Timeless Calling: Steel Beams & Sweet Dreams

Chapter 5

I've been cramming, and I'm getting really frustrated. There's this one question that I just can't seem to solve. I've been staring at it for over an hour, and Stan still hasn't replied. His last message said he was in the middle of a project bidding, so now I'm stuck here alone.

I'm sitting in the library now, in the quieter section that most students avoid. They're all busy with their own work in the other sections and floors, but this part of the library remains almost empty. It's "hell week," after all—exam week. I glanced around the room, and that's when I noticed that Atticus, Laurence, and Miguel were seated not far from my table. They weren't exactly close, but they were within view.

The library is bustling, but this section is relatively quiet. Miguel's strategy of studying in the law section was clearly working—this area is always peaceful and nearly empty, even with the chaos of exams happening everywhere else.

We exchanged brief glances when they noticed me, then quickly went back to their own work.

I've already tried searching for the solution online, but all the answers are either too complicated or unclear. Frustration is beginning to build, and I find myself glancing back at the guys, debating whether I should ask for help. It feels awkward though. Sure, we're groupmates for chemistry, but we've never really talked outside of academic topics.

But if I don't ask for help, I'll be stuck here forever, staring at this question with no idea how to solve it.

I took a deep breath, grabbed my chemistry book, and slowly walked over to Atticus's table. He's the friendliest of the three, so maybe he wouldn't mind helping me out.

"Hey, I don't mean to bother you, but I've been stuck on this problem for over an hour," I said softly, my voice tinged with frustration.

Atticus looked up, clearly surprised by my sudden approach. I could see the shock on his face as he pointed to himself. I quickly added, "Sorry, I know you're here to study, not to tutor... but it's just this one question. I promise I won't bother you again."

Atticus studied me for a moment, then nodded, as if he understood. He took my chemistry book, and I pointed to the problem that had been causing me so much trouble.

"Oh, this one," he said after a brief glance at it. "Wait, I think I still have Miguel's scratch paper from when we were reviewing."

I watched as he pulled a piece of paper from his folder. Once he saw the question, he handed it to me. "Sorry, I'm not great at explaining stuff, but this is Miguel's work. It might help. Just let me know if there's any part you don't understand, and I'll try to explain."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me as I took the paper from him, thanking him for the help.

When I returned to my table and unfolded the paper, I immediately recognized Miguel's handwriting—neat and precise. Sure enough, the solution on the paper made much more sense than anything I'd found online. It was exactly what I needed.

I quickly began working through the steps he had written out, and with each one, I felt more confident that I was on the right track. Before long, the problem began to click in my head, and for the first time in hours, I could hardly contain my excitement. I almost screamed when I realized that I had arrived at the same answer as Miguel.

Just as I was celebrating, my phone vibrated. It was a message from Stan.

"Sorry, just got out of the meeting. It was intense, but luckily we won. Did you manage to solve it? If not, give me a minute and I'll write out the solution for you."

I smiled to myself, picturing the solution I had just worked through, and sent Stan a proud thumbs-up picture.

"Yes, Master, tapos na po!" I sent with a grin, feeling a bit silly but extremely proud of myself.