Page 6 of These Fractured Bonds
“A remarkable turn of events, isn’t it?”
Yareli inhaled, scrunching her nose. “Not funny. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about it! It’s amazing. You know about the second floor?”
“It’s my favorite, actually.”
She glared at him until he coughed and dropped his gaze. “I planned on taking you there in the future.”
“Have you taken anyone else?”
His eyebrows shot up.
“Well?” she pressed.
“N-no.”
Smiling, she took a sip of her tea. If he hadn’t taken anyone else to the extraordinary cafe, then no one else had caught his eye enough for him to do so.
“I guess I’ll be seeing you more often,” she said.
He matched her expression, his dimples making an appearance.
“Yeah, you will.”
Her stomach fluttered at the promise; she leaned forward, elation fueling her forwardness. “Did you get your paper done in time for Professor Hendricks?”
“I did. Although it took longer than I expected.”
“Do you have any more upcoming papers?”
He licked his lips, a grimace forming. “Unfortunately. Signing up for three seminars was not my best choice.”
Yareli sat back, shoulders slumping. It meant his absences would continue. She forced a laugh, chiding him, “Remember when I told you so?”
His face went slack. “Nope.”
“I totally did.”
“Oh, look at the time! It’s time to head to class.”
Yareli gripped his wrist, unwilling to let him run away. “Admit it.”
He threw his head back, laughing. “You’re relentless.”
“Only when I know I’m right.”
His laughter increased. “Yes, you did tell me so.”
Satisfied, she turned serious. “Thank you again. I wouldn’t be able to sit here without worry if it weren’t for your help.”
“I didn’t do much. I simply looked out for someone I care about.” He patted her head. “I do actually have to go to class. See you next time?”
A blush raged on her cheeks, and Yareli nodded, avoiding his gaze. She waved goodbye and sat until her pulse slowed.Someone I care about.Not “friend.”
She left the cafe before she squealed.
Someone I care about. She could listen to it all day. Then, her phone buzzed, and her bubble popped. It was her mom.I really need to go to therapy, she thought as she sent a quick response. Except therapy costs money—the exact thing she wasn’t drowning in. A sigh escaped her. One day, she’d be free of her torment. Maybe. She was haunted after all, and she didn’t know of a cure.
Chapter 3
