Bound Through Secrets

Chapter Two

I woke up with a pounding headache. I drank too much last night on an empty stomach. I should have eaten, but I was too upset. Today, I'm more angry than sad about Ethan's betrayal.

He wasted my time and broke my trust. I won't think about him anymore. He can stay with Mia, they're perfect for each other.

I pulled myself out of bed, my head spinning. I needed to get to class for math. I put on my Chicago University sweatshirt, jeans, and running shoes because it was cool outside. To get my thoughts straight, I had to exercise. After grabbing my stuff, I hurried to the campus. I thought I would get sick after my stomach churned twice, but I persisted. My head felt better by the time I got to class.

I sat near the back as Professor Stone walked in, setting his books down. I love math, but Professor Stone makes it hard. He only wants us to solve problems his way, even if he's wrong. If you correct him, he gets mad. I just need to pass this class.

My phone buzzed with a text from Sophia.

Sophia: Lunch at the campus square today?

Sophia and I always eat lunch together since our schedules match

Lila: Yes! Professor Grumpy is driving me crazy.

Sophia: Drop his class. You can still switch teachers.

Lila: Maybe. I'll talk to my advisor. This guy is awful.

The class felt endless as Professor Stone droned on. I know I'm not the only one wondering how he's a professor here. When it finally ended, I rushed out, heading to my advisor's office. I'd never visited her office before we usually email or talk in her classroom.

As I reached for the door, my phone lit up with Ethan's name.I let out an annoyed sigh as the door burst open, striking me square in the face. My phone dropped out of my grasp and hit the floor with a smash

Just my luck! Now I need a new phone.

I grabbed my nose, feeling blood drip down my chin. Why is everything going wrong this week? The guy who opened the door looked shocked. His tired eyes and nervous expression told me he was a freshman. I remembered that overwhelming feeling from my first year.

"Are you okay? I'm so sorry!" he said, pulling tissues from his pocket. They looked clean, so I took them, pressing them to my nose and leaning forward. Let me take you to the campus health center."

I shook my head, trying to say I was fine, but I realized I'd bitten my tongue when the door hit me. My nose didn't seem broken, but the guy looked so guilty. For his sake, I agreed to go. The health center is free for students anyway. He seemed kind.

His pale face was framed by his dark hair, which was parted perfectly. He had fashionable glasses over his dazzling blue eyes and was dressed in black slacks and a shirt. To my further embarrassment, he was attractive for a freshman. I gestured for him to take up my phone.

"Oh no, it's broken. I'm so sorry! I'll get you a new one," he said as we walked to the health center. I shook my head, thinking he'd saved me from Ethan's call.

At the health center, the nursing students looked startled when they saw me. They took me to a room quickly. The guy stayed to explain what happened, promising to leave after talking to the doctor. He probably thought I couldn't speak.

"Good morning, Ms. Carter," the doctor said, looking at my chart. He stopped when he saw my face. "What happened?" He glanced at the guy.

"I didn't see her and opened the door too fast. It hit her face. It was an accident," the guy explained.

"Your nose looks okay," the doctor said, checking it carefully.

"Any other pain?"

I pointed to my tongue. He examined it, wiping it gently.

"You'll need a few stitches on your tongue. It's a deep cut," he said.

I sighed, closing my eyes. Of course.

As he left, the doctor threw away his gloves and said, "I'll fetch a nurse

The man said, "I'm very sorry," again. "If you provide me your address, I will courier you a fresh phone today."

I lifted a brow. Though he was lovely, I shook my head and declined to share my address because he was a stranger.

"Okay, where can we meet?" he asked, understanding my hesitation.

I typed on his phone: Campus square noon That's when I meet Sophia, so I won't be alone. He nodded.

"See you then, Ms. Carter," he said with a small smile, leaving as the doctor and nurses returned.

I kept my eyes down, feeling embarrassed. The doctor explained what he'd do as he put on new gloves. He started working, and I tasted metal and rubber. Why was he so interested in assisting me, and who was this guy?

"All done," the doctor said. "Your tongue will be sore for a few days. Try not to use it too much. I'll print care instructions."

Great. How long until I can talk normally again? And why was I still thinking about that freshman's nervous smile?