Chapter Four

Audrey stared at her phone long after the call ended.

Bristol University. All the way in Rhode Island.

“Jesus.” She let out a sigh, dragging both hands down her face. 

She was exhausted. 

Last night, she'd woken up in a five-star hotel after a one-night stand with a man whose name she didn't even know. Now, less than twenty-four hours later, her brother was in trouble.

“I need to book a ticket.” She said she grabbed her phone beside her and started to check train schedules. The next available one is in two hours. She booked it quickly. 

She stood up from the bed, walked over to the wardrobe to get a small bag and shoved in some clothes, her charger—anything that was necessary for her to use. 

She still had most of the money from that black box. After a short hesitation, Audrey opened the bag where she had kept some of it, counted out enough for the train, a hotel, food, and whatever her brother might need, then put the rest away again.

By the time she left her apartment, her mind was already running through everything—her brother, the school, and the fact that she was using money from a man whose face she still couldn’t remember properly.

At the station, she waited with the rest of the passengers until her train was called. Once on board, she found a seat by the window and dropped her bag at her feet. The ride to Rhode Island took a few hours. She spent most of it staring outside, occasionally checking her phone even though there was nothing new to see.

BRISTOL UNIVERSITY.

The words were carved into a large stone archway. She stood there for a moment. And it was…. beautiful. Buildings stretched across the campus lined with towering Oak trees. Students crossed in every direction, chatting, laughing or sitting on the grass. 

‘So this is why he chose this school.’ She thought to herself. She tightened the grip on her bag and walked through the gates and she had no absolute idea where she was heading. She glanced around, hoping to find a map or some sign but every building looked….busy.

“....Great.” She wandered farther into campus, and a large digital billboard outside the Student Center caught her attention.

BRISTOL UNIVERSITY ALUMNI: Congratulations to Sean Vanni on being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Below it played a short highlight reel—spiral passes, roaring crowds, teammates rushing onto the field.

A couple of students walking past slowed to watch.

"I still can't believe Sean actually made it."

"He deserves it. Dude practically carried the team his senior year."

"I know his girlfriend is proud of him.”

Audrey barely spared the screen a glance before continuing on.

Football was the last thing on her mind.

"Excuse me..." She called out that a passing student kept walking, earbuds was tucked firmly in his ears.

"...Right."

She asked another student which pointed vaguely toward the east side of campus before disappearing into a lecture hall.

‘Very helpful.’

Audrey turned another corner, only to find herself standing in the middle of a bustling courtyard.

She stopped. "I'm officially lost."

"Looking for somewhere?" The voice was soft enough to make Audrey turn around.

Standing a few feet away was a young woman with warm dark skin and neatly styled ponytail. A Bristol University Student Government lanyard hung around her neck, and a folder was tucked beneath one arm.

She smiled. "You look lost, do you need help?"

Audrey let out a small, embarrassed laugh. “Is it that obvious?"

"A little."

The young woman chuckled. "Hi! I'm Ainsley and what's your name ma'am?"

"Audrey."

She nodded. “And what are you looking for?”

"Student Affairs."

Ainsley nodded. "I was just heading there for a meeting. It's on the other side of campus."

She gestured toward a shaded walkway. "You can walk with me, if you'd like."

Relief washed over Audrey's face. "I'd really appreciate that."

"No problem," Ainsley replied with an easy smile. "Come on. I'll get you there.”

They crossed another courtyard and finally reached a large brick building with “Student Affairs” written clearly and bold above the entrance. Ainsley stopped.

“This is it. The main office is on the second floor. Just follow the signs once you're inside.” 

“Thank you so much.” Audrey smiled, grateful. 

Ainsley returned the smile. “Anytime. Hope everything goes okay with your brother.” She said and left. 

Audrey nodded and headed inside. The building was quiet and clean, the kind of place that smelled faintly of paper and air conditioning. She took the stairs to the second floor and found the correct office without much trouble this time. She stared at the black wooden door, hesitant to open, her hand lingered on the handle.

“Let's get this over with.”