*Isabella's POV*
I stepped off the bus and onto the university campus, still trying to process the events that had just transpired with Jacob. I couldn't believe he had the nerve to wish me good luck with my exam, like everything was fine between us. I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on my mission to find my professors and get some answers about my exam.
As I walked into the department, I spotted Professor Scott and made my way over to her. "Professor Scott, remember me, Isabella Williams?" I asked, trying to sound confident and calm. She nodded in response, and I felt a sense of relief that she at least remembered me.
"I'm sorry to be looking at your list, and I'm not there," I said, feeling a sense of trepidation. "Do you know when I can retake the exam?" I inquired, trying to keep my hopes up. Professor Scott's expression was sympathetic, but her words were not what I wanted to hear.
"Of course, I remember you, Isabella. I'm sorry, though, I can't answer that question. You should go see the Dean," she said, her voice firm but kind. I nodded, feeling a sense of worry creeping up my spine. This was not what I had been expecting. I had been hoping for a simple answer, not a referral to the Dean's office.
I left Professor Scott's office and made my way to the Dean's office, feeling a sense of trepidation building up inside me. Great, just great, I thought to myself. This was just what I needed, more complications and uncertainty. I took a deep breath and steeled myself for the conversation ahead, knowing that I had to be strong and advocate for myself. As I walked into the Dean's office, I couldn't help but wonder what other challenges lay ahead.
I sat down in the chair the Dean pointed to, trying to prepare myself for the worst. "Hello Ms. Williams. I'm afraid I have some bad news for you," he began, his voice sympathetic but firm. I felt a sense of trepidation as I asked, "Is it about the macroeconomics exam?" I had been worried about that exam, but I had a feeling that this was something more.
The Dean's expression turned solemn, and he shook his head. "No...you see, you're far behind on your tuition. And we understand. We really do. But I'm afraid we can't allow it anymore." My heart sank as he spoke, and I felt a wave of panic wash over me. I had been struggling to make ends meet, and I had been hoping to find a way to catch up on my tuition payments.
But the Dean's next words sent a chill down my spine. "You will pay all the tuition by the end of the month. Or you'll get expelled." I felt like I had been punched in the gut. Expelled? How was I supposed to pay all that money by the end of the month? I didn't have that kind of money, and I knew I wouldn't be able to come up with it in time.
I felt a sense of desperation wash over me as I thought about my options. I had worked so hard to get to where I was, and now it was all being taken away from me. I thought about all the late nights, the early mornings, the endless cups of coffee, and the sacrifices I had made to pursue my education. And now, it all seemed like it was for nothing.
I trudged back to Cole's apartment, feeling like I'd been hit by a freaking truck. The conversation with the Dean still lingered in my mind, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of desperation that had settled in my stomach. I collapsed onto the couch, letting out a deep sigh as I tried to process everything that had just happened.
Cole walked into the room, looking nervous as hell, like he was about to drop a bombshell on me. "Hey girl, can we talk for a minute?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly. I raised an eyebrow, thinking to myself, what the hell now? Can't a girl just catch a break around here?
"Sure," I replied, my voice laced with sarcasm, "because my day couldn't possibly get any worse." Cole looked at me hesitantly, and I could tell he was trying to choose his words carefully. Great, just motherfucking great, I thought to myself, this is going to be good. First, there was the awkward and nerve wrecking encounter at work with Jacob, then the damn Dean's office and the threat of expulsion, and now Cole was looking at me with a nervous expression, like he was about to drop another bombshell.. A girl can't catch a break
"You know that girl I'm seeing..." he began, his voice trailing off as if he was waiting for me to fill in the blanks. I cut him off, my curiosity getting the better of me. "I do...who is she? Pam from PR? Pooja from design?" I asked, my mind racing with possibilities.
Cole sighed, looking uncomfortable as hell. "Isabella, stop," he said, his voice firm but gentle. I looked at him, confused, wondering what the hell was going on. "Who is she?" I pressed, my annoyance level rising by the second.
"I won't tell you," he replied, his voice firm, and I could tell he wasn't going to budge. I was taken aback, shocked that he wouldn't even tell me who this mysterious girl was. "What, why?" I countered, my anger and frustration boiling over.
Cole's expression turned serious, and he looked at me with a mixture of guilt and determination. "It's not important who she is," he said, his voice low and even. "What's important is she doesn't want to make this public. We can't afford to make things public. And if I keep seeing her..." He paused, taking a deep breath before dropping the bombshell. "Well, you're going to have to move out."