Chapter 141

The hallway buzzed softly as students spilled out of classrooms, their chatter echoing off the polished floors. Abigail adjusted the strap of her bag, her thoughts still lingering on the words Professor Cross had shared the idea of creating your own place in the world. It stuck with her, quietly reshaping how she viewed everything, even her music.

She stepped outside, squinting a little against the afternoon light. The sun had turned warm and golden, the kind that made everything look softer. Pulling her phone from her pocket, she tapped Emma’s name and pressed it to her ear as she started toward the parking lot.

“Hey, beautiful,” Emma answered, her voice bright and familiar through the line. “You out of class?”

“Yeah,” Abigail said, smiling as she dodged a group of students heading the opposite way. “Just left. The class was actually really good today. We talked about Baldwin and identity you would’ve loved it.”

Emma chuckled softly. “You’re right, that sounds like my kind of conversation. How are you feeling?”

“Better,” Abigail said, stepping onto the path that led around the courtyard. “Today’s been calm. Peaceful, actually. I think I needed that.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Emma said, her tone softening. “Did you ever finish that song you were working on earlier?”

“Almost,” Abigail replied. “I think I figured out the missing part before class. Professor Cross actually helped without even realizing it.”

Emma laughed. “You’re turning every moment into inspiration now, huh?”

Abigail grinned. “Guess so. I’ll play it for you soon, promise.”

She turned the corner, heading toward the music building again and that’s when she nearly bumped into someone coming out of the side door.

“Oh sorry,” Abigail said quickly, stepping back.

The girl laughed and raised her hands. “You’re good. Guess we both weren’t looking where we were going.”

Abigail blinked, then smiled. “Lyric?”

Lyric grinned, her bass case slung over her shoulder again. “Hey, guitar girl. Fancy seeing you twice in one day.”

Emma’s voice came through the phone, curious. “Who’s that?”

Abigail smiled, covering the receiver slightly. “It’s Lyric, the friend I told you about. We ran into each other again.”

“Oh, nice! Tell her I said hi,” Emma said warmly.

Abigail lowered the phone. “Emma says hi.”

Lyric smiled brightly. “Hi, Emma,” she said, waving toward the phone. Then her brow lifted slightly, playful curiosity flickering across her face. “Wait who’s Emma?”

Abigail couldn’t help the grin that spread across her lips. “My girlfriend,” she said simply, her tone full of pride. “And she’s also the reason half my songs exist.”

Lyric’s expression softened with genuine warmth. “Ahh, okay, that explains it. You play like someone in love. I should’ve guessed.”

Emma’s laugh came faintly through the speaker. “I like her already.”

Abigail laughed too, shaking her head. “I think you two would get along.”

Lyric shifted the strap on her shoulder. “You heading out?”

“Yeah,” Abigail said. “Just finished Literature. Long day, but a good one.”

Lyric nodded. “Same. I just wrapped up practice. You should’ve heard the mess I was making earlier I was trying to learn a new riff, but my hands weren’t having it.”

Abigail laughed. “We’ve all been there. I was stuck on a chord for an hour this morning. Thought I was going to break my own guitar out of frustration.”

Lyric chuckled and adjusted her strap. “Well, sounds like we’re both overachievers. You heading home?”

“Yeah,” Abigail said. “I’m gonna grab something to eat and call it a day.”

Lyric smiled. “Cool. Hey, if you ever want to jam for real, I’m around most afternoons. We could work on something together maybe that song you were playing earlier?”

Abigail hesitated just long enough for Emma’s faint laugh to drift through the phone. “Do it,” Emma said quietly. “It’ll be good for you.”

Abigail’s smile returned. “Yeah, that sounds great, Lyric. I’ll text you.”

“Perfect,” Lyric said, stepping back. “See you around, Abigail.”

“See you,” Abigail said with a small wave before she continued walking.

Once Lyric was out of sight, she lifted her phone again. “You heard all that, huh?”

Emma chuckled. “I did. I like her. She sounds sweet. And I like seeing you connect with people again.”

Abigail smiled to herself, warmth spreading through her chest. “Yeah. Me too. It feels nice like I’m finally finding my rhythm again.”

Emma’s tone softened. “You sound happy, baby. That’s all I need.”

Abigail’s steps slowed as she reached her car, the sunlight glinting off the hood. “I am happy,” she said softly. “And I can’t wait to come home to you.”

“Then hurry up and get here,” Emma teased.

Abigail laughed, unlocking the car. “On my way, love.”

“Good,” Emma said with a playful hum. “I’ll have dinner ready when you get here.”

Abigail grinned, sliding into the driver’s seat. “That’s the best thing I’ve heard all day.”

“Drive safe, my love,” Emma said gently.

“I will,” Abigail whispered before hanging up, her heart light.

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and Abigail stepped into the hallway, her guitar case on one shoulder and her bag slung loosely over the other. The building was quiet except for the hum of the city outside. She smiled to herself, already picturing Emma at home probably barefoot, humming to whatever song was playing through the speakers while she cooked.

When she unlocked the door and stepped inside, she was met with warmth literally and emotionally. The scent of garlic, cream, and something buttery filled the air. The dim light of the apartment glowed softly against the walls, and slow R&B music floated through the room.

