Standing Beside You for the Last Time のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 1 - チャプター 9

As I lay in bed that night, I kept thinking about what those people had said. That day was Rita's birthday; Callum's was the day after tomorrow.So, it wasn't just that they smelled alike; their birthdays were practically on top of each other, too.…The next day, I went over to Callum's place. Mrs. Rook opened the door."Teri's here!" she called.Callum answered from his room, but he didn't come out."I really don't get your school," Mrs. Rook muttered. "Finals are right around the corner, and they've given you guys time off? How are you kids supposed to stay focused? Cal's been gaming all morning!"She pulled some fruit out of the fridge. "Go hang out with him. Tell me what you want to eat, and I'll make it for you tonight."Once she left to buy groceries, I walked into Callum's room. He was in the middle of a game and had his headset on. He gave me a tiny nod when he saw me come in.I sat behind him and watched him play. I didn't understand a thing, and I couldn't follow wh

Everyone immediately started whooping and egging Callum on.I sat there, at a loss, my fingers twisting together without me even realizing it.Callum's face darkened. He was quiet for a long time before finally saying, "Don't be ridiculous. Our families are close, and my parents just told me to look after her."The words sounded light, almost casual, but they hammered against my chest like blocks of ice. From beginning to end, those flutters and secret expectations I'd hidden away had all been nothing more than my own wishful thinking.I couldn't sit there any longer. I got up and went to the restroom, taking a good while to calm myself down. When I came out, I heard voices coming from the restroom across the hall."Callum, you're always hanging around Teresa. How are you supposed to get a girlfriend in the future? Rita used to be into you, but she's totally cooled off now because you're always glued to Teresa. You'd better keep some distance and stop sticking up for her, or you'r

Southlake University wasn't far from home, just about a three-hour drive. If anything really urgent happened, my Aunt Helen's place was nearby.I lived on campus most of the time and only went over to Aunt Helen's on some weekends. For longer breaks, I went back home.Besides classes, I joined a couple of clubs, which was how I made some like-minded friends.I never hid my eye issues, and I never tried to tough it out just for show. I pushed myself to try things, and after a while, I realized I could still do plenty on my own.During winter and summer breaks, I sometimes picked up part-time jobs, but I mostly traveled with my parents. Thinking about it now, I hadn't seen Callum for two whole years after starting college.Right before graduation, my family planned a long trip to New Javiston. A few days before we were supposed to leave, Mom called me. "Teri, the Rooks are coming with us on this trip."I went quiet for a few seconds. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"Mom sounded a

I thought of my childhood.Back when I was little, even though Mom and Dad kept reminding me not to stand in the sun all the time, I still couldn't help wanting to play with the other kids. It wasn't until my eyes burned so badly from the light that I couldn't open them that I finally got scared.Callum had grabbed my hand and stayed by my side the whole time. At the time, I'd said to him, "You'll be my other pair of eyes from now on, okay?"He'd taken care of me for years after that.That tiny figure from my memories slowly overlapped with the Callum standing in front of me now.I wanted to say something, but I had no idea where to start. I could understand where he was coming from, but that didn't mean I could forgive him.After a long silence, I looked at him and said, "Callum, what's done is done. You can't change it, and regret doesn't help. Just… look forward."I picked up my things and left my seat.I'd just stepped out the door when Callum came after me. He asked carefu