Chapter 95

The bell above the sliding glass doors chimed softly as Emma and Abigail stepped into the brightly lit office supply store. The scent of fresh paper, ink, and new beginnings filled the air. Abigail’s eyes widened as she took it all in—rows of journals, planners, pastel sticky notes, fancy pens that cost way too much, and enough desk organizers to build a tiny fortress.

“This place is dangerous,” Emma whispered with a playful nudge. “We’re gonna walk out with an entire home office instead of a few notebooks.”

“I’m not even mad about it,” Abigail said, reaching for a rose gold pen set like it was calling her name.

“Hey, look who finally showed up!” Megan’s voice rang out from a couple aisles over.

They turned to see Megan and Ashley already with a small cart half-filled with items—cute highlighters, a new laptop sleeve, and a pack of color-coded dividers.

“Okay, y’all don’t play,” Abigail laughed as she walked over. “You started without us!”

Ashley winked. “You snooze, you lose. But don’t worry, I saved you a lavender planner because I knew you’d want that aesthetic.”

Emma clutched her chest dramatically. “Ashley, you get me.”

They all fell into a natural rhythm—Emma and Abigail browsing shelves together while Megan offered tips on which notebooks were best for classes with tons of reading and which professors gave extra points for color-coded notes. Abigail was halfway between overwhelmed and thrilled, clutching an armful of supplies that included a gel pen pack, a few inspirational notebooks, and the cutest mini corkboard for her future study space.

Then Emma spotted the whiteboards.

“Oooh,” she gasped. “We need this. Like, the big one. For scheduling. Vision boards. Study sessions. Random love notes I’m gonna leave you when you’re stressed.”

Abigail grinned. “Add it to the cart.”

Emma happily picked the largest one available—magnetic, with gold trim and a soft linen corner pocket to tuck markers in.

But it didn’t stop there.

As they rounded another aisle, Abigail paused in front of the section filled with student desks and home office furniture. Her fingers brushed over a sleek, matte black writing desk with gold accents and a pull-out drawer. She tilted her head, picturing it in the corner of the penthouse, maybe next to the window.

Emma watched her with a knowing smile. “That’s the one, huh?”

“Definitely,” Abigail said. “It’s giving ‘scholar in the city’ vibes.”

Megan chuckled. “Now you just need a chair and a monitor stand, and you’re set.”

Abigail didn’t stop there. She made her way to the electronics section and picked out a new laptop—lightweight, powerful, and perfect for handling everything from research papers to music production software. She added a wireless mouse, a pair of noise-canceling headphones, and even a second monitor for when she really wanted to focus in.

Emma disappeared briefly and came back carrying a few things of her own—some string lights, a little “You Got This” neon sign, and two prints of jazz-inspired abstract art for the wall.

“These’ll go perfect above the desk,” she said. “Plus, we gotta honor the vibe—you’re gonna be studying music at Columbia. Might as well make your space sing.”

Abigail lit up. “Oh! I should grab a guitar wall mount too. And maybe a keyboard stand. I want to be able to play whenever inspiration hits.”

They detoured into a nearby music supply store tucked between the main shops and found a wall hook for her guitar, a sleek collapsible stand for her keyboard, and even a small amp for when she wanted to plug in and play loud.

“You’re gonna be the most prepared freshman Columbia has ever seen,” Megan said, handing her a set of binder clips shaped like stars.

“You make it sound so real now,” Abigail said, looking down at the growing pile in her cart. “Like, I’m actually doing this.”

Emma stepped behind her and wrapped her arms gently around her waist. “You are. And you’re gonna kill it.”

Ashley glanced at the cart and raised an eyebrow. “Just don’t kill your bank account.”

Abigail smirked, brushing her hair behind her ear. “Money’s not a factor. I’m getting everything I want to feel ready. No shortcuts.”

Emma smiled at her proudly, then leaned in to whisper, “Okay, that was kinda hot.”

Megan gave a nod of approval. “Alright then, Big Energy.”

They laughed, heading toward the checkout with their carts practically overflowing—pens, planners, a new laptop, a desk, office supplies, music gear, decor, and a whole lot of ambition.

As they stepped out into the morning sun with bags in tow, Abigail looked up at the sky, feeling light. This wasn’t just back-to-school shopping. This was the start of a new era—and she was walking into it fully equipped.

Megan nudged her shoulder. “When we’re done, I can show you around campus.”

Abigail’s face lit up. “That would be amazing.”

