His name was Nathaniel

44

Adaliya was roused from her sleep by the sound of a persistent ringing. She squinted at the soft morning light filtering through the blinds, groggily reaching for her phone on the bedside table. But it wasn't her phone going off—it was Nathaniel's. The ringing continued, then stopped, only to start again a few moments later. She groaned, pushing the covers off herself and slipping out of bed.

Padding quietly toward the living room, she found Nathaniel still fast asleep on the couch, where she had left him the night before. His shoes were neatly set aside, and his jacket was draped over the armrest. He looked peaceful, his face relaxed in sleep, but his phone was vibrating relentlessly on the coffee table beside him.

With a quick glance at the screen, Adaliya saw several missed calls and messages, all from the same contact—Victor Donovan, Nathaniel's grandfather. The messages seemed urgent, full of questions and concern, and she felt a flicker of unease. She knew she had to wake him.

"Nathaniel," she called softly, nudging his shoulder. He stirred but didn't wake. "Nathaniel, your phone's been going off non-stop."

When he didn't respond, she shook him a little harder. "Come on, wake up!" she urged.

Finally, he groaned, blinking groggily as he opened his eyes. "What... what time is it?" he muttered, rubbing his face and looking disoriented.

"It's morning," Adaliya said, standing over him. "Your phone's been ringing for a while. It looks important."

Nathaniel's brows furrowed as he sat up, still dazed. His hand reached for the phone, and the moment he saw the notifications, a flicker of alarm crossed his face. "I wasn't supposed to stay overnight," he said, his voice hoarse with surprise. "I didn't mean to—"

"It's fine," Adaliya interrupted, giving him a small smile. "You looked like you needed the rest."

Nathaniel's fingers swiped across the screen, answering his phone just as it started ringing again. "Grandfather," he greeted, his tone calm but laced with tension. Adaliya could hear the unmistakable sound of Victor Donovan's sharp voice on the other end, clearly angry.

"I'm not even nearby, Grandfather. I flew out last minute... I needed to see someone," Nathaniel explained, glancing at Adaliya as he spoke. She could sense the pressure in his voice, the need to justify his actions. He was met with a barrage of questions and likely some scolding on the other end, and though Nathaniel remained composed, she could tell he was on edge.

After a few more minutes of back and forth, Nathaniel finally ended the call, letting out a heavy sigh. "He's not thrilled," he admitted, leaning back against the couch, still looking half-asleep. "But it doesn't matter. I'm not leaving just yet."

Adaliya raised an eyebrow. "You don't have to stay on my account, Nathaniel. If you need to get back—"

"I don't want to leave," Nathaniel cut in, his gaze locking with hers. "At least let me drive you to your classes. It's the least I can do."

Adaliya hesitated for a moment but then nodded, unable to deny the small part of her that was grateful he didn't want to rush off. "Alright," she agreed softly. "But I have to get ready."

Nathaniel nodded, watching as she disappeared into her bedroom to change. As she stood in front of her closet, picking out clothes, she found herself being more conscious of her choice than usual. It felt strange, but deep down, she wanted to look nice for him. She pulled on a casual but flattering outfit and headed into the bathroom to freshen up.

When she emerged, she found Nathaniel standing by the window, his phone in hand. He had also taken the time to freshen up, using the spare toothbrush she had offered him. He looked effortlessly handsome, even in the early morning light, and the sight of him waiting for her sent a small flutter through her chest.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice soft.

Adaliya nodded, grabbing her bag and following him out the door. As they stepped outside, she stopped short, her eyes widening at the sight of the sleek, expensive car parked in front of her apartment building.

"Is that... your car?" she asked, feeling slightly out of place in front of the luxury vehicle.

Nathaniel gave her a small, almost sheepish smile. "It's just a car," he said casually, though his eyes held a hint of amusement at her reaction. "Come on, let me drive you."

Reluctantly, she got into the passenger seat, trying to adjust to the unexpected glamour of it all. The car hummed to life, and they were soon gliding through the city streets. The ride was quiet at first, filled with an odd tension as they both seemed lost in their own thoughts. But it wasn't the uncomfortable kind of silence. It felt like something unspoken was lingering in the air between them, both of them aware of it but unsure how to broach the topic.

As they neared the university, Nathaniel slowed the car, pulling up to the curb. Before Adaliya could step out, Nathaniel reached into his jacket pocket and handed her his phone.

"We should exchange numbers," he said, his voice low but firm. "I don't want to lose touch again."

Adaliya blinked, a little surprised but grateful for the gesture. She quickly punched her number into his phone and handed it back to him.

"Thank you... for the ride," she said, opening the door.

Nathaniel nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer. "Anytime."

With a final glance, Adaliya stepped out of the car and headed toward her campus. As she walked away, she felt the weight of the past lingering between them, but now there was something else—a chance, however small, for closure.