Echoes Between Us

The jaracada tree stood at the heart of Lincoln university's campus like it didn't know it didnt belong. Imported decades ago by some bored trustee who ''wanted colour''. It bloomed defiantly each spring- lavendar petals spilling across the brick courtyard in a soft rebellion against the greystone buildings and sharp political mind that surrounded it. Alana Brooks sat beneath it, legs crossed, laptop balanced on her knees, trying to focus But her fingers just hovered uselessly above the keys. Her debate assignment just dropped. Team assignments were based on preference and experience. Not randomness. But of course, someone in the political science decided to''shake things up.'' ''Alana,'' came Professor Vega' voice from behind her. ''You've been paired with Jesse Walker.'' She didn't look up immediately. Maybe she'd misheard. ''You are joking.'' she said flatly, glancing up. The professor just smiled like a man who enjoyed chaos.'' I think it will be good for the both of you.'' Good ? Alana had spent the past two years avoiding Jesse Walker in class, in clubs, even in group chats. Not because he was a threat- but because he wasn't. He was the kind of guy professors fawned over for saying basic things with confidence. The kind of guy that called himself ''open - minded'' but never shut up long enough to listen. As if summouned by her rising blood pressure, the sound of boots on bricks echoed acoss the courtyard. Jesse. Frat - boy swagger in a patagonia jacket. Golden hair that looked like it belonged in a military recruitment ad. And that damn smirk - like he already owned the room, the school, and the argument. ''Hey,'' he said, offering a hand she ignored.'' Guess we are teammates.'' ''God help me.'' she muttered ''I heard that,'' he said, grin widening. She stood, brushing petals off her jeans. ''Look, you want to coast and charm your way through this, fine. But I don't do lazy, and Idon't tolerate ignorance.'' ''I am not lazy'' Jesse said, folding his arms.'' And I am not ignorant.'' She raised an eyebrow,'' You once said systematic racism was a ''grey area.'' ''I said complex. Not fake.'' ''Same diference.'' His expression shifted - just slightly. ''So you've already judged me.'' '' I didn't have to. Your resume judged itself.'' That sruck something, though she couldn't tell what. He smiled again, but it was thinner now. ''You always this warm ?'' ''Only on Tuesdays.'' ''Lucky me.'' They stood there for a beat, the silence between them buzzing with tension. Somewhere across the quad, a group of first - years laughed too loudly, but here, beneath the jaracada tree, it felt like the world had narrowed to two people circling the same argument - just waiting for the open shot. ''We have a week,'' Alana finally said.''Debate is next Friday. I will draft our open argument ''Do I get a say ?'' ''Not unless you want us to lose.'' He chuckled softly'' You are kind of terrifying.'' She didn't smile back, '' And you are kind of predictable.'' But as she turned to leave, the wind kicked up, swirling purple petals around their feet like confetti for a wedding no one wanted to attend. Jesse looked up at the tree for a moment, then back at her. ''Hey,'' he called after her. '' What if I can actually suprise you ?'' She paused, only slightly,'' Then I will be the first person to admit.'' And she meant it. She just didn't think it was possible . She smirked and said to her self '' We will wait till then to see, Jesse Walker.''