“Baby?” Abigail called out, setting her guitar carefully against the wall.

“In here!” came Emma’s voice from the kitchen, light and warm.

Abigail followed the sound, her smile growing the moment she saw her. Emma stood at the stove, wearing one of Abigail’s shirts that nearly swallowed her. Her hair was tied up, messy curls falling around her face as she stirred something on the burner.

For a moment, Abigail didn’t say anything. She just leaned against the doorway, watching the soft rhythm of Emma’s movements the way she hummed under her breath, the gentle sway of her hips.

“God, you’re beautiful,” Abigail finally murmured, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

Emma turned with a grin, pretending to roll her eyes. “You say that every time I cook.”

Abigail crossed the kitchen in a few steps and slipped her arms around her from behind, pressing a slow kiss to her neck. “Because it’s true every time.”

Emma’s laughter melted into a little sigh as Abigail kissed her again her neck, her shoulder, just below her ear. “Mmm” Emma teased softly.

Abigail smiled against her skin. “You love it.”

Emma turned in her arms, facing her now, and the teasing look in her eyes softened. “You’re home,” she said quietly.

“I am,” Abigail whispered, leaning in to kiss her once, then again, and again, slower each time, like she wanted to make up for the hours they’d been apart. Emma’s smile deepened between kisses, her hands sliding up to the back of Abigail’s neck.

“I missed you,” Abigail said against her lips.

“You were only gone for a few hours,” Emma replied, her voice a little breathless but full of warmth.

“That’s still too long,” Abigail murmured, brushing another kiss along her jaw.

Emma laughed softly, her eyes shining. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And hopelessly in love,” Abigail added, kissing the corner of her mouth before moving back to her lips.

Emma melted into her with a quiet hum, smiling into the kiss this time. “Okay, okay, I surrender. You win.”

“Good,” Abigail whispered, kissing her one last time before she pulled back with a grin. “Now what smells so good?”

“Dinner,” Emma said proudly, motioning toward the stove. “Chicken Alfredo, roasted veggies, garlic bread and fruit water. I thought I’d spoil you a little.”

Abigail gave her a look that was nothing but adoration. “You spoil me every day, love.”

Emma blushed faintly, nudging her shoulder. “Sit down before I drop something.”

Abigail laughed, helping her carry the plates to the table before sitting across from her. The candles on the counter flickered gently, and for a while, the only sounds were forks against plates and quiet laughter between bites.

When they finished eating, Abigail stood to clear the table, but Emma caught her wrist and pulled her back for one more kiss soft, lingering, full of gratitude.

“You’re the best part of my day,” Emma whispered.

Abigail smiled, brushing her thumb against her cheek. “You make every day worth coming home to.”

Emma’s smile widened as she leaned forward again, stealing one more kiss then another, just because she could. “I can’t stop kissing you,” she said with a laugh.

Abigail grinned, kissing her forehead. “Good. Don’t.”

“So,” Emma murmured with a little smile, “tell me about your day. I want every detail.”

Abigail chuckled, leaning back. “You sure? It wasn’t that exciting.”

“Humor me,” Emma said, tracing lazy circles on Abigail’s arm.

Abigail smiled and began to talk her voice easy, warm. She told her about waking up early, the morning smoothie, how the drive to campus was calm, and how peaceful everything felt when she walked through the quad. Then she told her about class how Music Theory went smoothly, how she answered a few questions right, and how Professor Shields was keeping her distance. Emma’s hand tightened just slightly at that, but she stayed quiet, listening.

“After that,” Abigail continued, “I went to one of the practice rooms to play for a while. Ended up working on a new song — I kinda got lost in it. It felt good, though. I haven’t been in that zone for a while.”

Emma smiled softly, her thumb brushing against Abigail’s wrist. “That’s my girl. I love when you find your rhythm again.”

“Yeah,” Abigail said, her voice thoughtful. “I even made a new friend Lyric. She plays bass. She stopped by to say hi when she heard me playing. Seemed cool.”

Emma tilted her head up, her tone teasing. “Lyric? That’s a fitting name for a musician.”

“Right?” Abigail laughed. “She said we should jam sometime. You’d like her.”

“I probably would,” Emma said with an approving hum. “So what about your next class?”

Abigail grinned. “Contemporary Literature. Professor Cross had us talking about Baldwin and identity today. It got deep. She even let me play guitar before class started. She said music is storytelling too.”

Emma’s eyes brightened at that. “She’s right.”

Abigail nodded. “I think so too. It actually helped me finish a part of the song I was stuck on. I’ll play it for you tomorrow.”

“I can’t wait,” Emma said softly, her smile gentle.

Abigail brushed a strand of hair from her face and kissed her temple. “That’s pretty much my day. Classes, guitar, food, traffic. Nothing too wild.”

Emma leaned into her chest, the warmth of her body fitting perfectly against Abigail’s. “Sounds like a good day,” she murmured. Then, with a sleepy little smile, she added, “Well, we missed you while you were gone. The lunch you made us was amazing, by the way.”

Abigail smiled, her eyes softening. “Yeah? I’m glad you liked it.”

“I loved it,” Emma said. “The baby did too we demolished that sandwich.”

Abigail laughed quietly, running her hand gently over Emma’s stomach. “Good. I’ll keep that in the rotation then.”