Before

Chapter 9.

*Author's note * Hey guys! Remember me? lol. I know it's been a lonnngggg time since I've updated but since Before is being published and I technically have to abide by (some) rules from publishers, I had to wait. (My publisher doesn't have too many rules and they love Wattpad, they are awesome but I had to wait closer to release date to update)

I've missed updating so much and I will be updating a lot more now that we are in November and the published book is out Dec 8 in US & UK. Some of the international dates have been announced as well! I'm going to be traveling so much again next year, I can't wait! I'll be going to some places I've been before and some new places! I can't wait. Where do you live?

So anyway, long lecture over! Here's chapter 9! Chapter 10 will be updated Saturday! <3

....

By the time I get to campus, the caffeine has made its way through my body, sharpening my sight and helping me forget the fucked up dream that I had. Why was she there? Why would I dream about Tessa? It wasn't even Tessa as she is now, it was a version of young Tessa, her cheeks rounded and her eyes bright and comforting with premature maturity. It was odd, so fucking weird really, and I didn't like it one bit.

I loved the sleep though. I loved being able to sleep for once in my fucking life and today I feel. Well, rested? Hell, calm even.

I'm inside the Literature Hall and seated in the front row, next to two empty seats. I stare to the front of the room, waiting for class to start. My eyes keep darting to the door behind me, waiting.

Less than five minutes later, Tessa and Landon enter the room. She's smiling, focusing only on Landon. Does she like him? Holy shit, she fucking likes him!

Why didn't I think of this before? They like each other.

I watch her closely as she looks down at her feet before meeting his eyes again. He nods, says something and she smiles slightly. I look at her eyes, those telling eyes, and note the way she looks at him. She isn't looking at him the way she looks at me and he isn't looking at her the way he should be if he wants her to like him.

"Today will be our last day on Pride and Prejudice," the professor tells us. "I hope you all have enjoyed it, and since you've all read the ending, it feels fitting to base today's discussion on Austen's use of foreshadowing. Let me ask: as a reader, did you expect her and Darcy to become a couple in the end?"

Tessa's hand shoots up instantly and I lean back in my seat. She never fails to be a know-it-all.

"Miss Young," he calls on her and I watch her face light up. She really gets off on making other people happy or pleased by her.

I shut off my inner monologue and patiently await her rant on good ol' P and P. If she's a bright as I think she is, this should be interesting.

"Well, the first time I read the novel, I was on the edge of my seat about whether they would end up together. Even now- and I have read it at least ten times- I still feel anxious during the beginning of their relationship. Mr. Darcy is so cruel and says hateful things about Elizabeth and her family that I never know if she can forgive him, let alone love him." The smile on Tessa's face is bright when she finishes and her hands neatly fold together on top of her book. She waits expectantly for the professor to pat her on the head and tell her what a wonderful little pupil she is.

I'm going to throw a wrench into that.

Speak Hardin.

My voice nudges at the back of my throat. All it will take is a few words. My mum's reminder, "just breathe, Hardin. You can talk in front of others," she would always tell me not to worry. "A lot of people have social anxiety., Hardin. It's nothing to be ashamed of."