Chapter 120

After finishing her sandwich and iced tea, Abigail checked the time and decided to head back toward the parking lot. The guitar case was comfortable against her shoulder, but she didn’t feel like carrying it all the way into her next lecture. With practiced ease, she slipped it into the backseat of her car, double-checking the lock before swinging her bag over her shoulder again.

Her phone buzzed as she crossed the quad. Emma’s name lit the screen.

Hey love… not feeling too good. Just a little off today.

Abigail’s chest tightened, and she quickly typed: What’s wrong? Do you need me to come home right now?

There was a pause, long enough that she slowed her steps, considering turning back toward the parking lot. Finally, Emma replied: No, baby. Don’t panic. Just tired and a little nauseous. I’m lying down. I’ll be okay.

Abigail exhaled, thumb flying. Promise me you’ll call if it gets worse?

Promise, Emma wrote back, adding a heart emoji.

Before Abigail could tuck the phone away, a familiar voice called out across the quad.

“Abigail!”

She turned to see Megan jogging up, water bottle in hand, still flushed from practice.

“Hey,” Abigail said, though her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Megan slowed, immediately noticing. “What’s wrong?”

“Emma texted me—she’s not feeling good. Nauseous and tired,” Abigail said, chewing her lip. “She told me not to worry, but I hate being stuck here while she’s at home alone.”

Megan’s expression softened. “Want me to text Ashley? She can run and check on her.”

Relief rushed through Abigail. “Would you? Please. Just to make sure she’s okay until I get home.”

“Of course,” Megan said, already pulling out her phone. Within seconds she was typing, then glanced back at Abigail. “Ashley says yes—she’s heading there now.”

“Thank you.” Abigail exhaled, her shoulders loosening. “Can you tell her the door’s open? Emma should be in bed.”

Megan nodded, typing fast. “Done.”

Abigail quickly pulled out her own phone and texted Emma: Baby, Ashley’s on her way to check on you. Don’t worry, I asked her. Just relax and let her help until I get home.

Almost instantly, Emma’s reply came through: Okay. Thank you, love. That actually makes me feel better.

Abigail smiled faintly down at her screen, her chest unclenching.

“You good now?” Megan asked, watching her.

“Yeah,” Abigail said softly. “Better. Thank you, Megan. Really.”

“That’s what friends are for,” Megan said with a wink before jogging off toward the gym.

With the knot in her chest eased, Abigail walked toward the music building. The halls echoed with footsteps and chatter as she made her way into the classroom.

Ms. Shields was at the front, arranging sheet music. She looked up as Abigail walked in, her voice calm but direct. “Hello, Abigail.”

Caught off guard, Abigail nodded politely. “Hello, Professor.”

Shields’ mouth curved in the faintest hint of a smile before she returned to her papers. Abigail slipped into a seat near the middle, pulled out her notebook, and sent Emma one last quick text before class started: Thinking of you. I’ll be home soon.

Emma’s reply popped up right away: Thinking of you too. Baby says hi.

Abigail’s lips curved into a soft smile as she tucked the phone away. The scrape of chairs filled the room, and the clock ticked to the hour.

“Alright,” Ms. Shields said, her tone crisp. “Let’s begin.”