Frozen Desires [profxgirl][wlw]

Chapter Twenty Two

Saturday;

I had spent most of the day working on the assignment Prof. Montgomery gave us, determined to get as much done as possible before next week. My focus had been unwavering, wanting to avoid that looming deadline hanging over my head.

Lea was supposed to pick me up soon. She'd insisted I dress comfortably, which was a relief—I knew that meant she wasn't going to drag me to a club. I trusted her, but the reassurance was nice. Comfortable clothes were more my style anyway.

This morning, when I mentioned to my Aunt that Lea would be coming over, it had set off a whirlwind of activity. My Aunt immediately started cleaning the house, even though it was already spotless. I'd offered to help, but she had quickly shooed me away, telling me to focus on my assignment. I think she just wanted everything to be perfect—an extra assurance that the place looked as welcoming as possible.

She had even driven over to the supermarket to pick up snacks and drinks for Lea and me, despite my insistence that it wasn't necessary since we were heading out. She'd brushed me off with a wave of her hand and bought them anyway. I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

Now, the living room gleamed, a small assortment of snacks and drinks neatly placed in the pantry. She had been overjoyed to hear about Lea—her eyes had practically lit up when I'd first told her about my new friend. I knew it was because she was relieved; relieved that I finally had someone who could coax me out of my shell a bit.

As I sat at my desk, the hum of my laptop still in front of me, I could hear my Aunt bustling around in the living room, adjusting things that were already in place. She was practically vibrating with excitement. I couldn't blame her—I had been on my own for quite a while, and I think, for her, Lea represented hope. A sign that maybe I was finally finding my place.

About an hour ago, I had taken a shower to freshen up, letting the warmth wash away the stiffness from sitting at my desk all day. I chose to wear something simple—faded jeans paired with a plain shirt—and pulled my hair into a casual ponytail. Comfort was key, especially if Lea's plan was anything like her usual adventures.

As I was focused on my assignment, my phone vibrated on the desk, breaking my concentration. I glanced at the screen—Lea had sent me a text saying she'd be here in about ten minutes. Well, that was my cue to wrap things up. I leaned back in my chair, stretching my arms above my head until I felt the satisfying crack of my back. Enough work for today.

Saving my progress, I powered down my laptop and began tidying up my desk, stacking the books neatly, and putting the papers into a pile. I liked leaving my workspace organised.

I made my way to the kitchen, where my Aunt was busy slicing up vegetables for a snack. The sound of her knife rhythmically hitting the cutting board filled the room. She glanced up as I entered, her face lighting up with a bright smile.

"Done for the day?" she asked, her eyes twinkling as she popped a slice of cucumber into her mouth.

"Yeah, I'm finished," I nodded. "Lea's almost here." I could feel a small flutter of excitement in my chest, anticipating the evening ahead.

As if on cue, the distinct growl of a motorcycle engine roared up the street, the sound echoing through the neighborhood. I turned towards the window, peering out. "Pretty sure that's her," I said, my voice laced with a mix of nervousness and excitement.

My Aunt quickly wiped her hands on a dishcloth, her enthusiasm barely contained. "Oh, wonderful!" she said, smoothing down her blouse as if preparing to meet royalty. It was endearing, really—how much effort she was putting into this, and how much she cared.