Now I See You | ✓

Seven

The following morning, I arrive back at the apartment with a bundle of nerves in my stomach along for the ride.

I'm perfectly aware that Josie's situation with her professor is wildly inappropriate, but it's her word against his at the minute. I can only hope that the head of faculty believes us.

It seems as though both Josie and Manal are worrying along the same lines as me. They're sitting together in the kitchen, nursing cups of coffee when I come in through the door.

Josie's knee is bouncing a mile a minute and Manal's chewing on her nails.

My own stomach's churning and I just sit next to them, not saying a word.

The silence that blankets the three of us is thick and suffocating, but I'm not sure that we know how to break it. Nor do we really want to engage in small chit-chat.

Eventually, when it's time to get ready to go, we stand up from our chairs and the two girls dump their empty coffee mugs in the sink.

Josie chews on her bottom lip. "Not sure if I feel like going to class today."

"We'll skip with you," Manal offers immediately without even batting an eyelid. "Honestly."

I voice my agreement and then the two of them disappear to quickly get changed. If we're only going to the meeting and then coming back here, I don't need anything, so I just check my messages.

My eyebrows shift up my forehead when I notice I've got a message from Mason.

Mason: Can I see you today??? Need a chat

Suddenly, I find myself really uncomfortable, because how am I supposed to choose? Both Josie and Mason need me today.

I've already agreed to hang out with Josie and Manal after the meeting, though, and it's girls first, always.

Judah: Can we do tonight? Really sorry, but have something on today☹

Mason: Sure. Come over?

Judah: I'll be there. Hope you're okay, text me if you need anything xx

Mason: Thanks Jud. Will do

By the time we've finished texting, the other two girls appear, ready to go and kick ass.

Just before we leave, Josie stops walking and pulls the two of us into a group hug, her breathing slightly choppy.

Affectionately, Manal rubs a palm down her back. "It's going to be fine, Josie. We've got your back."

With that, the three of us leave the apartment and head towards the geography building together.

Despite the fact that it's still winter, the sun nearly blinds us on our way there, beating down with a ferociousness usually reserved for the summer. Still, I take it as a good omen, praying that the hope permeating my pores is well-placed.

We're a couple of minutes early, so sit outside of the office of the head of faculty, Professor Wallace, until the clock strikes nine exactly.

Josie takes a deep breath, standing up and knocking on the door. When a faint reply comes from inside, allowing us entrance, Josie opens the door and the three of us cross the threshold.

Professor Wallace is a relatively young woman, with pristine blonde hair and bright blue eyes that threaten to pierce your soul. Yet when she smiles at us, warmth floods into those pale orbs and she looks a whole lot more welcoming.

"Good morning, Josie," she smiles at my roommate. "I see you brought some company."

I push my shoulders back ever so slightly and stick a hand out. "Judah Young."