She asked me what class I had next, and I told her.
Then she smiled and said, "After class, we'll meet again."
We parted ways, and honestly? I was happy. It felt like I had just met someone who could truly understand me.
Then I saw Margaret waving like her hands were on fire.
She hurried toward me, and we found a place to sit since it wasn't time for class yet.
"So, what I wanted to tell you yesterday evening…" she began.
I nodded, waiting for her to spill whatever was on her mind.
"So tell me, why did you leave early yesterday?" she asked.
"Why? Can't I leave early again?" I shot back.
"It's not that ooo, I was just surprised, that's all."
"Then don't be. I wanted to go early, so I did."
"So… is this the gist you wanted to tell me?" I asked, almost half-yelling.
"Patience, young lady," she teased, pretending to be calm.
"Mmm," I muttered.
She leaned forward a little, lowering her voice like we were in a movie.
"Well, after you left yesterday, that guy from your class—your so-called class partner—he came out of the classroom looking really upset."
I raised my eyebrow slightly, pretending to be unbothered.
"So?" I asked.
"So, I asked someone what happened," she continued, her eyes already glinting with mischief. "And guess what I heard?"
"What?" I asked flatly.
She giggled. "Apparently, someone played a wicked prank on him. I heard he sat on something sticky and stood up with his back looking like he'd rolled in glue!"
I tried so hard not to laugh.
"And why are you telling me all this?" I asked, keeping a straight face.
Margaret leaned in like a detective who had just solved a big case.
"Because the way you ran off yesterday, forming innocent and sleepy… I'm suspecting you!"
I burst out laughing. "Ah! So now I'm the villain?"
"I didn't say that oo," she replied, laughing. "But if the shoe fits…"
I shook my head, still smiling. "Next time, he should mind where he sits."
Margaret gasped. "Aha! So it was you!"
"Margaret!" I shouted, quickly covering her mouth.
We both laughed so hard we almost forgot about class. Just then, the bell rang.
We stood up and started walking toward the lecture halls, still teasing and chatting.
But deep down, I kept thinking about Erica.
That calm smile. That softness in her voice.
The way she said, We'll meet after class.
Something told me… this day wasn't over yet.
We entered the lecture hall and sat down. The class dragged on, and honestly, my mind wasn't even there. I was physically present, but mentally everywhere—thinking about Erica, the prank, my roommate's drama, everything.
When class finally ended, I packed my things slowly, glancing around, half-hoping to catch sight of her.
Margaret was already busy gossiping with someone else.
I stepped out and stood by the corridor, pretending to check my phone.
Seconds passed.
Then a minute.
No sign of Erica.
I sighed. Maybe she forgot… or maybe she just said it to be nice.
I was just about to leave when I heard a soft voice behind me.
"You waited?"
I turned—and there she was.
Erica.
Calm as ever, standing like the world wasn't rushing around her. She held her books close to her chest, that same warm smile on her face.
"I told you we'd meet after class," she said.
I smiled back. "I wasn't sure if you meant it."
"I don't say what I don't mean," she replied.
We stood there in silence for a moment. Not awkward. Just… quiet.
The kind of quiet that says a lot.
Then she asked, "Do you want to sit somewhere? Or maybe walk?"
"Let's walk," I said quickly—maybe too quickly.