Weathered Love

KRISTOFF II

The first month of classes had flown by. I'd gotten so caught up in homework, keeping up on my therapy visits, and trying to subtly record videos with Ivan that I had little time for anything else. I squeezed Kristoff in where I could, and he never let on that he minded, so I didn't dare ask if he wanted to spend more time. I couldn't add even more into my already hectic schedule. I always made sure we saw each other frequently. More often than not, it was for coffee in the morning before classes started.

I finally had a night off without classes, homework, studying, therapy, or recording to do. I decided it would be the perfect night to call Kristoff over so we could relax together. "No can do, babe," he informed me over the phone. "You happened to pick the one night I actually have stuff to do." I huffed a little bit, but I knew it was perfectly reasonable. I was always busy. I couldn't hold it against Kristoff if he was occasionally busy as well. Even if it did clash with my schedule.

"No worries," I assured him. "We'll hang out some other time."

"If I finish up early, wait up for me," he requested. "I can't believe I'm busy tonight," I heard him mutter to himself. He was so sweet.

"I'm sure I'll be free again sometime," I tried to console him. "Have fun doing whatever it is you're doing."

"Working on a group assignment. This was the only night everyone from our group was available," Kristoff informed me.

"Aw! Have fun with your adorable little study group!" I cooed into the phone. He hated it when I used a baby voice. So I used it every chance I got.

"This is making it easier not to see you," he jokingly responded.

"Bye babe!" I stated.

"Later," he responded. I hung up and put my phone down. It was going to be a night alone with a bunch of movies and some herbal tea.

I was scrolling through the movies on the TV when Catrin and Nolan walked in. I had avoided Nolan as much as I could since that day at the beach. I thought Catrin deserved way better, and I was starting to notice more and more that Nolan was really trying to keep Catrin out of the house. She hardly ever slept in her room and would more likely be found at Nolan's dorm.

"Hey," Catrin greeted when she saw me on the couch. "Long time no see," she commented.

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" I joked. "We had a housemate that looked a lot like you, but I think she moved out," I continued to tease.

"You make such dad jokes," Catrin teased back.

"Why would you hurt me like that?" I pouted in response to her comment. We both had a small chuckle. "Are you guys staying in tonight? I could use some company. I'm all alone," I semi-joked. The truth was, I was trying to keep an eye on Catrin and Nolan, and perhaps help Catrin spend a night in her own bed for once.

"No one else is here?" Nolan inquired. He gave me a disbelieving look.

"I think we'll have to pass. I was just stopping by to get some fresh clothes," Catrin informed me. She went up to her room to pack yet another overnight bag.

"Hey, I know Catrin will never tell you this, but you need to stop being so clingy with her," Nolan stated to me. That was a new one. "I know you think you guys are besties, but the truth is, she just tolerates you. It's a little sad how much you hang onto her," he continued.

"If she's so sick of me, she can tell me herself. Besides, I don't recall asking your opinion," I rudely responded. He had no right to say those things to me, regardless of whether or not they were true.

"Look, I'm just looking out for you here. I know she helped you through some tough times, but she was just being nice. I think she feels obligated to hang out with you now because you're so invested and she doesn't want to hurt your feelings," he stated.