Crossed path

The surge of being outside for the first time—completely alone hit me hard. My body shivered at the thought of doing things without my parents’ control. It felt strange, almost unreal, yet thrilling. For the first time in my life, I could breathe. I could be whoever I wanted to be.

Students in perfectly tailored uniforms moved around the campus, chatting and laughing. A lump formed in my throat as I took in the sight. My mind drifted back to Jalen. The thought of seeing him again sent a tingling shiver down my thigh. I couldn't get him out of my head since the last encounter.

I lifted my head, gathering what courage I had left, and took a step forward. Just as I reached the entrance, someone crashed into me so hard I almost fell.

“Ouch!” I winced. “Watch where you’re going, clumsy!” I snapped, rubbing my arm as the stranger helped me up.

“Chill, girl,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “It was just a bump. Besides, you’re gonna get a lot of those here.” He paused, squinting at me. Then his eyes widened. “Wait… you’re Fiona—the new student, right?”

My brow arched. How did he know that?

“How do you even know my name?” I asked.

He grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. “Let’s just say I have my ways. Around here, they call me the King of Information.”

I looked him over from head to toe. His watch screamed wealth, but his easy manner told another story—someone confident, maybe a little too sure of himself. He had that “wealthy-nerd-who’s-not-really-a-nerd” look. And judging from the way passing girls grinned and waved at him, he was clearly one of the popular boys.

“You must be quite popular,” I said flatly.

He smirked. “I’m Jude, by the way. Let me show you around.” He gestured for me to follow. “Do you already know your roommate?”

“I have the documents,” I replied, holding up a folder, “but I haven’t figured it out yet.”

“Right, hand it over.” He extended his hand, then added teasingly, “Oh, and that name you called me earlier—‘clumsy’? Don’t use it again.”

I rolled my eyes, handing him the paper. “Well, that was my first impression of you, and that’s what I’ll call you from now on—Clumsy.”

“Whatever,” he muttered.

He glanced at the document and tossed it back to me. “I know your room—and your roommate. Her name’s Kelly. She’s not exactly friendly, so I’d suggest you stay out of her way.”

The walk through the hallway was mesmerizing. My eyes kept drifting to the paintings on the walls and the carved sculptures that lined the corridors. It felt like walking through an ancient gallery—beautiful, mysterious, and timeless.

When we reached my room, I noticed the number matched my document. The door stood tall and intimidating, carved from aged oak that seemed to have survived centuries. An iron band, darkened with rust and time, crossed its surface like battle scars.

“What a heavy door for such a tiny room,” I whispered under my breath. “Is this a prison?”

“What?” Jude snapped, frowning slightly.

“Oh, nothing,” I said quickly.

“This is your room,” he said, stepping back. “I have to go now. I’m not supposed to hang around here for too long. Guess I’ll see you around?” He winked before turning away.

“Oh, wait,” I blurted, my voice shaky. “Um… do you happen to know where his office is?”

“Who?” he asked, looking confused.

“Never mind,” I said quickly, my cheeks burning as flashes of our last encounter filled my mind.

“Alright then,” he said, walking off.

I closed the door behind me, relieved to find the room empty. The idea of sharing a space with a total stranger made my stomach twist, but for now, I was safe.

I placed my bag on the bed and started unpacking. The room had a rustic charm—everything was made of heavy wood and cold iron. It was nothing like my soft, elegant room at home.

Still, as I tried to settle in, my thoughts wouldn’t stop wandering to Jalen. The memory of his voice, his gaze, his nearness—it made my entire body tingle again.

Night fell quickly. I lay in bed, clutching my vanilla-scented pillow to my chest, staring blankly at the ceiling that seemed miles above me. I had sighed so many times that I lost count.

Then, my phone vibrated beneath the pillow, making me jump. My heart raced—I knew who it was. Only one person ever called me this late.

“Hi, Dad,” I whispered, exhaling softly.

His voice came through the line faint and crackly. Great, I thought. The school isn’t just boring—it barely has network coverage.

“Dad, I can’t hear you. Please leave a message,” I muttered, then set my phone aside.

Before I could relax, the door flung open. I startled, turning quickly.

A fair, chubby girl stepped in, her movements so firm and confident that the heavy oak door looked light in her hands. My lips parted in surprise.

“Hi,” I managed, my voice shaky.

“Who are you, and what are you doing in my room?” she snapped, eyes narrowing.

“You’re Kelly, right? I’m your new roommate. I resumed today,” I explained carefully.

“Interesting.” Her tone dripped with sarcasm. “Just so you know—stay in your lane, and I’ll stay in mine.”

I nodded quickly. “Of course.”

Without another word, she grabbed something from her bed and stormed out again, leaving a heavy silence behind. I exhaled deeply, relief flooding my chest. Jude was right, I thought. She’s definitely not the friendly type.

Hours later, darkness had completely swallowed the room. I lay quietly, eyes half-shut, when a soft knock echoed at the door. Curious, I got up and walked toward it hoping it was clumsy Jude again.

When I opened it—my eyes widened as Jalen stood there.