Without You

Chapter 3

Play 'butterflies' by Isabel LaRosa

The open-spaced college cafeteria buzzed with life, a vibrant mosaic of laughter and chatter. Most of the tables were filled with the group of students, having their lunch together. The gentle touch of sunlight, painting warmth and casting delicate shadows, illuminates the world, adding a serene glow to everyday moments, and the cold breeze gives the atmosphere a cold reminder that the Fall is coming.

Among all, I found myself nestled at a cozy, round table, my fingers gently wrapped around a steaming cup of cappuccino. A thrilling book of tales lay open before me, its pages a portal to another world.

I was reading the 14th chapter of a crime novel, where the protagonist of the story was just on his way to find a clue about the murderer, but suddenly someone shook my concentration out of the book I was completely engrossed.

Startled, I looked up to see Jessica gracefully navigating through the labyrinth of tables, her unshakeable confidence evident in every stride.

"Ohhh you scared me, Jess!!!" I exclaimed.

"Just like the murderer???" she asks in sarcasm.

"I'm so sorry...I didn't mean to scare you" she added, feeling a little guilty that a few drops of cappuccino fell on the pages.

"It's okay, I was just too lost to find the clue," I smirked.

"Emily! I'm so sorry I'm late," Jessica panted, sliding into the chair across from me with an apologetic smile. I simply nodded my head in reply.

Jessica caught her breath, and I couldn't help but let curiosity get the best of me. "So, what's the big rush?"

Her eyes danced with anticipation as she leaned in. "You won't believe it, but I've got an incredible idea for your birthday!"

I raised an eyebrow, my interest piqued. "Really? You know I'm not a big fan of birthdays, right?"

Jessica waved off my concerns. "I know, I know. But hear me out. This year, we're going to throw a party like no other. A night to remember!"

I couldn't help but offer a faint, half-smile. "And how exactly do you plan to achieve that?"

Leaning in, Jessica's voice dropped to a conspiratorial hush. "Remember the guys from Alex's band? Well, they're all in on it. They'll perform at the party. It's gonna be epic!"

My eyes widened in surprise. "You got the whole band to play for my fucking birthday?"

Jessica nodded; her excitement infectious. "Yes! It's the perfect way to celebrate you, Em. To embrace the music, the energy, and to create new memories that'll overshadow the old ones."

My gaze softened, a mingling of gratitude and apprehension reflected in my eyes. "Jess, you know why I've been hesitant to celebrate my birthday, right?"

Jessica's expression softened; her gaze unwavering. "I do, Emily. I know it's a painful reminder, but you can't let the past hold you back forever. It's time to start writing new chapters, ones that you'll cherish."

The weight of Jessica's words hung in the air between us, and I felt a jumble of emotions - gratitude, hesitation, and a lingering sense of longing. I wanted to honor my friend's efforts, to step out of the shadow of my past, but the pain of that day still clung to me like a ghost.

Our conversation continued, weaving through memories and hopes, until my attention was inexplicably drawn to a familiar sensation. A cool breeze seemed to graze my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. Instinctively, I turned my head, my eyes scanning the cafeteria until they locked onto a solitary figure.

Sitting at a long table was a guy, with a sketchbook open before him, a black pencil was spinning in his fingers, and his other hand was wrapped around a cup of cappuccino. His appearance was unconventional, a striking blend of nerdy charm and effortless style. His spectacles framed eyes that appeared to hold a universe of secrets, and his white sweater provided a stark contrast to the vibrancy of the bustling surroundings.

And then, our eyes met.

A strange jolt surged through me, a connection that seemed to transcend mere curiosity. I couldn't look away, and for a fleeting moment, it felt as if time itself had come to a standstill. The world around me faded, leaving only the intensity of that gaze.

But as suddenly as it had arrived, the moment dissipated. I tore my gaze away, my heart racing, and my cheeks flushed with a bewildering embarrassment. I redirected my attention back to Jessica, attempting to shake off the odd encounter.

"Emily, you, okay?" Jessica's voice broke through my reverie.

I cleared my throat, my voice aiming for casual. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just got lost in thought for a moment."

Jessica's eyes flicked briefly in the direction I had been looking, but she didn't pry further. Instead, she led our conversation back to the birthday celebration she was planning.

I couldn't shake the memory of that gaze. I tried to dismiss it as mere curiosity, but there was something about that enigmatic stranger that continued to linger in my mind. I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the excitement of the upcoming party and the chance to embrace a new chapter in my life.

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𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿'𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀(𝗔/𝗡): This chapter is a personal favorite of mine. I hope you enjoy the emotional rollercoaster! Let me know which moments resonated with you and why. Your insights mean a lot.

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