Page 55 of On Broken Wings

“I think it’ll be easier for most people to wear over brown,” I mused as I grabbed the dress and began walking toward the dressing room.

“Maybe.” Dani followed in my wake.

We spent several hours trying on dresses. Two of Dani’s friends showed up later and we convinced her that the navy dress was the best choice. Amber was quite vocal and pretty much told Dani that she would not be wearing brown. I laughed at the two of them. They reminded me of the way Kenzie and I used to be. I missed having a close friend and I hoped that Dani could be that for me since we’d soon be sisters. Only time would tell, but I had a good feeling about it.

ooooooooo

Today was it. The first day of classes. I had four business classes and my final French class. As I packed my backpack, I felt a little twinge in my heart. I wouldn’t have Evan to study with this go round. I’d have to find someone new. So far, I’d been successful in avoiding places he might be, but I also wondered if he’d be on campus. What if he really was a student?

After grabbing my coffee tumbler and swinging my backpack up on my shoulder, I locked up the apartment and started my trek to the L. My first class was early this semester and while I enjoyed the cool breeze in the air now, I knew I’d soon be cursing myself when the snow came.

When I reached campus I glanced around, looking for signs of Evan. I hadn’t seen him in weeks, so I don’t know why I was so paranoid. Seeing the coast was clear, I began the trek to my first class. I wasn’t far away from Booker Hall. This was where all the business classes usually were. I’d be in here until lunch time, only changing rooms.

I found my first class and settled into a seat near the front. I recognized a few of my classmates, but not everyone. When the professor came in, I grabbed a notebook and pen to begin taking notes. Most of the class was about expectations and the goals for the semester. The professor handed out a few sheets of paper with our syllabus and a few projects before dismissing us.

My next three classes went much the same way, and by time the last one let out I was starving. I stuffed my notebook in my backpack and headed for the front of the building. There was a small dining area right across the quad where I could grab something to go. I wasn’t paying attention as I rushed down the steps and that’s when I crashed into him.

As if it was a scene right out of a movie, my bent head went right into a hard chest. My backpack slipped off my shoulder, crashing to the ground in the process and I jolted back in surprise as an expletive flew out of his mouth.

“Shit!” He steadied me with one hand as coffee slopped over on his other.

“I’m sorry. I should have been watching where I was going.” The rest of my thoughts left my brain as my eyes connected with Evan’s. “I need to go.” I started to step around him.

“Jenni. Wait.” He reached for my arm, but I recoiled much like I did the first few times we hung out.

“I deserve that,” he muttered as he shook his head. “I thought you might want to study.” He held out the cup for me to take. It had his name on it with his phone number again. We were back to the same banter that we shared when we first met, only this time I wasn’t buying it.

“No thanks.” I refused to take it from him. “This won’t work.” I motioned to the coffee cup still in his hand. “Please leave me alone.” I turned and started walking away. The fall breeze was whipping my hair around, causing me to walk faster and I kept tucking my it behind my ears. After a few seconds, I could hear the pounding of Evan’s feet. He caught up to me and kept stride.

“What are you doing?” I refused to look at him.

“Getting food.” He motioned to the door as we reached it.

“No, you’re not.” This time I glared at him and almost dared him to look away.

“Jenni.” It came out as a sigh. He lifted his hand like he was going to touch me again, but then curled his fingers into his palms. He didn’t look like himself today. His eyes had dark circles under them and looked almost haunted. The usual grin he sported was missing along with all of his hair. He’d shaved it almost bald and it looked as if he was attempting to grow a goatee.

“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes as I yanked open the door and rushed to get in line. I grabbed a sandwich and a bottled water before rushing over to the register to pay. After swiping my meal plan card, I headed back the way I came. Evan was trying his damnest to keep up with me, but I beat him out the door.

I glanced over my shoulder as I attempted to weave between students to lose him. My next class wasn’t very far away and if I could make it to the building, I just may escape him.

I rushed up the steps and yanked open the door only to see Evan sitting on a chair in the lobby area. I skidded to stop and glanced around. You had to be kidding me. How the hell did he know I was coming here?

“I’m a cop, Jenni. Trailing people is part of the job.” He slowly stood and approached me like you would a scared animal. “I just want to talk to you.”

I lifted my chin and stuck it out. “Well, I don’t want to talk to you.”

“You don’t have to. Just listen,” he huffed as he continued to stare at me.

“I have class.” I started to step around him once again.

“In an hour.” He side-stepped and moved right in front of me once again.

“Are you stalking me now?” I scoffed.

“If I need to, yes.” His head gave a quick nod. “Despite what you think, I meant every word I said to you. I was working and my job has rules. Rules that are there to keep you from getting killed. I was protecting you.” I relaxed and gave in. “Now, can we go somewhere and talk?”

“Fine.” I rolled my eyes and blew out a breath. “There are study rooms up here, or do you already know that?”

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