Page 64 of Echoes of Us
Before Ashley could respond, Professor Chen pushed open the lab door."Dale, do you have a moment to show the group the quantum interference setup?"
What followed was thirty excruciating minutes of precise academic discussion.Cole asked intelligent questions, offered relevant insights, and maintained an air of perfect, professional courtesy that made Ashley's skin crawl.He didn't avoid looking at her, didn't tense when she spoke - it was as if she were any other student in any other lab.
After the group left, Ashley slumped against the counter."Well, that was..."
"Weird," Dale finished, frowning at the door."Very weird."
Her shoulders slumped.Dale squeezed one reassuringly."I'm sure there's a good explanation."
The first week of classes settled into a rhythm Ashley hadn't expected to enjoy.Her course load was perfectly balanced - morning lectures for her psychology requirements, afternoons in the lab with Dale, and an advanced physics seminar she'd chosen partly because she knew the material from her other life and partly because she loved watching Dale's face light up when she asked the right questions.
Sarah was back to haunting their usual corner of the library, and her textbooks spread across three tables as she prepared for her own finals."I still can't believe you actually understand this stuff now," she said, gesturing at Ashley's physics notes."Dale's a miracle worker."
"Or I'm just brilliant," Ashley teased, earning an eye roll.
She'd spotted Marie across the quad a few times, but her friend had been suspiciously busy with political science prep, her texts growing shorter and less frequent over the past few weeks.Ashley figured she was just stressed about a senior year - they'd catch up properly once things settled down.
Even running into Ezra felt different.She'd seen him that morning, some leggy blonde hanging on his arm as he held court by the coffee cart.Instead of his usual smirk, he'd given her an almost approving nod.She'd smiled back, surprising herself with how little his presence bothered her now.
Everything felt lighter somehow.Her friendship with Dale had evolved into something real and uncomplicated.She understood the physics texts she was reading.She was planning on saving Dale without manipulating anyone, and now that Cole was back...
"You're in a good mood," Dale commented as they calibrated equipment that afternoon."It's nice to see."
Ashley adjusted a dial with careful precision - a skill she'd definitely picked up from him."I am, actually."She glanced at him."Things feel...right.Like they're finally falling into place."
Dale smiled, that gentle expression that made his eyes crinkle at the corners."Even with Cole back?"
"Especially with Cole back."She straightened, suddenly decisive."I think...I think it's time I talked to him.Really talked to him."
"Yeah?"Dale's smile widened slightly."What brought this on?"
Ashley thought about her parents' quiet wisdom about choosing to rebuild.About Ezra's warnings of butterfly effects.About the way, Dale's friendship had taught her that sometimes the best relationships grow from broken pieces put back together differently.
"Let's just say I finally understand what I'm fixing things into," she said softly.
She waited until the end of the day when the lab had emptied and the hallways had grown quiet.Cole would be in the east wing - she'd memorized his rotation schedule, not that she'd admit that to anyone.Her heart hammered against her ribs as she approached the lab where he was working alone, his dark head bent over some equipment.
"Cole."
He didn't startle, didn't even look up."Need something?"
The polite disinterest in his voice made her fingers curl into fists."Can we talk?"
"About?"He adjusted something on the machine with precise movements.
"You know about what."Her voice came out steadier than she felt."You're back."
"Excellent observation."Finally, he straightened, turning to face her.Up close, the changes in him were more evident - the sharper cut of his jaw, the more deliberate way he held himself.His gray eyes met hers with perfect, professional courtesy."Was there something specific you needed to discuss?I'm rather busy."
"Don't do that," she said quietly."Don't act like we're strangers."
Something flickered in his expression - so brief she might have imagined it."Would you prefer I act like something else?Old friends, perhaps?Or maybe..."His smile turned sharp."No, I think professional courtesy suits us best."
"Cole-"
"I appreciated your...intervention with the department."He began gathering his papers, each movement controlled."Though unnecessary, it was well-intentioned, I'm sure."
She took a step forward."That's not why I'm here."
