Hearts at crossroads

Chapter Three – Sparks and Shadows(2)

Jason woke up with two thoughts on his mind — Sam and Bella.

The memory of their texts from last night was still fresh.

Sam’s message had been bold, commanding:

> Soccer practice tomorrow. You’re coming. No excuses.

Bella’s had been softer, almost hesitant:

> If you’re free, I’d like to show you something.

He lay in bed for a moment, staring at the ceiling of his small dorm room. The hum of the campus outside drifted in through the cracked window — footsteps on the pavement, distant laughter, the rustle of trees in the crisp morning air. His roommate Dylan was still asleep, tangled in sheets and dead to the world.

Jason sighed, rolling over to grab his phone again. Both messages sat there, glowing back at him like two competing signals.

Do I pick the fire, or the quiet?

---

Breakfast Temptations

The Hillcrest Café smelled like fresh cinnamon buns and strong espresso when Jason walked in. It was crowded — students crammed into every table, the low hum of chatter and clinking mugs filling the air.

He was halfway through ordering a coffee when a familiar voice cut in behind him.

“Well, look who’s up before noon.”

Jason turned to see Sam, dressed in fitted black leggings and a cropped Hillcrest soccer hoodie. Her wavy hair was pulled into a high ponytail, and her smile was just a little too confident.

“Before noon? It’s nine,” Jason said, smirking.

She grinned. “For college, that’s early. What’s the occasion?”

Jason shrugged. “Felt like seeing what the morning people do for fun.”

Before Sam could tease him further, his phone buzzed. He glanced down.

Another text from Bella.

> I’ll be in the art studio until lunch. Come if you can.

Sam noticed the flicker in his expression. “Who’s that?” she asked casually, but her eyes had a glint.

“No one,” Jason said quickly. “Just… class stuff.”

“Uh-huh,” Sam said, not buying it but letting it slide.

---

They got their drinks and found a small corner table. Sam leaned forward, resting her chin in her hand as she looked him over.

“So, Carter… what’s your plan today?”

Jason sipped his coffee. “Classes. Wandering around. Not sure.”

“Wrong answer,” she said with a playful smirk. “Your plan is to come to soccer practice at three. You can watch me destroy the competition.”

Jason chuckled. “Sounds like a thrilling use of my time.”

“It will be,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

The café door swung open, and Jason’s breath caught.

Bella walked in.

---

She was wearing a cream-colored sweater tucked into a pleated skirt, knee-high boots completing the look. Her long dark hair fell in a smooth curtain over one shoulder. She scanned the café — and her eyes landed on him and Sam.

Something in her gaze shifted, almost imperceptibly, before she started toward the counter.

“Friend of yours?” Sam asked, the question sharp under the light tone.

Jason cleared his throat. “Sort of.”

Sam leaned back, her smile slow and knowing. “Interesting.”