Shadows of Desire

Chapter 5

The crisp autumn air nipped at Camille's cheeks as she hurried across campus, her arms laden with books. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of classes, assignments, and careful avoidance of anything—and anyone—related to biology.

After her confession to Michelle and the charged confrontation with Steve, Camille had made a firm decision: no more biology study groups. It was the only way to maintain her sanity and keep her promise to Michelle.

"Hey, stranger!" A familiar voice called out, making Camille's stomach drop. She turned to see Michelle jogging towards her, a concerned look on her face.

"Oh, hi Michelle," Camille said, forcing a smile. "How's it going?"

Michelle fell into step beside her. "That's what I was going to ask you. You've been MIA from our study sessions. Everything okay?"

Camille nodded, perhaps a bit too enthusiastically. "Yeah, of course. I've just been swamped with my lit classes. You know, being an English major and all."

"Right," Michelle said, her tone skeptical. "And it has nothing to do with... you know, what we talked about?"

Camille sighed, slowing her pace. "Look, Michelle. I meant what I said. I'm not going to let anything happen between me and Steve. I figured the best way to do that was to remove myself from situations where we'd be in close proximity."

Michelle's expression softened. "Camille, I appreciate that, I really do. But you don't have to cut yourself off completely. The study groups are helpful, and St— Professor Carlson is a great teacher."

"I know," Camille admitted. "But it's just... it's easier this way. Clean break and all that."

Michelle looked like she wanted to argue further, but instead, she just nodded. "Okay, I get it. Just... don't be a stranger, alright? I miss hanging out with my roomie."

Camille felt a pang of guilt. In her efforts to avoid Steve, she'd inadvertently been pushing Michelle away too. "You're right. How about a movie night this weekend? Just us girls?"

Michelle's face lit up. "Now you're talking! I'll bring the popcorn, you bring the rom-coms?"

As Michelle bounded off to her next class, Camille felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Maybe this self-imposed exile wasn't the answer. She needed to find a way to navigate her new reality without completely upending her life.

Later that evening, Camille sat at her desk, attempting to focus on her Comparative Literature essay. But her mind kept wandering to Steve, to the study group that was happening right now in the library. She imagined him explaining complex biological concepts, his eyes lighting up with passion...

A sharp knock at the door jolted her from her reverie. Grateful for the distraction, Camille called out, "Come in!"

The door swung open to reveal Lily, Steve's fiancée and Michelle's mother. Camille felt the blood drain from her face.

"Lily! What a surprise," she managed, her voice unnaturally high. "Michelle's not here right now. She's at a study group."

Lily smiled, stepping into the room. "Oh, I know. I actually came to see you, Camille."

Camille's heart raced. Did Lily know? Had Steve confessed? Or worse, had Michelle said something?

"Me?" she squeaked.

Lily nodded, perching on the edge of Michelle's bed. "I hope you don't mind me dropping by unannounced. I was in the neighborhood for a meeting with the dean—fundraising stuff, you know—and I thought I'd check in on you girls."