Chapter 21
1106 Words
Sunday night came faster than I expected.
The house felt busier than usual — clothes being folded, bags being packed, quiet footsteps going up and down the hall. Emma had insisted I start organizing my things early, though she still hovered near the doorway like she didn’t really want me to leave.
She was folding one of my sweaters when she said, “So, have you thought about staying on campus or coming from home every day?”
I paused, sitting cross-legged on the bed. “I don’t know. I mean, it’s just an hour away, right?”
“Probably more,” she said, smiling faintly. “And that’s almost two hours of travel every day. Mornings can get rough, especially when you have those early classes.”
I sighed softly. “I don’t want to be a bother, Emma. You’ve already done so much for me.”
She set the sweater aside and came to sit beside me, her expression kind but serious. “Amber, listen to me. You’re not a bother, not even close. You’re part of this family now.”
That word, family, always hit something deep inside me. I managed a small nod, even though my chest felt tight.
“I just want you to feel comfortable,” she continued. “If you’d rather stay home, you can. If you want to experience dorm life, we’ll make sure it’s a good one.”
“I’ll think about it,” I said, smiling a little.
“Good.” She patted my hand warmly. “That’s all I ask.”
Before I could say anything else, Timothy appeared at the door, leaning casually against the frame. “You two gossiping about me again?”
Emma rolled her eyes. “You wish.”
He grinned, stepping inside. “So, for the record, I’m staying on campus this semester. Might help me stay focused.”
Emma nodded approvingly. “That’s a good idea, honey.”
He shot me a small smile. “Guess I’ll be your tour guide, then. If you decide to stay there, I mean.”
I felt heat rush to my face. “You don’t have to—”
“I want to,” he said simply, his grin softening.
I ducked my head, smiling. “Okay.”
---
The next morning, the car ride to campus felt like the start of something bigger than I was ready for. Emma hummed quietly along to the radio, her mood bright even though I could tell she was a little nervous.
I just stared out the window, heart thumping.
When the gates of Oakshare University finally came into view, I almost forgot to breathe. The place was huge — tall, elegant buildings surrounded by trees with gold-tipped leaves, and students walking in groups, laughing, alive.
Emma parked the car near the main entrance and smiled at us both. “Well,” she said softly, “my two college students. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mum,” Timothy said, leaning forward to kiss her cheek before stepping out.
I followed, clutching my bag a little tighter.
“Call me when you’re settled, okay?” she said, eyes warm.
“I will,” I promised.
She waved before driving off, leaving me and Timothy standing in the crisp morning air.
---
The tour went surprisingly well.
Timothy showed me the cafeteria, the library, the gym, and the huge football field that made his face light up like a kid at Christmas. I couldn’t help but smile — he looked happier here, somehow.
“This is where I spend most of my time,” he said, nodding at the field.
“Figures,” I teased. “I’d have guessed that before you even said it.”
He laughed softly, glancing sideways at me. “I’ll have to show you the art hall next — it’s kind of hidden, but it’s nice.”
“Lead the way,” I said, enjoying how easy things felt between us.
But that moment didn’t last.
We’d just turned a corner when a soft, uncertain voice said, “Tim?”
I stopped. Timothy froze.
A girl stood a few feet away — tall, blonde, effortlessly pretty, with a nervous smile tugging at her lips. Her voice was gentle, but it made something in Timothy’s expression shift — a flicker I couldn’t quite place.
She took a few steps closer. “Hey.”
He blinked, recovering quickly. “Hey.”
She smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Then her gaze moved to me, curious. “Oh, hi,” she said. “I’m sorry, I don’t think we’ve met?”
I shook my head quickly, returning the polite smile. “No, I don’t think so. I’m Amber.”
“Amber,” she repeated, still watching me. “Nice to meet you.”
There was a strange tension hanging in the air — something quiet but sharp. I glanced at Timothy, who seemed oddly stiff, like he didn’t know what to say.
“You two… friends?” I asked lightly, hoping to ease the awkwardness.
The girl’s smile faltered just a little before she answered. “Yeah… something like that.”
Timothy’s jaw tightened, his voice low. “Yeah, we used to— it’s been a while.”
Used to?
I frowned slightly, but didn’t ask. It wasn’t my place.
“Well,” she said after a moment, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “It was good to see you, Tim. You look… good.”
“Thanks,” he said quietly.
“Decided to come back?” She asks, already getting ready to leave.
Timothy just shrugged “Maybe”. He said.
She nodded once, gave me a small smile, and walked away, her perfume lingering faintly in the air.
I stood there for a second, trying to make sense of what had just happened. Whoever she was, it was clear she meant something to him.
But I didn’t ask. I didn’t want to push.
“Sorry about that,” Timothy said finally, rubbing the back of his neck.
“It’s fine,” I said softly. “She seemed nice.”
He chuckled dryly. “Yeah. Sure.”
We started walking again, though the lightness from before was gone. I kept sneaking glances at him, wondering about the girl with the careful smile and the history she clearly shared with him.
And for reasons I couldn’t explain, it left a strange, heavy feeling in my chest — one that had nothing to do with curiosity, and everything to do with something I didn’t want to name yet.
- Writer
