E I G H T Y - S I X

EVA.

"Hey, you're here. " I smile at Aliya as I open the door wide for her and she strides inside my room, while I close the door, taking in several breathes for the conversation that awaits the both of us.

When I turn back, Aliya is standing in the middle of the room, waiting for me and I pace closer to her side.

"How are you?" She asks and I motion for her to move to the bed. She nods and climbs on, taking her seat by the edge while I throw a leg across the other at the center.

"Did I stress you? You returned to school, didn't you?" I ask and she says, "I did. And no, you didn't stress me. I was happy to receive your call. "

"You were?" I lift a brow and she nods, "I was waiting for you, Eva. "

"Were you? Then why didn't you call me? Or text even?" I question and she responds with, "That's because I wasn't sure if you wanted me to. Anytime I try to reach out whenever we fight, you don't respond until you're ready. "

"I'd have appreciated it though. " I lift a shoulder and she smi