Chapter 21:
The journey back from the retreat was quieter than Emily had expected. The chatter and excitement from the group seemed muted as everyone adjusted to the looming reality of classes, deadlines, and the pressures of college life. Emily sat by the window of the van, her head resting against the glass, watching the world blur past.
Max sat beside her, his presence steady but unobtrusive. Every so often, she caught him glancing her way, his expression unreadable. Sarah and Alex were seated further back, laughing over an inside joke that Emily couldn't hear but appreciated nonetheless.
Yet even in this serene moment, Emily couldn't fully escape her thoughts. The letter from Oliver remained untouched in her bag, a persistent reminder of the tension she had yet to confront.
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A Return to Routine
By the time they arrived back on campus, the air was heavy with the weight of routine. The familiar sight of the dormitories and bustling students brought a strange comfort to Emily, even as she felt a pang of nostalgia for the retreat's quiet moments.
"Back to reality," Sarah sighed dramatically as they unloaded their bags. "At least we'll have our late-night study sessions to keep things interesting."
"Because cramming for exams is so fun," Alex replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Emily managed a small laugh, grateful for their banter. She lingered behind as the others started toward their dorms, her gaze drifting toward Max.
"You okay?" he asked, pausing beside her.
She nodded, though the hesitation in her movement didn't escape him. "Just tired."
"Let me know if you need anything," he said softly before heading inside.
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A Quiet Evening
That night, Emily sat cross-legged on her bed, the letter from Oliver in her hands. The neatly folded paper felt heavier than it should have, as though it carried the weight of his unresolved feelings.
She traced the edges of the envelope, her mind swirling with questions. Why hadn't he said anything in person? Why had he chosen now, after all these years, to resurface in her life? And why couldn't she bring herself to read it?
Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. It was a text from Sarah:
Sarah: Movie night? I need something cheesy and romantic to distract me from thinking about Alex's smile. Gross, right?
Emily smiled faintly and replied:
Emily: Not gross at all. I'll be over in five.
She left the letter on her nightstand, deciding to leave the heavy thoughts for another time.
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Movie Night
Sarah's dorm room was a chaotic mix of fairy lights, throw pillows, and half-empty snack bags. Emily had barely sat down before Sarah thrust a bowl of popcorn into her lap and hit play on a rom-com that was equal parts hilarious and cringe-worthy.
"Okay, but seriously," Sarah began, her voice muffled by a mouthful of popcorn, "Alex is dangerously close to being perfect. Like, do you think he's hiding a secret flaw? Maybe he leaves his socks everywhere or chews with his mouth open."
Emily laughed, shaking her head. "You could just ask him out and find out."
Sarah gasped dramatically. "And ruin the mystery? Never."
As the movie played on, Emily found herself relaxing for the first time in days. Sarah's carefree energy was contagious, pulling her out of her brooding thoughts.
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A Sudden Encounter
The next morning, Emily decided to stop by her favorite coffee shop before class. The comforting smell of freshly brewed coffee and the soft hum of conversation were a welcome distraction.
As she waited for her order, she turned and nearly bumped into someone.
"Emily," a familiar voice said.
She looked up to see Oliver standing there, his hands shoved into his pockets and an unreadable expression on his face.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Emily felt her pulse quicken, her mind racing with all the things she wanted to say but couldn't.
"Can we talk?" he asked, his voice quiet but steady.
Emily hesitated, glancing around as if searching for an escape. "Now?"
"Whenever you're ready," he said, his gaze softening. "But… I think we need to."
Her coffee was ready, and she used it as an excuse to step away, mumbling something about being late for class. She could feel his eyes on her as she left the shop, her heart pounding.
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Confiding in Sarah
Later that afternoon, Emily found herself pacing in Sarah's room, recounting the encounter.
"And I just… I froze," she admitted, running a hand through her hair. "I didn't know what to say, so I ran. Like a coward."
Sarah sat cross-legged on her bed, her head tilted in thought. "You're not a coward, Em. You're just overwhelmed. And honestly, I don't blame you. Oliver's timing is terrible."
Emily sank into a chair, sighing. "What do I even say to him? I haven't read his letter. I don't even know what he wants."
"Well," Sarah said, her tone pragmatic, "you've got two options: keep avoiding him and let it fester, or rip off the band-aid and hear him out. I vote for the second one. You don't have to decide anything right away, but at least you'll know where he stands."
Emily nodded slowly. "You're right. I just… I need to think about it."
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A Crossroad
That evening, Emily sat by her window, the letter once again in her hands. The campus was quiet, the faint sound of crickets drifting through the open window.
She unfolded the letter, her hands trembling slightly.
Emily, it began, I've been meaning to say this for years, but I never had the courage. Seeing you again after all this time has only reminded me of how much you mean to me. I know I made mistakes back then, and I don't expect you to forgive me, but I want you to know that I've never stopped caring about you.
The words blurred as tears pricked her eyes. She set the letter down, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Max.
Max: Hey. Just checking in. You doing okay?
She stared at the message for a long moment before typing back:
Emily: I'm figuring it out. Thanks for asking.
For the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to hope that, no matter how tangled things seemed, she'd find a way through.
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