CHAPTER FIVE
857 Words
Whitney’s POV
I woke up the next morning to the warmth of sunlight flooding the room. I stepped onto the balcony to take in the beautiful city below. The streets were already alive, bustling with energy. I spotted some high school students on their way to school, and memories came rushing back—
Tessa and me walking together, laughing, the lively energy of the pack. A tear almost slipped from my eye.
“Homesick?” Roxy asked in my head.
“Good morning,” I replied, stepping back inside and sitting on the bed.
“You know you didn’t have to leave,” she said gently.
“You could’ve at least tried to listen to him.”
I face-palmed, frustration mixing with homesickness.
“I realize that now, but there’s no going back,” I replied, getting up and heading to the bathroom. “We have to stick to the plan, okay?”
“Fine then,” Roxy said.
I washed my face and brushed my teeth, quietly humming a lullaby—one my dad used to sing to me when I was little.
Why did I miss him this much?
I rushed through my morning routine—exercise, skincare, everything else. Soon, I stood in front of the mirror, checking my outfit: blue jeans, a black baggy top, and Nike shoes. Simple, comfortable—perfect for a university student.
I took a deep breath and whispered my daily mantra.
“You’re beautiful. You’re brave. You’re confident. And you can do this.”
I flipped my waist-length raven-black hair dramatically and flashed a goofy smile, making Roxy laugh.
“Yeah, girl. We’re bitches. Now let’s go, go, go.”
Laughing, I grabbed my bag, rushed out, dropped my key card at the front desk—noticed it wasn’t the same girl as yesterday, but who cared?—and headed outside.
I waited in front of the hotel, wondering why my already booked cab was late. As I scanned the road, the girl from the front desk last night stepped beside me. She looked stunning in a fitted blue gown with a black handbag.
“Hey,” I said before I could stop myself. “We met yesterday.”
She turned, eyeing me up and down, clearly confused.
“I’m not so sure.”
“Room 245,” I said.
Her face lit up. “Oh! Sorry—I meet a lot of people, especially at night,” she said with a smile.
“Oh, it’s fine,” I replied. “I’m Whitney.” I extended my hand.
“I’m Karen,” she said, shaking it.
“So, where are you headed?”
“Whitmore University,” I said, still glancing around for my cab.
“No way—I’m going there too. Business Administration.”
“Same!” I replied, and we both laughed.
Just then, my cab pulled up.
“My ride’s here. Do you want to join me?” I asked politely.
“Thanks, but I need to head home first,” she said.
“Alright. Guess I’ll see you around,” I replied before getting into the cab. The driver pulled away, leaving a cloud of dust behind.
After tipping the driver—who turned out to be surprisingly fun and full of city tips—I stepped onto campus. He was young, so I wasn’t surprised.
“That driver was hot,” Roxy said.
“Shut up, you slut,” I mind-linked back.
“Grrr,” she growled, and we both laughed as I walked deeper into the school.
The hallway was huge, lined with lockers and buzzing with students heading to their classes. I loved the energy—lively, vibrant, full of youth.
Then it hit me.
A strong but pleasant scent—salt and silvered smoke. Heavenly.
Roxy went wild.
“MATE…” she howled in my mind.
“What?” I nearly screamed, spinning around to locate the source—but the scent vanished as quickly as it appeared. My heart sank.
“It’s okay, baby girl,” Roxy said softly. “At least we know he’s here. With our senses, we won’t miss him.”
“You’re right,” I whispered to myself before heading to the front desk to finish my registration.
After the formalities, the dean led me into a lecture hall already filled with students. The professor was mid-lesson when another scent washed over me—vanilla and roses.
“MATE…” Roxy stirred again.
“What do you mean?” I mind-linked back.
“The scents are different.”
“Yeah…” she started, but stopped abruptly.
“Miss?”
I jolted when a marker tapped my arm. I looked up—and nearly forgot how to breathe.
“Yes?” I replied quickly.
“You okay?” the professor asked.
“Sorry, sir. I zoned out,” I said, offering an awkward smile.
“We noticed,” he replied dryly. “Take a seat. You’re already late.”
I nodded and walked down the rows, spotting a familiar waving hand. Karen. I smiled in surprise, sat beside her, and focused as the lecture continued.
- Writer
