Page 55 of Fighting Fate

"No, quite the opposite." She sighs, and I can almost see her smile. "It's comforting, like old times."

Right then, the day's heavy load—the endless cramming, that doctor's visit, the gnawing worry about my residency—starts to fade into the background. Talking to her, it's like a spell's been cast, each word from her knitting us closer, crafting this perfect vibe between us. This thing with her, it's been under the radar, kind of simmering below the surface, waiting for its moment. And lately, every second we're together, it feels like it's bubbling up, turning into something...something real.

But what exactly? That's the million-dollar question. Yet, it's there, growing stronger and clearer with each laugh, each conversation, each shared glance.

Miles, come on, get a move on. Use those legs, the ones that carry you to touchdowns on the field, the voice in my head chides, prodding me to act.

Sure, it sounds easy. Just walk up to your best friend and interrupt her daily routine.

To say, "I need your help," and admit vulnerability.

And then steeling myself for that look of pity, the kind teachers often have when they notice a student struggling to keep up. But my challenge wasn't related to my battle with cancer; it was about needing guidance in a freshman course that was unexpectedly giving me a hard time. I mean, I'm aiming to be a doctor, but this class? It's a nightmare, even at freshman level. And Milli's help? That's a bonus I can't deny.

But, honestly, after getting my ass kicked at practice and then playing guinea pig with those hospital scanners, all I really want is to crash, forget the day, the week—hell, the whole damn month. But quitting is not in my playbook, not when graduation's breathing down my neck. And Milli? Seeing her—even if we just spoke the other night—somehow makes it worth it.

I let out a breath and open the small Tylenol container I always carry in my backpack. Yesterday's game against the Lions was tough, but the victory made the aches worth it. The bruises, though, they're worse than usual—more noticeable, more painful. I'm popping these pills like they're candy. That can't be a good sign, can it? Lost in these thoughts, I'm still lingering at the library entrance when my phone vibrates with a new message.

Mills

How did the doctor's appointment go? I know you said it was fine on the phone, but what about this morning? And don't even think about lying to me. You know I'll find out, so just spill.

I catch myself grinning as I glance over at Milli's message, even from across the room where she's stationed herself for our tutoring session. That caring vibe of hers, it's like her trademark—always on point with checking in post-appointments. She's invariably the first to hit me up, asking how things went, before launching into her spiel on self-care. You know, the usual drill: getting enough rest and remembering my vitamins—all the essentials.

Does it bother me? Not in the slightest. In fact, it's comforting to have someone like Milli caring, someone other than my parents looking out for me. Sure, my parents are always on my case about health, but Milli's concern? It's a different, a welcome kind of warmth.

Miles

Everything's fine, really. No need for the third degree. What's the deal, Mills? You aiming to be my personal health guru or something?

Seeing a glimpse of her across the room, a smile plays on her lips and her head gently shakes, while the guy next to her is deep in his textbooks.

Mills

Ha, Sunshine, trust me, you wouldn't be able to afford me—or keep up, for that matter.

Is she for real? I'm pretty confident I could keep pace with her in more ways than one. But her keeping up with me? Now, that's an open question. I'm about to shoot back a reply when another message pops up.

Mills

Just making sure you're taking care of yourself. I need you in top shape for the next game.

Chuckling to myself, I type out my response.

Miles

Yesterday's game wasn't a letdown, was it?

She shakes her head once more, yet a smile lingers, and she lightly bites her lower lip in the way that drives me crazy. As she tucks her phone away and leans over to help the guy she's tutoring, I notice her ample cleavage, more revealing than usual. The memory of that accidental reveal during our video call flashes in my mind—no figment of my imagination, but stark reality.

But they're totally out of bounds. It's like staring at a delicious cookie you know you can't grab.

I mean, they're just breasts, right?

But these are Milli's, and that changes everything.

I shouldn't be thinking this way, I know that. But come on, how can I not?

It's not just about physical attraction; it's Milli. Growing up together, those summer days by the pool, her in her bikinis—you'd think I'd be used to it. But there was never a moment to just...notice her like that. We were always in the thick of friends and family.

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