Beneath His Touch

Chapter Two

                                                                                              SARAH

I dragged myself out of bed, groggy and disoriented. The clock read around 5:30, though I couldn't be sure. Vicky, was bustling around, getting ready for work, her usual loud and chaotic self. Every rustle of fabric, clink of makeup brushes, and stomp of her heels echoed through the room like a small storm.

"Sorry I woke you up," she said with a sly grin, the apology dripping with a complete lack of sincerity.

I trudged toward the bathroom, grabbing my toothbrush with heavy hands, squeezing out the minty paste. As I lazily brushed my teeth, I stared at my reflection—a mess of tangled hair and sleepy eyes staring back at me, looking as unenthused as I felt.

"So, what's the plan?" Vicky's voice carried through the bathroom door, breaking my trance.

"What plan?" I mumbled through the foam in my mouth, my gaze still fixed on my reflection, trying to tame the wild strands of hair sticking up at odd angles.

"Are you commuting from home, or do you plan on, you know... finding a place near campus?" she asked, her tone light but her words digging for information.

I spit out the toothpaste, rinsing my mouth before answering. "I'll be staying in one of those campus hostels," I said, leaning over the sink and watching the water swirl down the drain.

"Ooh, hostels, fancy." She chuckled, the sound full of amusement.

I knew better than to fall for her feigned interest. She was thrilled because once I moved out, she'd have the room to herself—more space, more quiet, more freedom. Though she seemed self-absorbed at times, I knew her deep-rooted trauma kept her tethered to our parents' house. She couldn't handle being around strangers, a fact that always puzzled me, considering she worked in healthcare and dealt with strangers daily.

I wandered back into my room, phone in hand, and sighed at the sight of thirty-four unread WhatsApp messages. The group chat was buzzing with excitement, girls talking about being accepted into prestigious schools, their dreams unfolding before them. Three of us had gotten into Nairobi Campus, but the thrill of that news had already worn off.

I collapsed onto the bed, my mind drifting as the image of Brian filled my thoughts. I pictured him in his rugby kit, his strong arms around me, the warmth of his embrace lingering in my mind. A silly smile crept across my face as I clutched a pillow to my chest, blushing like an absolute fool.

Is this what falling in love does to people? Turns them into hopeless idiots? Because if it is, I am well and truly there—so far gone that I can hardly contain the excitement of seeing his face when I surprise him.

We'd been texting, keeping things casual, but I hadn't told him yet about my acceptance. I played it cool, only mentioning that I had applied. His reply had been everything I wanted to hear: he said he hoped I'd join, that it would be the best thing for both of us.

The best because I'd be with him. Oh my God... I couldn't wait to see his reaction, that surprised look that would light up his face.

"Sarah!" my mother's voice cut through my daydream, followed by the sound of the door swinging open. "Do I always have to remind you to eat?" she scolded, her hands on her hips as she glared at me from the doorway. "I cook, and yet I have to follow you around to make sure you eat. Am I—"

I jumped up and hugged her tightly, cutting off her words mid-sentence. "The best mom in the world," I said, planting a kiss on her cheek. "Absolutely the best."