Her life! GxG! Intersex! (Book 1)

141

The late-morning light streamed through the tall windows, and the faint hum of campus life filled the air—distant laughter, the shuffle of sneakers, and the smell of espresso drifting from the café nearby.

Her stomach gave a low rumble. She hadn't realized how long it had been since breakfast.

The cafeteria wasn't far—just across the quad and down the stairs beside the student commons. As she walked, the autumn breeze brushed through her hair, and she pulled her hoodie tighter around her, the sound of her sneakers echoing softly against the pavement. Students lounged on the grass with laptops and sketchbooks, while others lined up at food trucks that had set up for the day.

Abigail smiled faintly. College life had its own rhythm—one she was finally starting to settle into.

Inside the cafeteria, the scent of grilled vegetables, pizza, and coffee filled the air. The space was alive with sound—music low in the background, conversations layered over the clatter of trays and silverware. She stood in line at the grill station, scrolling her phone while the student worker flipped burgers behind the counter.

Emma had texted her.

Emma:
How was class, baby? ❤️

Abigail's lips curved into a small smile as she typed back quickly.

Abigail:
It was really good. We talked about perspective and writing about love—it made me think about you. 💕
Now I'm starving.

She ordered a grilled chicken wrap, a side of fries, and a sparkling water. While waiting, she caught herself humming softly—a tune that had been following her since her morning guitar practice. Her mind was already thinking about new lyrics, maybe something about love seen through someone else's eyes.

Once she got her food, she scanned the room and found a small table near the window. The sunlight fell across the tabletop, warm and steady, as she unwrapped her meal.

Her phone buzzed again.

Emma:
You always think about me. Eat something, love. You've got another class coming up. 💋

Abigail:
Yes, ma'am. I'm eating. Promise. 😄

She took a bite of her wrap and leaned back in her chair, savoring the moment of quiet. Students passed by in waves—some laughing loudly, others lost in thought. Across the room, someone was sketching in a notebook; at another table, a small group of music majors debated about famous jazz composers.

It reminded her that her next class—Music History with Professor Shields—was coming up soon. The thought made her chest tighten just slightly, but she brushed it off with another sip of water. She wasn't going to let anything—or anyone—ruin her peace today.

When she finished her food, she wiped her hands and packed up her trash, tossing it neatly into the bin. Then she checked her phone one more time.

After lunch, Abigail walked across the quad, the warm afternoon sun cutting through the crisp autumn air. Students filled the courtyard—some sprawled out on the grass studying, others laughing in clusters by the fountain. Her guitar case swung lightly at her side as she checked the time on her phone. She still had a little while before her next class.

She paused by one of the benches beneath a tree, sitting down and pulling out her phone again. Her mind drifted back to Lyric—the student she'd met earlier in the practice rooms. Lyric had such a calm energy, a little shy but clearly passionate about music. Something about her genuine enthusiasm had stuck with Abigail.