17 Last Times

⤹6❁ Who?

Hello everyone! The reason why I'm taking so long to update is because this is the third and last volume, which means a lot has already been written and included in the story (plot wise), so the last thing I want is for this book to turn out boring or repetitive. Enjoy the chapter! Thank you for waiting!

𝓓𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓪

Tears carry on rolling down my cheeks when the stranger who unintentionally hurt me darts back into the lecture hall. His eyes, initially filled with horror, now don't travel in my nor Will's direction. He's like a memory, quickly flashing before us, then disappearing behind mighty, double doors for good.

A memory.

So many memories.

If the guy wasn't in such a frenetic rush, I would've stopped him and explained that it wasn't the incident with the doors that made me cry. It were the memories.

Connor might have had the greatest intentions whilst talking to me, striving to evoke the remnants of courage and determination that still live somewhere inside me, but unfortunately, his words rapidly got drowned out by the return of memories related to my parents and the acutely racking sadness that came with them. I was already in tears before the door hit.

Knowing that the lesson is about to end soon, I cumulate the frays of strength that's left in me and hoist myself off the floor, deliberately ignoring the hand that Will has just politely proffered.

He swallows, very hard, almost as hard as he's pulling a face now, probably not liking how bitter the bile at the back of his throat tastes. No one gleans from rejection, especially when the person who gets rejected is used to the exact opposite, which in Will's case, means a ceaseless flood of attention coming from those who surround him.

As if my I-can-do-it-myself act of getting up from the floor wasn't enough to convince him that I'd rather not be touched, he ventures with his thumbs, wanting to brush away my tears but thankfully gets distracted.

"What happened?" Nathan gushes his words as soon as he turns the corner. His hand, in which he holds a boquet of daffodils and hot-pink tulips, slumps immediately.

Will tries to speak up but I beat him to it. "I just want to get out of here."

The worry vanishes from Nathan's eyes and gets replaced by understanding. "I've got to be at work soon but I can drop you back if you'd like?"

"Work?" I quizz, confused.

"Yeah, the owner has an announcement to make, so he asked if everyone can pop in today for a little bit. He'd mentioned something about wanting to retire early, so I'm guessing he's going to sell the place."

"Oh no, Nathan," I sympathize. "You love that job, and you're so good at it. I'm so sorry to hear that."

He casts a short glimpse towards Will, who says nothing, probably taken aback as Nathan rarely discloses any personal information around him.

"Don't worry about it. There are many other places I can apply to."

I fix the bag on my shoulder. "No, of course," I agree, "but if you're busy, it's absolutely fine. I can take a bus." I shoot him a wane smile.

"Don't be silly. I'll get you home first."

Will interjects almost immediately, "I can do it if you don't want to bother Nathan." His expression is hopeful.