Sara's days didn't feel like something she had to endure for the first time in years. They merely
occurred. She awoke, changed, went to class, and even relished the trek around the campus. The
tight knot of terror she used to get in her stomach whenever a man looked her way? Gone. not
overlooked but silent. She could giggle at their stupid puns, make jokes with the boys in her study
group, even playfully tease them back without her heart pounding like it intended to bolt. The
youngsters
too saw. Most of them were friendly; they welcomed her to eat with them and grin in the corridors. One
couple, nevertheless, had that intense gaze in their eyes that said who does she believe she is? When
they thought she couldn't hear, they whispered. Though it hurt, Sara let it roll off. She now knew herself.
The folks who mattered knew it also.
The canteen was warm and noisy that afternoon; clanging trays and overlapping chatter filled it. Sitting
across from Sophie, Sara picked at a plate of fries she wasn't particularly hungry for. She wore her
beloved dark jeans and a soft light-brown top that felt like a hug. Sophie had gone all warm—loose
purple-and-white top, Sherpa jacket, dark tights—and kept stealing Sara's fries as though that was her
job.
Alone, Benjamin sat a few tables away. Blue jeans, mustard polo, that effortless smile he had constantly
worn. But today he was apprehensive. He kept staring at Sara before quickly averting his eyes, as if he
were mustering the nerve to do something. Sophie caught it instantly." Look at him," she muttered,
leaning in with a playful tiny smile. "He has been watching you all time. Waiting for you to notice.”
Sara found her face turned. Trying not to smile too obviously, she tucked a hair under her ear.
"He's simply... listening. Probably pondering on something. Sophie arched an eyebrow. "Certainly."
Repeat to yourself that.
Before Sara could challenge, Benjamin rose. He walked over, hands in his pockets as if he were
aiming for a laid-back appearance, yet his shoulders were a touch too constricted. He pulled up at
their desk.
Voice hopeful, he greeted, "Hey." "You guys mind if I sit?" Feeling bored sitting alone.” Sophie never
even paused. "Certainly" Get a chair.
Sophie's eyes brightened before Sara could speak. She waved like she had been waiting for John all day,
seeing him approach the exit. John! Hey, hold on!
Smiling, John spun; Sophie was already grabbing her tray. Gotta go—huge plans with that one.
“You two behave.” She winked quickly at Sara and had left before either of them could object.
The table grew considerably calmer suddenly.
Rubbing the rear of his neck, Benjamin slipped into the chair facing Sara. "She is smooth; I shall
give her that."
Sara chuckled gently; nerves and something warmer blended in her chest. "Yeah. She is."
They just sat for a minute, the canteen's hum floating around them. Benjamin looked at her like
he had been wanting to say something for weeks. And Sara did not feel the usual impulse to run
once. She remained still.
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