chapter 3
707 Words
Chapter 3
Emily sat across from Alexander in the university library, tapping her pen against her notebook.
An awkward silence filled the table.
Neither of them seemed interested in starting a conversation.
Finally, Emily cleared her throat.
"So... Human Biology."
Alexander looked up from his laptop.
"Human Anatomy, specifically."
She nodded.
"Right."
He slid a notebook across the table.
"I've already outlined the assignment."
Emily raised an eyebrow.
"You started without me?"
"I like being prepared."
She looked through the pages, surprised by how organized everything was.
Every heading was neatly written.
Research articles were listed.
Important notes had already been highlighted.
Emily looked back at him.
"You've done half the work already."
"I don't like missing deadlines."
A small smile escaped her.
"I guess we have something in common."
Alexander looked at her for a second before returning to his laptop.
"Maybe."
For the next two hours, they worked quietly.
Whenever Emily didn't understand something, Alexander explained it clearly.
Whenever Alexander searched for information, Emily organized it into neat notes.
Without realizing it, they worked surprisingly well together.
At six o'clock, Emily stretched her arms.
"I'm starving."
Alexander looked at his watch.
"So am I."
She closed her notebook.
"There's a small café outside the library."
"I know."
"Want to grab something?"
The words slipped out before she could stop herself.
Alexander looked at her, slightly surprised.
"You want to eat... with me?"
Emily shrugged.
"We're partners. It makes sense."
After a brief pause, he stood.
"Alright."
---
The café wasn't very busy.
Emily ordered a chicken sandwich and an iced tea.
Alexander ordered black coffee.
Emily stared at his cup.
"Just coffee?"
"Yes."
"No food?"
"I'm not hungry."
She frowned.
"You've been studying for hours."
"I'm used to it."
Emily shook her head.
"That's unhealthy."
Alexander looked at her with amusement.
"Are you always this concerned about people?"
"I want to be a doctor."
"Fair point."
For the first time, they both laughed.
It was only for a moment.
But it was enough for the tension between them to disappear.
---
Across the café...
A girl wearing expensive designer clothes watched them from another table.
Her perfectly manicured nails tapped against her phone.
"This can't be happening."
Her friend looked over.
"What's wrong, Sophia?"
Sophia Blake glared at Emily.
"Alexander is laughing."
"So?"
"He never laughs."
Her friend frowned.
"Maybe she's just helping him with homework."
Sophia's eyes narrowed.
"I don't care why they're together."
She stood up.
"I'm going to remind that scholarship girl where she belongs."
Before her friend could stop her, Sophia walked confidently toward their table.
She stopped beside Emily.
"So..."
Emily looked up politely.
"Can I help you?"
Sophia crossed her arms.
"You're Emily Carter, right?"
"Yes."
"I'm Sophia Blake."
Emily smiled.
"Nice to meet you."
Sophia didn't smile back.
"I just wanted to give you a little advice."
Emily frowned.
"What advice?"
Sophia glanced at Alexander before looking back at Emily.
"Stay away from him."
Emily blinked.
"I'm sorry?"
"Alexander Hayes isn't someone like you can simply become friends with."
Emily's smile disappeared.
"And what exactly does 'someone like me' mean?"
Sophia smirked.
"A scholarship student."
The café became quiet.
Several students turned to watch.
Emily slowly stood up.
"My scholarship is something I earned."
Sophia laughed softly.
"Maybe."
"But you'll never fit into Alexander's world."
Alexander finally stood.
"That's enough, Sophia."
She looked at him in disbelief.
"You're defending her?"
"I'm asking you to leave."
Sophia's face turned red with embarrassment.
Without another word, she turned and walked away.
The moment she disappeared, Emily let out a deep breath.
"I'm sorry."
Alexander looked confused.
"For what?"
"Because people are bothering you because of me."
He shook his head.
"They're bothering you because they think they can."
Emily looked into his eyes.
"And you?"
"What about me?"
"What do you think?"
Alexander was silent for a few seconds.
Then he answered honestly.
"I think you handled yourself well."
Emily smiled.
"Thanks."
As they walked back toward the dormitories, neither of them noticed Sophia watching from a distance.
Tears of anger filled her eyes.
"If I can't have Alexander..."
She clenched her fists.
"...then Emily Carter won't have him either."
A dangerous plan had already begun forming in her mind.
- Writer
