The College Bully (Love Came In #2) ✔️

Chapter 35

A/N: I know a lot of you were probably annoyed at the way Iris left things in the last chapter, but this is what I've experienced love to be sometimes – it's not that she doubts what she has, she doubts the stability of what they have given their history, which I thought was fair because he did after all bully her, regardless of the intention or reason. I have found that when it comes to love, your head can get so clouded, especially when the bond is deep and all-consuming, that you sometimes need time away for clarity and to make sure your equation is healthy. This is what I've chosen to reflect, but I'd love to know your thoughts <3 I hope you enjoy this chapter!

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Iris

I look out the window of Roxy's jeep as she drives us to college, thinking idly (and desperately) about the trees slowly changing colour to reflect the incoming fall season, trying to keep my mind off things. I feel Roxy glance at me and then look away, thankfully maintaining the silence, recognizing that I didn't want to talk.

As I think about graduation a few months away, my mind automatically goes to Reece though I try not to let it. My mind flips through the remnants of the last 3 days. Alex and Dad had finally left this morning, promising to be back before graduation. I wasn't used to their close attention, the constant scanning for signs that I was going to breakdown again or wasn't doing okay, so I was secretly glad they'd left.

I think about Reece, about how he had showed up at my door yesterday. How I hadn't gotten to see him or talk to him because Alex had opened the door. Standing there in the kitchen, hearing the quiet murmur of words and that deep voice I loved so much, I hadn't had the strength to go to him, afraid I'd jump into his arms. Instead, quietly and like a coward, I'd hugged my arms and gone into my room, passing my Dad and his watchful eye.

That night, last night, I hadn't slept at all though my sleep for the few days before that hadn't been stellar either. I couldn't stop thinking about him, and every time I'd think about a life without Reece, it would send a stabbing pain into my chest. I knew what I had to do – either end it for good or tell him how I felt. I didn't know how I'd do it or when, but I had to.

"...ending today?"

"Huh?" I shook myself out of my thoughts and turned to Roxy, realizing she'd said something.

Roxy glanced at me and then back at the road. "I asked when your classes are ending today, because I'm off early, so we can go grab lunch or dinner or even a coffee if you feel like. There's a new café I found we can go to, apparently they have good croissants."

I started to say no but then realized that I couldn't keep avoiding everyone like I'd done for the past few days. "Sure. I'm good with coffee and croissants."

She looked at me and smiled, and I couldn't help but smile back, suddenly feeling like everything would be okay eventually.

We reached campus a few minutes later, with Roxy parking in a mostly full lot. There weren't many people outside, which was strange for this time of the day, before classes had started.

"That's odd. Where is everyone?" Roxy murmured as she finished parking.

We grabbed our bags and walked towards the entrance of the building, which was around the corner of the part of the lot we had parked in. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw two girls whispering to each other and glancing my way, and a weird feeling settled in my gut though there was no reason for it.

We rounded the corner, and suddenly there were people everywhere.

"...daughter of Duncan Campbell?"

"Tell us how you've hidden yourself so far, Iris."

"....have to say about your brother's upcoming season?"