who: @n8-shaw when: late evening, first day back in class where: nate’s dorm
How many times had she trekked this same path? A small infinity, she guessed. Although, she couldn’t recall being filled with so many nerves before. Some nerves were inevitable; it was common knowledge Rhia acted a fool in his presence. His presence. Her stomach lurched, and her skin tingled in response to her recollections.
The thrill turned to dread, her stroll down memory lane eventually leading her straight to the last time she’d seen him. She knew it was cruel, even as she kept the news of her departure to herself. Goodbyes were too sad, it was easier to leave on a good note... Whatever other excuse would make her feel less responsible for the way she left him.
She wanted to think Nate would look past it, that they could continue exactly where they left off and fall in love and eventually flee from the country following charges of credit card fraud. Though, she was losing hope with each ascending dorm number. 207. Rhia fought through her lightheadedness, willing things to be okay as she picked up her fist and knocked on the door a few times.
Rhia tucked back her hair, stressing that she’d impulsively knocked without checking her lip gloss. He’s going to be happy to see you. She bounced in place, her lips strained in an awkward smile as she waited at Nate’s door. Tell him how much you missed him. She would rather have showed him, her heart fluttering from the ghost of his kiss. When the door opened to his face, Rhia’s face melted in sad relief.
“Hi,” she squeaked. She licked her lips, teeth biting back a smile. Her heart felt as though it might burst. She wanted to wrap her arms around his neck and decorate his face with a million kisses, and suddenly she was back to being the smitten girl with a schoolgirl crush on her best friend. Was he just as deranged with love for her? Rhia could only ponder... “I missed you,” she pleaded, needing to hear the words back from him.
