Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 24205 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24205 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
“What's that?" she asked, nodding towards the crumpled piece of paper.
“I’m not entirely sure.”
I handed it over silently, watching her scan the contents. The playful atmosphere between us shifted immediately. Her eyes, despite the exhaustion, sharpened. She tried to make light of it, handing the note back with a wry smile.
“Well, that’s one way to say thank you, I guess. Men and their need to be mysterious, huh?”
Her attempt to ease the tension felt misplaced in the gravity of the moment.
“And a penchant for dramatics,” I joked, but the words sounded hollow even to my own ears.
Plagued with too many questions to count and frustration along with more than a bit of sadness, I couldn't shake off the feeling that the note was an omen for things yet to come.
CHAPTER THREE
The golden hues of dusk had settled over the sprawling campus by the time my final class ended, casting a warm light over the gothic architecture that dominated the university. The large arched windows of the main building shimmered in the light.
I pulled my scarf tighter around my neck as a biting wind swept through, sending a flurry of snowflakes spiraling around me. The entire campus felt as though it had been frozen in time for the holiday season, with most of its students and faculty members already gone to spend the break with their families.
I caught sight of Matthew, a tall, bespectacled TA I'd become acquainted with over the semester as I trudged across the snow-covered path.
“Hey, Winter!” he called out, waving me over.
I changed course and made my way towards him, burying myself deeper in my fleece jacket.
“Are you heading out soon?” he asked as I drew closer.
“I’m staying on campus. My parents are traveling for work, and they won't be home. I figured why drive clear across town to be alone when I could stay here with Mara.”
“Ah, Amari. Of course. I think it’s impossible to see one of you without the other not too far away.”
That was true. Being an only child, I was doted on heavily. Every ounce of affection and every resource was directed solely at me. I was my parents' everything, but their work often took them away, leaving me in a large, beautiful, but often lifeless house.
They specialized in procuring rare and valuable artworks from various parts of the world and selling them to an elite clientele, including museums and private collectors.
It required them to travel, attend auctions, meet with artists, and verify the authenticity of artworks. My mother's knowledge of art history and my father's cutthroat business negotiations made them a formidable duo. I didn’t feel any ill will towards them for doing what they loved. Their success had given way to a lucrative career and a well-off lifestyle that I wouldn’t deny I greatly benefited from.
Mara's situation was a bit different. Her dad was a traveling nurse, always on the move, adjusting to different hospitals and assignments. It was during our high school years that my home became her frequent sanctuary, especially during the longer stints when her dad was away. Over time, we became more than just friends; we were like sisters, doing everything together.
Matthew sniffled and pushed his glasses higher on his pink-rimmed nose. “Did you two get approved for break housing?”
“Of course,” I replied, showing him the key card that I'd received, which would give me access to certain parts of the campus during the break.
“Looks like you’re good to go. I’ll be around off and on if you need anything.”
“Liz and David told me the same thing,” I replied, referring to the campus security guards who would rotate shifts over the break.
“Oh…right. Well, my offer still stands. Take care, Winter. And if I don’t see you again, Merry Christmas.”
“Thanks, you too.”
We went our separate ways, and I returned to my previous path. My phone began to ring, shattering the silence around me. I fished it from my coat pocket. The caller ID was masked as unknown. I used my teeth to remove one of my gloves so that I could answer.
“Hello?”
A voice, distorted and almost inaudible, came across the line. “Will you be the lamb at the altar, or the hand that wields the blade?”
“What the fuck? Who is this?”
The call ended abruptly, amplifying the chilling silence around me. “Prank calls? Really?” Half laughing at the absurdity, I slipped my phone back into my pocket and pulled my glove on. My heart was beating a little faster, sure, but I chalked that up to the cold nipping at my cheeks.
I swiped my key card, and a small green light blinked, allowing me entry into the relative warmth of the building. I was grateful for the respite from the chill. The campus's deserted state made each echo of my steps sound louder, bouncing off the walls of the empty corridor.