A Change for Eve ✔

23

On her arrival, the light drizzles of rain became much heavier. Parked in the middle of the quite empty lot, she stared at her dripping wet windshield.

She pulled the hood of her huge sweatshirt over her head and alighted from her car. Raindrops splattered on her head as she ran to the entrance of the building.

Indistinct chattering in the hallway was brought to her attention. Without any gestures to anyone, she walked to her class, at a relatively slow pace. Her eyes were buried unto the spotless tiles when she heard a familiar voice.

"People's eyes are up here, Eve," Emma blocked her and Eve's head shot up. Her tired lips managed to carve a weak smile at the sight of her best friend. "What's wrong?"

They continued walking to the direction of Eve's class. "Rough week-end. I'm just a little tired and the rain is an excuse to look like this." She made time to look at the unconcerned outfit she had put together.

"Why didn't you call me? You didn't say anything," Emma pouted her lips and crossed her arms on her chest. She awaited a reply as Eve thought of one.

"I figured you had a lot to do. You know, with Josh and stuff. I-i..." Eve's words could no longer make their way out of her mouth as she stuttered with trembling hands.

Emma's piercing look sent chills down her spine. Eve avoided eye contact with her and sent her gaze back to the ground. Emma remained silent which compelled her to look back up.

"I know you have a class now but you have to tell me everything once it's over, okay?" Her tone was calm but commanding. Eve nodded and walked past her to her first class of the day.

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EVE'S POV

The rain had abruptly stopped and the sun has regained its position in the bright blue skies. After the long Economics class, I spent the thirty minutes break in the cafeteria, drinking a cold cup of strawberry flavoured milkshake.

The slender straw was held firmly between my lips as the sweet taste found its way around my mouth. My earphones blasted calm melodies into my ears. I hummed alongside the words, sipping my drink slowly.

A quick tap on my shoulder, urged me to unpluck my earphones from my ears. I turned to see Emma, standing and glaring through me. She took a seat adjacent me, on the red chair.

"Eve, are you sure you're okay?" Emma asked, with a sense of worry in her voice. Her face which was mostly lit up with her beautiful smile was now filled with vast concern.

My heartbeat increased its speed as I thought of what to say. "I'm fine Em. It isn't anything too bad." She simply stared at me, waiting for me to tell her what it was that was bothering me. "Fine, I'll tell you," I sighed deeply and rested my arms on the table.

"Eve, tell me. I may seem busy but never too much for you. I'm listening." As she said this, both my palms were in her soft ones. I smiled weakly at her and nodded.

"It was after the party, on our way to campus, Nathan asked me if he gave me mixed feelings and I honestly caught off guard and told him I didn't know. When we reached my dorm, he said a lot but the only words that have been eating me up were, 'I don't want anything to happen so soon, not again' and I know we met not long ago but..."

I wasn't able to end my lengthy speech when Emma cut me off. "Wait! Did he explain why he said that?" She asked with so much eagerness. I shook my head and sat uncomfortably. "Eve, listen to me. I don't know what Nathan meant by that but spare him some time."

"He came yesterday and everything seems fine between us. I wouldn't bring up that topic again if he doesn't himself." Emma smiled briefly and I did too.

"That's good then." She let go of my hands and leaned forward, looking at me. "I promise if he treats you bad, I'll personally dig his grave." She sat back up and smiled as a light chuckle escaped my lips.