Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
Emily packed her books into a box. She sealed up the box with tape, then wrote textbooks on the side. She was almost finished packing up her things to go home for the Christmas break. She would be living with Wanda over Christmas and was looking forward to spending some quality time with her sister and with the kids. Wanda said they were excited to have Auntie Emily come to stay, since usually she only visited for a short period of time.
She’d planned on spending some of the summer in the apartment, working at the café, since she was low on money. But, she and Madi had decided that in the end, it made more sense to find a new apartment, something less expensive, for their second year of college. And that gave them almost three months to live at home and save money before they were required back on campus in February. So she figured she would find work in Sunshine instead, and the manager at the cafe had agreed to let her postpone starting until the following year.
Another box. This time, it was full of shoes, and she taped it shut with a grunt of satisfaction. The apartment was looking very empty. She’d miss it. It’d been a wonderful place to spend her first six months of university. But it was time to go home, and she felt an enormous amount of relief over that. She’d really missed Sunshine, her friends and family.
The front door burst open, and Madi rushed inside, her hair wildly messy. She wore bright red lipstick and a pair of long striped socks beneath her jean shorts.
“Can you believe this weather? It’s so hot!” she gasped, wiping sweat from her brow. “Oh, look at you. You’ve done so much packing. You’re almost finished! I haven’t even started yet.”
“We’ve got to be out by the weekend. You should probably think about packing a few things away, at least.”
“I know,” Madi said, throwing herself down on the couch. “But I like to leave things until the last minute. It keeps life interesting.”
“Stressful, you mean,” Emily replied as she folded her shirts into a soft shoulder bag.
“That too. Stress reminds us we’re alive.” Madi laughed.
Emily rolled her eyes. “I’ll point that out when you’re having a panic attack over a late assignment next semester.”
“That’s only happened twice,” Madi objected.
Emily huffed. “Three times. And the third time, I had to run out and get coffee for you since you couldn’t possibly make it through the night without it and we had none left. So, your procrastination impacts me as well. Don’t forget that.”
“You’re looking for work as a barista. So, I’m helping you gain experience.”
“Thanks. But not when I’m supposed to be sleeping, please.”
“Sorry. When the caffeine craving comes, there’s nothing I can do but find coffee. And you’re the best roommate a girl could ever ask for.” She gazed at Emily affectionately. “Which is why I’m so glad you decided to move with me next year. We’re going to have so much fun.”
“We’ve got to lock down a place before we leave. I don’t want to leave it until the last minute. You know how much I hate that.”
“No worries. I’ve got us an appointment with the agent tomorrow. Can you make it?”
“What time?” Emily asked as she finished packing the bag full of clothes.
“Two o’clock. Does that work?”
“That should be fine. I’ve got a morning shift at the café.”
“Perfect. Do you want to go to the library with me?”
“Why do you need to go to the library?” Emily asked. “The semester is over.”
“Because I’m considering taking Ancient History of the Middle East next semester, and I want to check out the required reading to see if I should. What do you think? Does that sound like an interesting subject?”
Emily shrugged. “I don’t know how useful it will be. Unless you plan on going into international politics.”
“Or if I decide to major in history,” Madi replied.
“That too. Does it seem likely?” She didn’t like to judge, but she couldn’t imagine Madi working as an academic or teacher. Come to think of it, she wasn’t sure what she could imagine Madi doing, so perhaps it was as good an option as any.
“No, I hate history,” Madi replied.
“Why would you even consider the subject, then?”
“It sounds cool. Besides, I don’t know what else to do.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be studying forensics?”
“Yes, but we have electives. And I’ve got to pick something.”
Emily sighed. “Maybe pick something science related. Or you could study French. That might be useful.”
“I suppose… Anyway, come to the library with me. I’ll know when I find the book if it’s going to be a snoozefest or not.”
“Fine. Let me finish up my clothes. I’m heading out of town after we find a place to live. I can’t wait to see my sister, and Aaron is going to come up to Sunshine for the weekend as well.”
“You two seem pretty serious,” Madi replied as she picked up a brush and got to work detangling her hair.
“I think so,” Emily replied. “I’ve known him forever. You know that guy you always measure other men against?”
Madi looked at her, eyes narrowed. “Yeah?”
“He’s that guy. I’ve always had him in the back of my mind as the perfect catch. The one who got away. My Mr Right. And now he likes me back. It feels a bit like a dream.”
“You two are sickeningly cute. Did anyone ever tell you that?” She crossed her eyes. “That’s a little bit too perfect for me.”
Emily laughed. “Sorry, I can’t help it. That’s how I feel.”
“So… You’re in love, then?”
She nodded. “I’m head over heels.”
“Wow. Good for you.” Madi smiled. “Maybe he has a brother?”
“None your age. Sorry.”
She shrugged. “Never mind. I’ll meet the perfect guy one day. And until then, I’ll have a lot of fun trying.”
“Come on,” Emily said. “Let’s go to the library before it gets dark. I hate walking back through the campus in the dark. It gives me the creeps.”
As they set off down the staircase and through the quadrangle, Emily couldn’t help thinking about their discussion. She was in love. It was the kind of love that’d built over many years, and she still couldn’t quite believe that Aaron cared about her in the same way. Neither one of them had said the words. But he spent every spare moment he could with her, and for now, that was enough.