Page 10 of His To Unravel
NATHANIEL
Good. Didn’t want to miss anything.
What has you up so late? I hope you’re not overworking yourself.
I blink, momentarily taken aback by his concern.
Oh, well… It’s senior year, so it’s to be expected. Under a lot of pressure. But I’m managing, I think.
The response feels honest, if a little exposed. I don’t usually talk about this with anyone but somehow, it feels easy to admit it to him.
NATHANIEL
You’re always so focused. It’s admirable, but you deserve abreak once in a while.
A small smile creeps onto my face.Deserve a break.When was the last time someone said something like that to me?
Thanks. But I can’t really afford to take it easy. I’m here on scholarship and my parents are really counting on me.
NATHANIEL
I can respect that. That kind of drive isn’t easy to come by. Your family must be proud.
I feel somewhat moved his words, an acknowledgment that goes beyond the usual empty encouragement. He didn’t dismiss it—herespectedit.
I hope so. It’s just…a lot sometimes. Halford is a different world, and I feel like I’m always on the outside looking in.
I wince, wondering if I’ve overshared. But his reply comes almost instantly.
NATHANIEL
Well, for what it’s worth, I think you fit here more than most. Maybe everyone else needs to catch up to you.
I swallow, letting the weight of his words settle over me. And for a moment, I’m able to forget about everything else.
NATHANIEL
Speaking of breaks, how about we take one? Maybe get off campus for a bit.
I hesitate, reading and rereading his message. A part of me wants to overanalyze, to list all the reasons I should focus on studying, keep my head down. But another part—a long-neglected part—wants to say yes.
That sounds…nice. What were you thinking?
NATHANIEL
I have some ideas… Free tomorrow evening?
I deliberate only a moment longer.
Sure, tomorrow it is.
As I put my phone down, I realize I’m smiling. A full-on, genuine smile I feel all the way to my toes. The pressure I’ve been carrying all day eases, just a little.It’s just a study break, I remind myself. Nothing else.
Yet, as I turn back to my books, a thrill I can’t quite suppress hums beneath the surface—a quiet expectation for more.
FIVE
nathaniel
