WOULD YOU RESCUE ME?

60.The Exam Session

The new year settled into a routine as the days passed, marked by the departure of Vanessa's parents. With them gone, Vanessa turned her focus back to her studies, the weight of her upcoming exam session looming over her like a familiar challenge. The quiet of her apartment, once a respite from the chaos of her life, became a space of focus and discipline.

Every morning began the same way: Vanessa's alarm buzzed sharply at 5:30 a.m. She'd groan softly, her body protesting the early hour, but her resolve never faltered. By 6 a.m., she was already at the gym, her honey-brown eyes sharp with determination as she powered through her routine. The rhythmic clink of weights and the steady hum of treadmills filled the air, a soundtrack to her drive to push herself further.

By 8:30 a.m., Vanessa was in the library. She settled into a table with Amy, Maya, Luke, Cassie, and Simon, their books and laptops sprawled across the surface like a war zone of knowledge. The group studied medicine with the kind of intensity that left little room for distraction, their whispers about diseases, diagnoses, and treatments a constant buzz in the background. Vanessa thrived in their energy, her own notes filling with neat handwriting as the hours stretched on.

Astra joined them whenever she could, her own stack of law textbooks and case files creating a small island of difference amidst the sea of medical notes. When she arrived, Vanessa's attention shifted subtly, her breaks becoming longer, more frequent. She'd lean back in her chair, honey-brown eyes softening as she watched Astra work.

"You know," Astra teased one afternoon, her emerald eyes sparkling as she caught Vanessa staring, "if you keep taking these extended breaks, I might start charging you rent for sitting at my table."

Vanessa smirked, her lips curving into a lazy grin. "Worth it," she quipped, leaning closer so only Astra could hear. "Besides, I can't concentrate when you're around. Too distracting."

Astra rolled her eyes, though her cheeks flushed faintly. "You're impossible.... As always" she muttered, but the small smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement.

When Astra wasn't at the library, Vanessa's focus sharpened again. The hours passed in bursts of productivity, interrupted only by lunch breaks or the occasional laugh shared with her study group. Vanessa's popularity around campus grew steadily, her charisma drawing people in like moths to a flame. She had a knack for connecting with others, her confident yet approachable demeanor making her the kind of person everyone wanted to know.

Despite her growing social circle, Vanessa made time for her ER shifts twice a week. Working alongside Dr. Bellamy kept her grounded, the fast-paced environment a reminder of why she was pushing herself so hard. She thrived in the controlled chaos, her quick thinking and steady hands earning her the respect of the team.

On nights when Astra had her bar shifts, Vanessa did her best to visit, bringing her study materials along to keep Astra company. She didn't always manage to stay long, between her schedule and the demands of her studies, time was a precious commodity, but the moments she spent there were a comfort to both of them.

One particular night, Vanessa walked into the bar, her backpack slung over one shoulder. Astra was behind the counter, her hair pulled back into a neat ponytail as she wiped down glasses. The warm glow of the bar lights softened her features, and Vanessa felt a familiar warmth bloom in her chest.

"Hey, stranger," Astra called, her smile brightening as she spotted Vanessa.

"Hey yourself," Vanessa replied, sliding onto a stool at the bar. She placed her backpack on the counter, pulling out her notes and a textbook. "Figured I'd keep you company for a bit. Hope you don't mind."

Astra's smile softened, a mixture of gratitude and affection in her emerald eyes. "Not at all," she said, leaning slightly over the counter to press a quick kiss to Vanessa's cheek. "You want anything? Coffee? Soda? ...Whiskey?"