The Time Weaver

Part 4 - Between Then and Now

As I walked away from the cafeteria, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions. The encounter with him had dredged up memories I had tried so hard to bury. I couldn't afford distractions now, not when my future was at stake. But fate seemed to have other plans.

Later that evening, I sat in the library, surrounded by textbooks and notes. The pressure of acing my exams was immense, but I needed to stay focused. I couldn't let him, or the past, derail my plans again.

"Hey, are you okay?" Jess's voice broke through my thoughts as she entered the room.

"Yeah, just trying to study," I replied, not looking up.

"You seemed really shaken up earlier," she said, sitting on the edge of my bed.

"It's nothing, Jess. Just some old memories," I sighed.

"You know, you can talk to me about it," she said gently.

I looked at her, debating whether to confide in her. Jess had always been a good friend, but she didn't know the full extent of what had happened between me and him.

"It's nothing Jess. Just a lil bit frustrated about the exams and all. How about we hang out after this? I really need a break." I asked.

"Yeah sure, let me know, when you finish this. I will be calling Noah, okay?

"Okay, Jess. See you later." I said.

Noah? She will break up with him at the end of this semester. That guy is a red flag. She will find someone good for her. I know that. Their love story is gonna bloom next year. I can't wait for that.

"Hi, there...!" Someone called me from behind.

I can't trust my eyes that Eric was talking with me. What's his problem? He seems to play hard to get notice? I will never let you again come near me Eric. You're the worst.

"Oh..hi...." I said awkwardly.

"I think we met again. Are you a freshman? What's your name?"

"Yes... Sorry, something came up. I need to go. Bye!" I replied him.

"Hmmm...okag fine...your name?" He asked.

"Hazel." I said and leave from there fast. What's on his mind? What he is trying to doing? God knows... what's in his mind.

"See ya around." He said by shaking his hand.

See you on my foot. I will never let myself come near you, Eric. You broke my heart and made myself into a living hell. Even you're the reason why I'm here...I tried so hard to keep you away from me... You're making me sick. You are trying to remind me the all moments we had here. You don't know how difficult it's all for me. But, you don't care. You don't need me in your life. That's what you said last time. So, this time, I decided to not have any kind of communication with you.

My eyes were wet with the thoughts that I was thinking. I need to find Jess and to have a good time with her to calm my mind. I need that. I walked to the basketball court, and find my girls there. Nicola waved at me..."Haze, here..."

I smiled at them and walked there.

"Hi girls... what's up? I asked.

"Where were you? Jess said you're in library. Don't push yourself so hard Haze, we all know you're going to ace that test, okay? Amara said.

I smiled at her. She is a funny one, which I was too comfortable in talking with other than Jess.

"Yeah...So girls, are you coming to the Uptown cafe? Me and Jess are going there. I asked them.

"Well, we don't have any kind of plan, so we're on it. Sandra said.

"The let's go girls." Nicola said.

We left the campus, and went to the Uptown cafe. Its a bit of shady now. But it has the most amazing coffee and pastries. We girls talked, made fun of each other and we had a great day together. I feel content now. I missed all of these. I find myself in a calm place now.

As we sat there, laughing and joking, I couldn't help but feel grateful for their support and friendship. Nicola's sarcastic comments, Amara's infectious laughter, Sandra's witty remarks-they all added up to a perfect evening.

"Seriously though, Haze, you're gonna rock those exams," Sandra said with a grin, raising her coffee cup in a mock toast.

"Absolutely! And after that, we're taking you out to celebrate," Jess added, nudging me playfully.

"Maybe not too wild though," Amara chimed in. "We don't need a repeat of last time."

We all burst into laughter, recalling a particularly eventful night that ended with us being chased by a herd of angry geese in the park.

"Hey, as long as Haze doesn't disappear into the library forever, I'm happy," Nicola teased, earning herself a playful shove from me.

"Hey, I have to study hard to keep up with you geniuses," I shot back, grinning.

The evening continued in this light-hearted vein, filled with shared memories and plans for the future. Despite the ups and downs of the day, being with my girl gang made everything feel lighter and brighter.

As we finally left the cafe, Nicola exclaimed dramatically, "To more adventures and fewer geese chases!"

"Cheers to that!" we all chorused, linking arms as we headed back to campus, ready to face whatever came next, together.

"So, Haze... how's you feeling now?" Jess asked.

"Hmm...with you girls... I feel alot better now... I love you all." I said.

"God...jeez...stop saying that all stuffs...Yuck...gross." Nicola said.

We all laughed at each other and thank god for giving me one more chance to live.