To the Moon & Back

Chapter 34- Linh

Trigger warning: there is some violence. Nothing excessive, but still... there...

I wasn't prepared for school the next day. I mean, sure, I was, like... Physically prepared. I had picked out the outfit I was going to wear. I had my bookbag with my school supplies. But, like... I was not emotionally prepared.

I tried to smile as I got ready that morning, but truthfully... I was all nerves.

What would my 1st day be like? Would I make some friends? Not that that would happen in 1 day, but maybe... I could meet some people? Would I be able to find my way around campus? Would I be completely embarrassing today? Would my profs be ok? There was so much uncertainty...

"You doing ok?" Ash asked, his eyebrows raised in concern. I sighed.

"Not really... I don't know what my classes will be like... & everything... & I definitely shouldn't have drinken that coffee this morning..." I show him my hands, which are shaking from my anxiety. He frowns slightly & takes 1 of them, smoothing my fingers down, hand moving over mine in a repetitive motion. I take a deep breath. It helps slightly. I look down at him, smiling slightly. "Thanks."

He smiles back, a light blush touching his cheeks, still holding onto my hand gently, as though it was the only thing that tethered him to this world. "No problem. It's... gonna be ok, ya know. Hell... It'll be nerve-racking, that's for sure. Not that I have any experience with college... But... I'm sure you'll make some friends, & it'll go great."

I sigh, looking away. "If you say so..."

He tilts his head slightly, grinning up at me. "Hey. Who could hate you? You're amazing."

I blush, avoiding his gaze. "Yeah... but not to everyone..."

He looks pointedly at me, 1 eyebrow raised. "Hey. Fuck the haters, right?"

I chuckle. "Well, not literally, but yeah..." [Lol :D]

His face reddens & he laughs nervously. "Yeah..."

I take my car to campus after bidding Auntie Joy & Ash farewell, a heavy feeling in my heart. I arrive at 7 & quickly find a place to park before heading into a café on campus.

Sugar or caffeine was probably not a good idea given my nerves, but the café was a nice place to sit, maybe catch up on a book or two while I was waiting for my 1st class. It wouldn't be until 8, so I'd head out at 7:30... But I could relax until then... Or at least, try to...

At some point, I realized I had to go to the bathroom, & headed inside. After going, I stepped out of the stall & washed my hands, but as I was drying them, a guy stepped up to me.

He had a menacing expression, despite his short stature, & it took me off guard. I stepped back slightly, but he still advanced, cornering me.

His eyes narrowed as he spoke gruffly, "You're going to follow me, into my van. & don't even think about fighting back." He gestured at me, a gun in hand, & my eyes widened.

I moved quickly, trying to head toward the entrance to the bathroom, but he blocked me. I tried to take the gun out of his hand, but he just pressed it into my side harder.

"I don't wanna make this any harder than it's got to be, buddy. Just cooperate & you won't get hurt."

I sighed hopelessly. Despite all my training, he was still too strong. I thought I could take him down, but I really couldn't. There was no way out of this except to cooperate. I took a deep breath. "What do you need me to do?"

Sorry, guys :(. Conflict had to happen at some pt, everything can't just be great all the time... Conflict moves the plot along... & "Adair" & his gang aren't finished yet, so... Hang in there :/