Chapter 24: Old Ties, New Strength

I slept very soundly.

When I woke, sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow over everything. My heart felt lighter, the nightmares kept at bay by Jason’s presence.

When I woke up, Jason was gone!

Panic surged through me, but then I saw his jacket draped over the armchair, his phone charging on the counter. Relief flooded my system.

My phone was on silent, with 99+ missed calls—half from Derek!

The notifications buzzed nonstop, my screen lighting up with messages I had no desire to read.

Besides that, the long-quiet alumni group had suddenly become lively.

Old classmates resurfaced, their group chat buzzing with excitement. I scrolled through the messages, half-amused, half-exasperated.

Derek had sent a message saying he wanted to organize a reunion.

[If Derek’s hosting, I’m definitely going!]

[I heard Jason’s back too, invite him!]

[Jason? Jason Carter? When did he come back?]

[That’s him! I’m his loyal fan, I keep track of all his news! I heard he came back this time to propose to the girl he’s liked for ten years!]

Just as I was reading, my phone was snatched away.

Jason’s hand appeared out of nowhere, snatching the phone with a practiced ease. He grinned, unrepentant.

Jason’s handsome face suddenly appeared close up.

He crouched in front of me, eyes twinkling, clearly enjoying the moment.

He ruffled my messy hair. “Had a good sleep?”

His fingers were gentle, and his voice held the easy affection I’d come to crave.

I shook my head and slowly moved onto his lap.

It was our old habit, my safe space. He wrapped his arms around me, holding me close.

“I thought you wouldn’t come.”

My voice was small, barely more than a whisper. I pressed my face into his shoulder, soaking in the comfort.

Before coming back, I’d emailed him my address.

I’d agonized over the message, wondering if I was being too forward—or too desperate.

He didn’t reply.

Days passed with no answer, my hopes shrinking with each silent hour.

I thought he was too busy to check emails, but as soon as I got back, I saw him!

The surprise had knocked the air out of me. My mind spun with a thousand questions, none of which I could bring myself to ask.

To say I wasn’t surprised would be a lie.

But beneath the surprise, there was also a sense of shock.

The reunion was a whirlwind, and I was still trying to catch my breath. Seeing Jason again was both a dream and a challenge.

He pulled me into his arms. “Angry?”

His voice was low, coaxing, as if he could chase away every hurt just by holding me tighter.

I hugged his waist, buried my face in his chest, and said nothing.

Words failed me, so I let my actions speak for themselves.

He softened his voice: “I left in a hurry that day, lost my phone, so I couldn’t contact you in time! Didn’t I get in touch later?”

He stroked my hair, trying to explain away the silence. I wanted to stay mad, but his sincerity melted my resolve.

“Not angry anymore, hmm?”

He nudged me gently, waiting for a sign that I’d forgiven him. I hesitated, savoring the power for just a moment longer.