The Ink That Brands Us ✔️

Chapter Twenty-Five

I was walking across campus the next morning on my way to meet Saw at the Campus Cafe when my phone buzzed. I groaned pulling it out of my pocket. I had expected it to be Saw telling me to hurry, again, but to my surprise, it was from Alex.

Alex: You still owe me an explanation.

I sighed and looked to the heavens for an answer, but there wasn't one. I looked down at my phone debating on telling him about Jensen and me but thought better of it. He deserved better than hearing about it via text message.

Without answering, I shoved my phone back into my pocket and continued on my way to the Cafe. I would just have to deal with Alex later.

"About friggin' time!" Saw exclaimed as I took a seat next to her.

I rolled my eyes at her and took a sip of lukewarm coffee she had ordered for me.

"My class let out late. I practically ran all the way here."

"You don't look winded," she observed, eyeing me.

"Okay, it was more of a brisk walk."

"You sure you don't want anything to eat?" June asked. "The food isn't that bad today."

I looked at the burger on her plate and shook my head. It looked like chewed meat.

"No. I think I'll just grab something later."

"Who cares. Starve then, but tell us about Jensen first." Saw was bouncing up and down in her seat. June raised her eyebrows at me.

A smile played on my lips as I recalled the bet Jensen and I had made. I knew she wouldn't waste any time in hounding me for answers about Jensen.

I totally called it.

He said she would let the dust settle before she demanded to know anything. He knew her, so he should've known better.

I told them almost everything. Explaining what happened when I came home from my parents. I skipped over what he had told me about his wife, just saying he had been heartbroken for a while and was ready to move on.

Saw looked at me, and I nodded at her, letting her know that he told me everything.

June clapped happily at the turn of events.

"I am so glad you guys worked things out!"

    "Me too. You guys are so perfect for one another," Saw said, looking smug.

    "Know it all," I grinned, shoving her in the shoulder playfully.

    I pulled my phone out of my pocket to check the time and cursed.

"Crap. I'm going to be late." Jumping to my feet, I waved to my friends. "I'll see you later."

    I really did run this time.

My next class was all the way across campus. I was halfway there when someone shouted my name. I came to a stop, looking around, then frowned when I spotted Alex.

    "Freya!" He smiled, waving at me.

    "Hey, Alex," I said as he came to a stop in front of me. "I'm sorry, I'm super late and I know I need to talk to you, but could you find me after class?" I turned to continue on my way and he fell into step beside me.

    "It's fine. I'll just walk with you and you can talk."

    "What do you want me to say?" I didn't have a clue what to say.

    "Just tell me why you broke up with me. That's as good a place as any to start."

    I bit my lip nervously.