Everything in Between

Chapter 5

I was staring at my now empty plate in front of me as I tuned out the different conversations taking place at our table.

We had long returned to the party and dinner had been served. I was still agitated about the Christian situation and a bit overwhelmed by Sebastian. It didn't help that he chose to sit next to me so I tried to avoid looking in his direction.

It warmed my heart to see my parents so carefree and enjoying the evening with the Callahans. I can tell how much they enjoy each other's company and that reminds me how much they share in common.

Mrs. Callahan is smiling when she looks my way, "Annabelle, your mother informs me you're a high school senior this year." Her Irish accent and her delicate voice bring me back to the present.

I smile at her, "Yes, that's right. I'll be graduating this upcoming May."

"That's wonderful! Have you given any thought as to where you would like to attend university?" she asks gently.

When they ask me about my future after high school I normally start to feel uncomfortable. With Mrs. Callahan it's different, she seems genuinely interested and she doesn't ask in a prying way.

"It depends on which universities accept me, so far I've applied to NYU, Columbia and Brown. Those are my dream schools but we'll see where life takes me," I laugh and she joins me.

Her kind eyes are still on me, "You're very intelligent and dedicated, I have a strong feeling you have a great chance to reach your dream schools. Do you have an interest in a specific area of study?"

I smile at the thought, "Thank you Mrs. Callahan and yes, I would like to double major in Marketing and Early Childhood Education."

"Lovely, congratulations sweetie," she smiles.

"Thank you," I say in return.

She joins Alex and my mother in a conversation. I feel Sebastian lean to my right and whispers in my ear, "Have you given any thought to studying abroad?"

I turn to look at him and we're a little to close, "I have, the universities I applied to have study abroad programs for my areas of study. Even my safety schools have opportunities abroad but I guess the one I'm rooting for is with NYU."

His smile is gentle, "Why is that?"

"For my chosen majors they have a study abroad program in London. My dad enjoyed his time in the UK and I wish to see for myself. Not that I've told him yet, I've barely submitted my applications a few weeks ago. I don't want him to get excited and then receive a rejection letter from the university," I explain.

He grabs my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze, "I hope you get accepted, I can tell how much it means to you. London is filled with history, diversity and opportunities; you'll never get tired of exploring the city."

His words make me smile again, "Thank you, Sebastian."

We're staring at each other and I have to look away because the intensity in his eyes makes it hard to breathe properly.

Several tables away I catch hostile eyes looking our way and I see it's Christian. I look away as quickly as possible and focus my attention on Sebastian instead. I didn't hide my emotions quick enough because Sebastian frowns at me. He looks around trying to find what has changed my mood and I see he is looking at Christian's table. He must sense his hostility as well but instead of looking away he glares at the man. Sebastian is intimidating but as I look at him this way I understand why some of Alex's friends said he could be scary at times.