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I pondered her comment as I reflected on my journey to this point. She had painted a picture of me as always being a serious, dedicated student, but that wasn’t the whole truth. After my siblings and I moved in with Theresa and Patrick, my life had been anything but focused. I coasted through my early high school years, doing just enough to get by. I wasn’t a troublemaker, but I was definitely lost, struggling to find my place in this new chapter of our lives.
There was also the responsibility I felt for Fury and Rose. I had taken it upon myself to look out for them, even though Theresa and Patrick were more than capable. It took me a while to understand that they didn’t need me to shoulder that burden, but that realization didn’t lessen my protective instincts toward them.
Everything shifted at the end of my freshman year. An essay I wrote caught the attention of Mr. Shirley, my English teacher. His encouragement was a turning point for me. He saw potential in me that I hadn’t seen in myself and urged me to pursue it. That was when I started to apply myself, discovering a passion for learning and a desire to inspire others.
This passion eventually led me towards a career in education.
“So, when does the new semester start?” Andrea asked, bringing me back to the conversation.
“Soon,” I said, “I’m flying home in a few days. I had hoped to arrive earlier, but my flight was canceled.”
“Your aunt said you and your friend drove here from Chicago?”
“Yes,” I replied as I scanned the room for Trisha. A sense of urgency took over when I realized she wasn’t there.
“That’s a long drive. It’s good you had someone to share it with. Did you two plan to fly out together, or was it a coincidence?” Andrea asked, her tone casual.
“We met in the rental car line,” I answered absently, my concern for Trisha growing. “I don’t even know where she’s from,” I added, still trying to spot her.
“Really? So you’re not dating her?” Andrea seized the opportunity. “You know, maybe we could get together before you leave? Just the two of us?”
I’d already tuned her out. “Excuse me,” I said, standing abruptly.
I left Andrea without further explanation, feeling rude but driven by a stronger need to find Trisha. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had somehow let her down. I should have shown her how much she meant to me. Now, it was maybe too late.
Uncle Patrick was the only one in the kitchen. “Hey, have you seen Trisha?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
“She stepped outside for a walk,” he told me, his eyes hinting he understood.
A wave of panic surged through me as I realized the situation. Had I inadvertently given Trisha the impression that she was less important to me? There I was, stuck in a conversation with Andrea, my high school crush, while Trisha knew nobody. No wonder she might have felt the need to slip away.
I needed to find her and apologize. I couldn’t let her leave, thinking I was some inconsiderate asshole.
Even though I apparently was exactly that.
“Did you see which way she went?”
“Out the front door and down the driveway. You should be able to see which way she turned if you hurry.”
I hurried outside, my heart pounding, but I kept my composure, not wanting to cause any alarm. Once out of sight, I hastened my steps, driven by the need to catch up with Trisha. As I reached the end of the driveway, I saw her figure in the distance, moving towards downtown. My walk turned into a jog, my concern growing with each stride.
As I drew closer, I slowed down, mindful not to startle her. Trisha was deep in conversation on her phone. I paused, catching my breath, waiting for her to finish. She finally put her phone away and turned, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity as she saw me.
Before she could voice her questions, I spoke up, my voice laced with concern. “Are you okay?”
FOURTEEN
TRISHA
“Yes, I’m fine,”I replied, trying to mask the tumult of emotions his presence stirred within me. “Just needed a bit of fresh air, that’s all.”
Blaze relaxed slightly, but his gaze remained fixed on me as if trying to read between the lines. “My uncle saw you slip out. The crowd can be a bit much, huh?”
“You could say that,” I chuckled, finding comfort in his understanding. “It’s like stepping into a whirlwind in there.”
He smiled, a playful glint in his eyes. “I guess we tend to sweep people off their feet – figuratively and literally.”
“I’d say you’re more of a tornado than a whirlwind,” I teased back, feeling the ease of our banter chase away the heaviness of the impending goodbye.
