Lines We Cross

Chapter 34

Stepping back into the house she shared with Nina and Maya, YN felt a strange mixture of comfort and displacement. She'd been with Elizabeth since leaving the hospital, cocooned in the warmth of their quiet moments, but now, returning to her own space, the weight of everything she'd left unresolved bore down on her.

"Finally!" Maya called from the kitchen, setting down a book before looking at YN with a relieved smile. "How's it feel to be back?"

Before YN could respond, Nina peeked out from the living room, her gaze darting to the driveway. "And look at that," she grinned. "Nothing says 'welcome home' like a brand-new Porsche sitting pretty in the driveway. Perfect timing."

YN chuckled, brushing it off with a wave. "Yeah, a convenient replacement, right? Guess the timing worked out... Sterling style and all."

They shared a laugh, but the lightheartedness faded as they settled into the living room. The house buzzed with familiarity, yet everything felt strangely distant. She dropped her bag on the couch, sinking into the cushions as Maya and Nina exchanged a glance.

"So..." Maya started, her voice softer. "How are you really doing?"

YN sighed, running a hand over her face. "Honestly? It's been... a lot." She glanced at them, her tone more vulnerable than she intended. "I don't even know where to start."

Nina tilted her head, her gaze gentle yet probing. "Are you talking about... everything? Elizabeth included?"

YN nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah. It's complicated. My parents know now, the university president and dean know because of my father..." She trailed off, her voice laced with frustration. "And now, I just keep thinking... how do I keep all of this from falling apart?"

Maya reached out, giving her arm a reassuring squeeze. "It's understandable. You and Elizabeth have had a lot thrown at you, and no one expects you to have all the answers."

A faint smile crossed YN's lips, though her heart felt heavy. "I just... I love her, but this feels so impossible sometimes. And now with all of this..." She paused, catching herself before she revealed her plan. "It's just a lot to handle, and I don't know how to make it right."

Nina shared a glance with Maya before leaning forward. "I know you're probably feeling pulled in every direction. But whatever happens, you've got us. We'll figure this out together."

The reassurance settled over her, but the reality still weighed heavily on her shoulders. YN managed a grateful smile. "Thank you."

———

After her friends drifted off to study and tackle their own tasks, YN sat alone at the dining table, her laptop open to her spring semester schedule. The list of classes was a familiar comfort—something she could control, something structured and predictable. Her eyes lingered on the line that read:

Political Theory and Social Dynamics II - Prof. Elizabeth Olsen.

The ache in her chest flared. Attending any of Elizabeth's classes would be near impossible now, knowing everything hanging in the balance. Though she wasn't ready to make a decision, the idea of dropping the course lingered at the edge of her mind, shadowing her every thought.

A soft ping pulled her attention back to her phone. She glanced down, her pulse quickening when she saw Elizabeth's name on the screen.

Hi love. Just checking in. You're home, right? Don't forget your meds.

YN's lips curved into a faint smile. She could picture Elizabeth, phone in hand, that familiar concern etched in her expression. It was comforting—and a little bittersweet.

Yes, Dr. Olsen. Still home and taking my meds on schedule.

A moment later, her phone buzzed again.

Good. We both know you're stubborn enough to ignore me otherwise. And how's the head? You feeling okay?

YN chuckled, the familiar banter easing some of the tension knotting in her chest. Her fingers hovered over the screen as she typed a reply.

Yeah, I'm okay. Head's fine, promise. Just readjusting.

Elizabeth replied back,

I get it. But please, take it slow. We've got time to figure things out.

YN stared at the message for a moment, the weight of Elizabeth's words pressing into her. They'd been telling themselves that they had time, that they'd figure out a way, but the reality felt different. The threat from her father loomed large, and she could feel the walls closing in.

Instead of replying, she set the phone aside, her thoughts spiraling as she considered all the possible scenarios. Each one ended the same way: with her father getting his way and Elizabeth potentially losing everything. If they kept trying to stay together, the fallout would be disastrous.

———

As midnight crept closer, YN sat alone at the dining table, her mind buzzing with potential solutions. She toyed with each scenario, each compromise, but nothing felt right. Her father's words echoed in her mind, the unspoken ultimatum hanging between them.

And then, like a puzzle piece clicking into place, the plan she'd been avoiding finally settled in her mind. It was the only option that protected Elizabeth, even if it meant sacrificing everything else. Her heart twisted at the thought, but the resolve within her grew stronger.

Her phone screen lit up, Elizabeth's last message still visible.

"We've got time to figure things out."

With a steadying breath, she typed out a reply.

I'll figure it out. And when I do... we'll both be okay.

____________
900 words