The next stop on their shopping marathon had a different kind of hum to it.

The second Abigail stepped into the music store—walls lined with polished guitars, amps humming softly, and rows of glimmering keys under warm lights—she slowed her steps. Her fingers twitched with a quiet thrill. This place didn’t just smell like new gear—it felt like inspiration.

Emma followed close behind, her hand grazing Abigail’s lower back as she whispered, “Okay, this is your playground.”

Abigail smiled, her eyes scanning the displays. “I haven’t been in a music store in years where I could actually buy something and not just daydream about it.”

“Well,” Emma said, looping her arm around Abigail’s, “today is dream-comes-true energy. So let’s make it count.”

They headed straight for the keyboard section. Abigail tried a few models, running her fingers across the keys, playing soft, improvised melodies that made other customers turn and glance. Emma stood off to the side, arms folded with a proud little smile, completely enchanted.

“Okay,” Abigail said finally, settling in front of a sleek black 88-key digital piano with weighted keys and studio-level sound. “This one. It’s got everything I need for school—and it feels like the one.”

Emma touched her shoulder. “Then it is the one. Let’s get it.”

Next stop? Guitars.

Abigail drifted down the wall like she was floating, her gaze locked on the polished wood and colorful strings. She paused in front of a matte black acoustic-electric with silver tuning pegs and a body that looked built for soulful midnight melodies.

“Damn,” she whispered. “She’s pretty.”

“You’re matching her vibe right now,” Emma teased, stepping behind her. “You look like you could headline a rooftop concert.”

Abigail laughed. “You’d come?”

“I’d be in the front row, singing every word to songs you haven’t even written yet.”

That made Abigail pause. Her eyes softened, and she leaned back just enough to bump her head against Emma’s shoulder. “You’re dangerous.”

Emma grinned. “And you love it.”

________

Emma stretched her arms over her head with a soft groan. “Okay, that was a mission,” she said, glancing at the time on her phone. “I don’t know about y’all, but groceries might have to wait.”

Abigail smirked, bumping her shoulder gently against Emma’s. “What if we just order everything to be delivered? That way we don’t have to lug stuff around and we can chill when we get home.”

Emma gave her a grateful look. “God, yes. See? This is why you’re my favorite.”

“I better be,” Abigail teased, tugging Emma close by the belt loop and stealing a quick kiss.

Megan cleared her throat with a grin. “As cute as y’all are, I still plan on showing Abigail around campus like I promised. That is, if she’s down.”

Abigail turned to her with a grin. “Absolutely. Let me drop this stuff off in the car and I’m all yours.”

Ashley looped her arm through Emma’s. “We’ll get out of your way, then. I’m sure we’ll find something fun to do while you two run around Columbia.”

Emma nodded. “I think I need a nap and some delivery sushi. But don’t let her keep you too long, okay?” she said, pointing at Megan with mock sternness.

“No promises,” Megan replied with a wink.

As Emma and Abigail loaded the rest of the bags into their trunk, Emma leaned in close, wrapping her arms around Abigail from behind. “I’m proud of you, you know,” she murmured. “All this… getting ready for school, making it happen. You’re doing it.”

Abigail turned in her arms and brushed her lips against Emma’s. “It means a lot that you’re doing it with me.”

Emma smiled. “Always.”

As Megan pulled up to the curb, ready for the tour, Abigail turned to Emma one last time before heading off. She cupped Emma’s face gently and leaned in for a warm, lingering kiss—slow and sweet, the kind that said I’ll miss you, even if it’s just for a few hours.

When she pulled back, she rested her hand over Emma’s belly, fingers spreading protectively. “I’ll see you in a few, mama,” Abigail murmured with a smile, rubbing soft circles against her bump.

Emma’s cheeks flushed, heart doing that fluttery thing it always did around Abigail. “Have fun. Don’t let Megan get you lost.”

“No promises,” Abigail said with a wink, then jogged over to slide into the passenger seat of Megan’s car.

As the car pulled away, Emma stood there for a second, holding her belly with one hand, smiling softly.

Ashley walked up beside her with a stretch and a yawn. “Soooo… movie marathon until they get back?”

Emma nodded immediately. “Yes, please. Something light. I don’t have the energy for drama right now.”

“Rom-coms it is.” Ashley slung an arm around her shoulders as they walked to the car. “Popcorn, snacks, a comfy blanket… we’re gonna be horizontal and emotionally unavailable until further notice.”

Emma laughed. “Deal.”