Knitting a Scarf
521 Words
William blissfully ignored the troubles ahead, focused on planning Lilith's birthday. Though a trip was off, he considered treating Lilith and her roommates to dinner, saving the actual birthday for a romantic day alone.
Their first time celebrating as a couple, William felt their memories were still sparse. These were stories for future grandchildren, like Ryan's tales.
After walking Lilith to her dorm, she urged, "Head back now. It's freezing." William, the fashionista, wore only a thin coat in the bitter cold, embodying "style over comfort." Ironically, he insisted Lilith bundle up all winter.
"Let's stay a bit. Sit?" William suggested, gesturing to the benches. Originally for summer, they now hosted shivering couples.
"Too cold. You should go," Lilith insisted, eyeing his outfit. "How about I knit you a scarf? Everyone's doing it."
"Love that! Thought you'd forgotten. Even Jack got one," William joked. Knitting scarves was trendy. William had offers but dared not accept - his jealous girlfriend wouldn't approve.
Jack's new loose-knit, dark gray scarf was ordinary, but he treasured it. He'd even bought a matching coat, though it reached his knees. William envied Jack's enthusiasm.
Satisfied, William left. Lilith returned to find only Alice.
Alice felt down. Emma's quiet presence was missed, now caught up in romance. The room felt empty, and Alice appreciated Emma's importance.
Seeing Lilith, Alice perked up. "Finally! Was dying of boredom. Might crash in 502."
Lilith laughed, shedding her coat. "The class president's not bad. Or that ROTC guy?"
Alice rolled her eyes. "Better off alone. Free to do whatever." She preferred masculine men but met only effeminate guys.
"Heard Amy might move out," Alice whispered.
"Really? Had no idea. Been busy with debate," Lilith admitted.
"Moving in with that senior? After two months?" Lilith mused. For Amy, that was commitment.
"Claims she's getting her own place. Doubt it. Probably tagging along with him," Alice speculated.
"Let's change topics," Lilith said. "Want to buy yarn tomorrow?"
"Knitting for Mr. Handsome? Should've started earlier. Even Emma made one," Alice teased.
Lilith imagined Alice with a feminine guy but quickly dismissed it.
"Noticed you've gained weight? Time to diet," Alice said abruptly.
Lilith checked herself. Her old sweater was snug, especially around her stomach.
She had gained since William arrived. The girls blamed William's pampering - bringing breakfast, fetching dinner, indulging her whims.
"Oh no, I've got a pooch," Lilith groaned. Dieting was an eternal topic for girls.
"Cut back," Alice advised, poking Lilith's stomach. "Keep this up, William might look elsewhere. He's got admirers."
"He wouldn't dare," Lilith growled playfully.
"Of course not. His parents like you," Alice reassured. The girls were shocked by Lilith's early interactions with William's family.
"That's not it," Lilith said haughtily. "I have options too."
"Please," Alice scoffed. "Owen was your only prospect. Now you've fewer admirers."
William's claim had scared off suitors. The Business School had more girls, and guys avoided lost causes.
Alice liked Owen. He might've suited sweet Lilith. But he'd been too slow. If he'd met her earlier, things might've been different.
"Fine," Lilith sighed. "Dieting's my only option." Her excitement for tomorrow dimmed slightly.
- Writer
