“To the lake,” Alice says from the passenger seat. “It’s a nice day.”
“But what?—”
“We’re not going to central campus,” Jade says slowly. “And besides, we love the lake, it’s one of our favourite places. It’ll be quiet over there.”
I slump back in my seat. The last place I want to go is to our university campus, but the lake is peaceful, and we spent a lot of time there over the last few years.
Once we park up and get Skye into her pram, I pull the hood down to protect her face. Jade pushes her along as we step into line beside her. I inhale the cooling autumn breeze and watch the clouds float through the sky.
Maybe I do need to leave the house more often. I’ve gotten used to those four walls way too much.
We perch on a bench as Alice leaves to grab drinks from the small coffee shop on the corner of the lake. I gently rock Skye’s pram as she makes noise, and I tilt back the hood so she can look out.
“Have you spoken to Finn more?” Jade asks.
“No. He’s been texting me a little, but I’ve not replied. I’m just not ready yet.”
“Will you ever be?” Her mouth slants to the side.
“I don’t know,” I sigh. “I’m still broken.”
Jade takes my hand in hers and gives me a supportive squeeze. “You’re not broken. He should be fucking grovelling,” she states. “Excuse the language.”
“It’s not like I’ve given him a chance to.”
Alice returns with our hot drinks, and I wrap my hands around them. I purposely change the subject because I don’t want to talk about Finn anymore, I want a moment of peace.
I listen as they discuss their final year and what exams they’ll have next summer. My eyes wander over the still lake and the trees that are gently swaying in the wind.
It’s only then I spot a figure in the distance, close enough to recognise them within seconds. I stiffen, and his eyes lock on mine. My stomach feels like it’s been punched.
Jade chuckles. “Right, Maya?”
“Huh?” I snap my attention to her, suddenly on high alert.
Her face drops. “What’s wrong?”
“Finn’s here.” I tremble.
Both of them whip their heads over their shoulder in record time to find him walking down the path, approaching us apprehensively. I suck in a breath and stand from the bench.
“Maya, ar?—”
“I’ve got this,” I say, and pray they stay back and not get involved.
They’ll always have my back, but I need to do this alone.
I stalk towards him, far away enough they won’t be able to hear the conversation. Finn has a dark hoodie over his head as he stops and drags his eyes over my face. My chest quivers at the sight of him.
“Hey,” he whispers, burying his hands into his pockets.
I say nothing as I stare at him.
“Sorry, I just—” He clears his throat, blinking back the emotion in his eyes. “I couldn’t not come over after I saw you.”
Finn’s gaze flicks over to the bench briefly, and I know he’s registering Skye’s pram. The second he meets my eyes again, he shifts from foot to foot.
“How are you?”
