened even more. I could have sworn he looked relieved. Like I finally understood him. Like I was finally saying the right things.

“You can drop out if you want,” I tell him, lifting my chin. “Anthropology might not be for you, or even college as a whole. And that’s okay.”

The tension in his shoulders eased slightly, as if a weight had been lifted from them.

“You can take your time to figure out what you want to do. Whether it’s college or something else. It’s okay if we want different things. I’ll love you no matter what.”

His smile widened and his eyes narrowed. This was a genuine smile—not one of his fake ones. He was happy that I was here, clearly expressing myself and also taking his wants and needs into consideration.

“I don’t need someone like me,” I confessed. Was my vision blurry because of my tears or because of the rain? “I need you, James. And only you.”

Around us, the world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for James’s response. But he didn’t speak. He only clasped a hand around his mouth—I think he was moved beyond words by my heartfelt confession.

We were both soaking wet in the rain, but in that moment, nothing else mattered except the overwhelming connection between us.

Within seconds James moved closer to me. He swept me into a kiss. It was passionate, romantic, and utterly breathtaking. He tasted like coffee and made my stomach do somersaults.

It was like a moment straight out of a movie.

We broke apart, but James’s arms stayed around me. He held me close.

“I’ll stay with you. We can take things slow and figure out our futures together,” he gave me a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry for making you worry…”

I squeezed him right back.

“Are you sure that you’re okay staying with someone like me?” His grip slightly slackened.

But before he could finish his sentence, I silenced him with another kiss. It was a silent affirmation that I believed that he was perfect for me, flaws and all. I wouldn't entertain any doubts or insecurities because in my heart, there was no one else I'd rather be with.

As James and I pulled away from our intimate moment, I became aware of the cheering and applause. Turning around, I realized that we had attracted quite an audience—fellow passengers on the bus platform, witnessing our emotional exchange.

My cheeks grew warm as I realized the extent of our public display of affection. James chuckled softly, his arm wrapping around my waist protectively as we exchanged sheepish glances.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the attention, we silently agreed to retreat from the public eye and head back to our apartment. As we walked away, the applause faded into the background. Everything was okay again.

I felt happy and secure as we linked hands. I knew now for sure that things would work out for us, even if we ended up doing different things.