Page 72 of Icebound Attraction

“There's an important event next week, and I need thorough research on the guest speaker. I expect a detailed report from you by the end of the day.”

I nod and grab the documents.

As I sit down at my desk, my thoughts gradually drift away from the events of the last twenty-four hours. The task ahead demands my full concentration, and I have no room for error.

As the day draws to a close, I finally gather enough material to write my summary. I sit down at my computer and start sorting through the relevant facts. As I write, a certain sense of accomplishment spreads through me. The work soothes me and helps me put my thoughts in order. It's as if I've found a peaceful island in the middle of a storm. Once I've finished my essay, I hand it in to my supervisor and gather my things to go home.

On the way, I take stock of my day. It's not easy to juggle personal concerns and professional responsibilities. And in the midst of all these challenges, I also have to pay attention to my own needs and those of the people around me.

I sigh.

So, this is what it means to become an adult?

The exhaustion of recent events begins to show as I cross the threshold into my bedroom. Taking advantage of Cassy's absence, I drop onto the sofa and close my eyes for a moment.

After staying like that for a few minutes, I sit up and take out my cell phone. I text Liam to explain that I won't be able to come to the hospital tomorrow. It's costing me, but I need time to concentrate on my university homework, which has fallen behind with my internship. Going back and forth from the campus to the hospital takes time, and it won't help me... On top of that, I have to admit I'm exhausted.

I hope he'll understand, even if the idea of not seeing him doesn't appeal to me at all.

14

Emily

I enter the classroom building with a bittersweet feeling. I've spent half the night working on homework and preparing for an exam. So I'm tired, and on top of that, grumpy.

As I cross the corridor, my eye is caught by a large poster on the wall. It looks like the End-of-spring Gala is only two weeks away. Already... the academic year has flown by!

The idea of an evening of fun and dancing seems both seductive and remote to me at this moment. Still, it's very tempting to go.

I lean against the wall and stare at the colorful image.

University galas are events I've studiously avoided. I didn't have the heart to go with Cassy and Maddie. They're more like couples' nights, and I was sure I'd be a good sport. But this time, I feel different. I'm in a relationship that, although ‘secret’, is important. In a way, I want to show the rest of the campus how happy I am. And maybe it's time we tell the truth about Liam and me as a couple...

I miss him, and not seeing him today gives me a little twinge of sadness.

As I enter the amphitheater, a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty spreads through me. A message from Liam pulls me out of my reflections and brings my first smile of the day.

* Hi there! Guess what? I leave the hospital today! Can we meet at the end of the day? I have something to tell you! <3

I'm relieved to hear that he's doing better and can't wait to see him, and I’m also curious about this thing he wants to tell me about. But I still have work to do. I tell him I'll drop by later this afternoon, can't wait to see him, and get back to concentrating on the course.

Later, when I go to the campus newspaper to pick up the list of articles I have to write, the editor seems to be waiting for me.

“Hey, Emily!”

“Hi David,” I greet him, surprised that he'd come to talk to me, as he's usually overworked and pays little attention to his subordinates.

Let's not forget that I'm still a first-year!

“How's your internship at the New York Post going?”

“Uh, great... Thank you...”

“It's really exceptional for a first-year to be selected to work there. I hope you realize how lucky you are!” he exclaims, his mouth pursed, as if vexed at not having been chosen.

Man, it's not my fault I got the job...

“I saw that they had published the list of players possibly drafted for the NHL.”

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