Page 49 of Lords of the Campus

LYRIC

After Archer dropped us back off at the dorm, I found myself yearning to be close to them again. I don’t know why I keep going back over and over, but the glimpses I see of the old Hudson boys have me longing to find a way to bridge this gulf between us.

Still, even after all that, I have to admit that I never expected to see Levi offering to help with Eli, much less taking the time to bond with him. Watching them together in the library has been surreal. Seeing the tough, guarded Levi act so tender with Eli tugged at something deep inside me. For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine a different life—one where the boys weren't my tormentors but my allies, my family. But that dream is too fragile to hold onto.

Seeing Eli asleep in Levi’s arms made my heart ache with a confusing mix of emotions. Gratitude, yes, but also a longing for something I’m not sure I can have. And then the moment that I’d been dreading since the day they walked back into my life happened.

“Lyric,” Levi says, a mix of uncertainty and hope in his voice. “Is Eli our son?”

I can scarcely breathe, the weight of his words pressing down on me. Part of me wants to tell him everything, spill the tea and reveal the secret I’d been carrying for so long. But I know I can’t risk opening that door and letting him see how vulnerable I am. So, I shut down, shaking my head.

“I don’t want to talk about Eli’s father,” I say, my voice soft. “It’s a difficult topic.”

Levi nods, though it seems like he wants to press harder, but fortunately, Eli starts to stir and I realize how late it’s gotten.

“Shit, uh, I need to get Eli back to the dorm and put him to bed,” I say, starting to gather my books. I pack everything away, but when I go to reach for my son, Levi keeps hold of him.

“I can help carry him back,” he offers. “I don’t mind.”

I bite my lip, uncertain whether I should be letting Levi get this close, this bonded with Eli after everything they put me through.

But when my son needed me, they’ve stepped up. They have always made sure I was done in time to get him from daycare, or that I had enough to feed him. Archer helped me take him to the hospital when he was sick.

They’ve been true to their word and not let their issues with me interfere with, or hurt, Eli. So I nod slowly. “Okay,” I say. “I’ll grab his diaper bag. Do you think you can carry him all the way back?”

Levi gives me a raised-eyebrow look, and I chuckle. “Right. You’re like a skinny anime boy on the outside, so I forget how deceptively strong you are.”

At that, he lifts Eli, draping his sleepy head over his shoulder, grabs the diaper bag and my bookbag from me, proving that he’smuchstronger than he looks.

I shake my head and grab the books I picked up to drop them on the returns cart on the way out. “Thanks for helping me,” I tell him as we exit the library.

The sun is starting to set and the weather has turned chilly, so I pull on my new bomber jacket, courtesy of my shopping spree with Madison a few weeks ago.

Levi gives me a soft smile and we start heading toward my dorm. The campus is mostly deserted at this time of night. It’s quiet, with only the soft hum of insects in the air and quiet conversations around us.

“I’m just here,” I say as we approach my building. “I’ll take him off your hands now.”

“I can carry him inside,” Levi insists. “You called me a skinny anime boy. I gotta defend my honor as a manly man now.”

I giggle and unlock the door, letting Levi in first as I trail behind. Once we’re inside, I take Eli from his arms.

“I’ll be right back,” I tell him. “You can stay if you want.”

Levi nods and settles on my threadbare couch as I take my son and put him down in his crib. He fusses a little when I set him down, but he quiets down quickly after a few pats to the back and I leave him alone, rejoining Levi in the living area.

I sit next to him on the couch, keeping a fair distance since things are still tense between us. “How’s classes?” I ask, trying to keep the conversation casual.

“Fine,” Levi says. “I’ve been working on studying for my organic chemistry final. Everyone says Dr. Montauk’s finals are killer, so I’ve been spending all my free time in the library.”

“Oh, God.” I shake my head. “I have Montauk. Please don’t freak me out.”

“I didn’t know you were in organic chem,” Levi says, surprise on his face.

“Oh, yeah, I’m trying to go into nursing,” I inform him. “I’m taking Organic Chem and Calc 101 this semester, and it’s been quite the load, let me tell you.”

“Who do you have for Calculus?” Levi asks, moving toward me a little. “I took it with Olssen. Worst mistake ever.”

“Oh, thank goodness.” I smile. “I’ve got Winters.”

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