Light 90s-style music filled the kitchen, softening the silence that stretched between Chris and me. It wasn't awkward—just comfortable. I took small sips from my mug, my eyes wandering over the sketches on his walls. They were unique, artistic in a way that drew you in.
"This is incredibly delicious," Collins managed to mumble through a mouthful of pancakes, a bright smile lighting up his face.
"I know," I sang back, brimming with confidence in my culinary skills. My answer earned me another wide, genuine grin from him.
The clock on the wall ticked loudly, catching my attention. The hand was steadily beating out the rhythm, pointing directly at the nine.
"Wait, don't you have to be at school today?" I asked, my brow furrowing. A sudden wave of guilt hit me—was the biology teacher going to be late because of me?
"Not until the fourth period," he said, calming my nerves as he took a sip of his scorching hot coffee. "The math teacher took over my fourth-grade class. Why? Are you worried about my attendance record, Lily?"
"I'm worried about being the reason for your absence," I teased.
My gaze flickered to the window. The first snowflakes of the season were dancing in the sky, landing softly on the glass before vanishing into nothing. Time was slipping through my fingers—it was already the beginning of November. Winter was officially making its presence known.
Suddenly, through the upbeat track playing on Chris's mini-speakers, I heard the muffled ring of my phone.
"That's probably Mom," I said, bolting from my seat toward the bedroom.
I'd tossed my bag in there with all the essentials I'd brought over. Of course, the phone had decided to bury itself at the very bottom of the bag.
"Hello?"
"Darling," my mother's voice came through, followed by a polite cough. "How are you holding up without me? I've just transferred three thousand to your card. I'll only be gone for three weeks."
"So, nothing new then," I let out a dry, disappointed huf.
"I'm sorry, sweetie. Business," she said, her usual excuse. "How's your leg?"
"Almost back to normal," I told her, a small smile tugging at my lips. Honestly, the thought of going back to school wasn't half as appealing as staying home had been. "Looks like I'll be seeing my 'beloved' classmates next week."
"I hope so. And how is Sheldon?"
"Sheldon?"
The cat!
Panic flared in my chest. I'd completely forgotten about the tiny creature. He was probably waiting for me, wondering where his human had disappeared to. You ungrateful brat, I cursed myself.
"Listen, Mom, I have to go," I blurted out at the speed of light, frantically shoving my scattered things back into my bag. "I need to feed him. Right now. Emergency!"
"I'll call you this eve—" She didn't even get to finish before I ended the call and threw the phone into my bag.
"Chris, you have to take me home! Right now! Sheldon is waiting!"
Collins appeared in the doorway, looking completely bewildered.
"Who the hell is Sheldon?!"