Beyond: Beyond the Lights

Chapter 12

MADELINE

The sound of students shuffling in and out of the accounting classroom was a familiar background noise as I settled into my seat. It was a busy day, and the anticipation of yet another lecture wasn't exactly thrilling. Still, I was looking forward to catching up with Jamie again, especially after our brief chat at the library yesterday.

The classroom buzzed with the usual pre-class chatter when Jamie walked in, looking effortlessly casual in jeans and a hoodie. My heart gave a little skip at the sight of him. He was as easy going as ever, and I couldn't help but smile as he took the seat next to mine.

"Hey, Madeline," Jamie greeted, his voice warm and friendly. He placed an iced vanilla latte on the desk in front of me, the same kind he bought for me the other week.

"I see you remember my favorite," I said with a grin, taking the cup and enjoying the cool, sweet aroma. "Thanks, Jamie. That's really thoughtful."

Jamie returned my smile. "I had a feeling you'd appreciate it. Plus, it's always nice to have a little caffeine boost before class."

We settled into a comfortable conversation as the professor began the lecture. Jamie was as charming and easy to talk to as ever, and the casual way he chatted made tHe class seem less daunting.

"So, I was thinking," Jamie said, leaning slightly toward me so we could converse more privately, "since we're both studying for the same exam, maybe we could study together? It might help to go over the material with someone."

"That sounds like a great idea," I replied, genuinely pleased. "We could definitely use some study sessions. How about this weekend?"

Jamie nodded enthusiastically. "Perfect. I can text you the details. Oh, and don't forget about the game over the weekend. I mentioned it before, but just to remind you, the Lions have a big match on Saturday. Elena and I would love to see you there."

"I'll definitely be there," I said. "It sounds like fun."

As we continued discussing the study plans and the game, the professor's voice became a distant murmur. It was refreshing to make these connections and feel a bit more settled in this new environment.

By the time the lecture ended, Jamie and I walked out of the classroom together. We exchanged phone numbers, and I felt a flutter of excitement at the thought of staying in touch and planning our study session.

"Alright, I've got your number," Jamie said as he saved my contact details in his phone. "I'll text you about our study plans and the game."

"Sounds good," I replied, feeling a bit more confident about our growing friendship. "Looking forward to it."

As Jamie and I parted ways, I decided to swing by my father's office. It was a routine visit-one of those catch-ups that always seemed to involve a quick chat and a dose of fatherly advice.

I walked into the administrative building and made my way to my father's office. Xavier Torres was busy with paperwork but looked up and smiled when he saw me.

"Madeline," he said, standing up to give me a warm hug. "Good to see you. How's everything going?"

"Hey, Dad," I replied, settling into one of the chairs in front of his desk. "Everything's going well. Just got out of accounting class."

"Ah, that's good to hear," he said, sitting back down and resuming his work. "How's your professor? I hope he's not too tough."

"Not really," I said with a chuckle. "He's pretty fair. But I did run into Jamie Attridge today."

My father's expression shifted subtly, and I noticed a hint of concern in his eyes. "James Attridge? You mean the new quarterback for the Lions?"

"Yeah," I replied, surprised by his reaction. "Why?"

Xavier leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Just... be cautious, okay?"

I raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "Cautious? Why?"

My father's gaze was serious as he continued. "Not everyone is as they seem, Madeline. I've had my share of experience with people, and I'd hate for you to get caught up in something you might regret."

The words hung in the air, and I was taken aback. My father's protectiveness was nothing new, but his tone was more serious than usual. I felt a mix of shock and curiosity bubbling up inside me.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, trying to understand the underlying message. "Jamie seems really nice."

Xavier's expression softened slightly, but he didn't back down. "I'm not saying Jamie is necessarily a bad guy. Just remember that appearances can be deceiving. Be careful and trust your instincts."

I nodded, trying to process his words. "Alright, Dad. I'll keep that in mind."

As I left his office, I couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling his warning left behind. Jamie had seemed genuine and kind, but now I found myself wondering if there was more to his story than I realized.

Despite my father's warning, I couldn't deny my curiosity was piqued. I looked forward to our study session and the game, but now I was also more aware of the layers beneath the surface.

With a mix of anticipation and wariness, I headed out, eager to balance my father's advice with the connections I was making. The day ahead held new opportunities and challenges, and I was determined to face them with an open mind and a cautious heart.