Chapter Three: Rebecca
1165 Words
It’s been exactly one month since I resumed at Crestwood University.
Sometimes, when I think about it, it feels unreal—like I just arrived yesterday. Other times, it feels like Fairmont Hills has already started stitching itself into my life. I love it here. I really do. And I’m grateful—for Emily, for Spencer, for how they’ve made this place feel less foreign.
But I still miss my parents.
It’s the weekend, and our apartment smells like food and comfort. Emily is in the kitchen, humming softly as she makes fried rice and steak, moving around like she’s done this a hundred times before. I’m in charge of popcorn, standing over the stove and shaking the pot like it personally offended me.
Spencer is sprawled on the couch, as usual.
Most nights, he ends up here anyway. He’s practically moved in, and honestly, I love him for it.
“So,” he says casually, eyes fixed on his phone, “I met a girl a few days ago.”
Emily and I freeze at the exact same time.
“A girl?” Emily repeats slowly.
I turn toward him. “What kind of girl?”
He grins. “A pretty one.”
“Oh no,” Emily says, abandoning her cooking spoon. “You don’t get to say that and stop there.”
“I got her number,” he continues. “We’ve been texting.”
I gasp dramatically. “Spencer Coleman.”
“So far our conversation has been interesting,” he adds quickly. “That’s all you’re getting.”
We exchange a look.
“Oh, we’re getting more,” Emily says.
Before he can react, we both jump on him.
“No—no—stop—don’t tickle me!” Spencer laughs, trying to escape. “I hate this!”
That’s when my phone rings.
We all freeze.
I pull it out and smile. “It’s my parents.”
Emily immediately lets go of Spencer. “Saved by the call.”
I answer quickly. “Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad.”
“Rebecca,” my mom says warmly. “We were just talking about you.”
I smile softly. “I was just thinking about you too.”
They ask how I’m faring, how school is going, and I tell them the truth—that I like it here. That I’m happy I came to Fairmont Hills. That, for now, I don’t think I made the wrong decision.
“If you’re happy, then we’re happy,” my dad says.
That almost makes me tear up.
I ask about the restaurant, and they tell me it’s doing fine. That everyone misses me. I tell them I miss them too.
“What are you up to today?” my mom asks.
“Movie date,” I say, glancing at Emily and Spencer.
Emily immediately pops her head into view. “Hi, Mrs. Hayes! Hi, Mr. Hayes!”
My mom beams. “Hello, Emily. How are you?”
“I’m fine,” she says brightly. “And Mrs. Mary, you look stunning.”
She pauses. “Not that you look bad, Mr. Hayes.”
My dad chuckles. “No offense taken, dear.”
They ask for Spencer next, and he moves into view, waving.
“Hello, sir. Ma’am.”
“Behave,” my dad warns playfully. “Take care of yourselves and enjoy your weekend.”
“We will,” Spencer says.
“Bye,” my mom adds.
“Bye,” I say softly.
When the call ends, I stand there for a moment, phone still in my hand, feeling warm and full.
Maybe Fairmont Hills isn’t home yet.
But it’s starting to feel close.
Today is Friday, and for once, none of us have classes.
Emily orders food while Spencer argues about toppings like his life depends on it. When everything finally arrives, we settle in on the couch and put on The Summer I Turned Pretty.
“This is not even a debate,” Emily says halfway through the first episode. “Jeremiah is better.”
Spencer nods enthusiastically. “Team Jeremiah all the way.”
I scoff. “Absolutely not. Conrad is misunderstood.”
“Misunderstood?” Spencer laughs. “He’s emotionally unavailable.”
“That’s part of the charm,” I argue.
Emily throws a pillow at me. “You just like pain.”
We bicker the entire season, pausing scenes just to argue about who deserves Belly more. By the time the last episode ends, we’re stretched out and bored.
“I need air,” Emily announces. “Let’s go out.”
Spencer offers to take us to his place, but then groans. “Actually, bad idea. The guys have girls over.”
We exchange looks.
“Cafe?” I suggest.
A little later, we’re seated outside at a cozy café, fairy lights glowing above us. We order snacks and drinks, settling into our seats.
Spencer’s phone rings.
All our phones are on the table, and Emily’s eyes instantly land on the screen.
She squints. “Chocolate fudge?”
I freeze.
Emily looks up slowly. “Spencer.”
He grabs his phone. “Mind your business.”
“Oh no,” she says. “That’s my business now.”
I laugh. “Who’s chocolate fudge?”
“Someone,” he replies smugly.
Emily leans closer. “Show us how you saved her contact.”
“No.”
“Sharp-headed piglet.”
I choke on my drink.
Spencer groans. “Fine. But I’m only showing you how I saved you two.”
He unlocks his phone and turns it toward us.
Emily is saved as Fireball.
“That fits,” she says proudly.
Then he scrolls.
Rebecca — Ice Cream Rebel ❤️
Emily gasps. “With a heart emoji?”
“Don’t read into it,” he says quickly.
Emily snatches her phone. “My turn.”
She shows us:
• Rebecca — My Sweetie Pie
• Spencer — Sharp-Headed Piglet 😂
We burst out laughing.
They grab my phone next.
Emily becomes My Babble ❤️
Spencer becomes Strong-Headed Brother
We argue about who got the worst name, laughing until my cheeks hurt.
Then my phone vibrates.
I glance down.
It’s Colton.
Hey babe, just wanted to let you know I’d be coming to Fairmont in two weeks.
Talk later.
That’s it.
No explanation. No conversation.
Just… gone.
Emily notices immediately. “What’s wrong?”
I hand her my phone.
Spencer leans in to read it, and both their faces change.
“Did you two talk about this?” Spencer asks.
I shake my head. “No.”
Emily frowns. “Then what gives him the right to decide that on his own?”
I force a smile. “Maybe the visit will help us. He says he misses me… and I miss him too.”
They don’t argue.
But I can see the anger on their faces.
And suddenly, the fairy lights don’t feel as warm anymore.
- Writer
