Chapter 7

By the time Logan arrived to rescue me, Connor was long gone from downstairs.

The next day, during the break period, Connor was called to the office for skipping evening study.

With Logan vouching for me, not only did I avoid a scolding, but the homeroom teacher patted my shoulder sympathetically, comforting me by saying I must have been frightened and that it was the dorm manager's mistake.

Instead, it was Madison who walked over and blocked my path.

"Connor got in trouble because of you, and here you are acting like nothing happened. You should tell the teacher the truth."

"Are you sure you want me to tell the truth?" I stared directly into her eyes, emphasizing each word, "Because we can start with exactly how I got locked in the dormitory."

Madison nervously released my arm.

My past self would have been incredibly moved, rushing into the office without a second thought, eager to face punishment alongside Connor. So much so that in the many arguments and silent treatments years later, I would always be the first to back down because of his appearance that night.

Now, it felt like another lifetime entirely.

It was my affection that had given Connor too many free passes.

Noticing my unusual demeanor, Madison softened her voice. "I was just worried. You know, we grew up together..."

I frowned in irritation, having no patience for their oft-repeated childhood bond. Looking around, I realized Logan was nowhere in sight.

Someone burst through the classroom door, shouting, "Connor fainted, and they took him to the infirmary!"

"Probably fainted from getting chewed out."

"I heard he has a fever."

*****

Everyone started talking at once.

My heart instinctively tightened, then I inwardly mocked myself.

I thought, "Amelia, you really never learn, do you?

Some habits needed to change starting now. This second chance wasn't meant for me to make the same mistakes all over again."

Madison rushed out, pulling me along. She ran so fast that we accidentally bumped into someone at the infirmary corner.

I rubbed my sore nose and crouched down to help Logan pick up the scattered papers.

"Did you come to see Connor?" A voice sounded beside my ear.

"Um..." I hesitated briefly. "Sort of."

Even though I was dragged here, I was partly responsible.

Connor peeked his head out from the doorway, looking weak and sick, his voice feeble.

"I knew you'd worry about me."

I glanced up at him.

Connor's lips were pale, his fever making it difficult to keep his eyes open, yet he still insisted on walking toward me while leaning against the wall.

I looked down indifferently, quickly scanning the papers in my hands.

The next second, I froze abruptly.

Noticing my reaction, Logan took the papers from me. "Thank you."

I thought, "Maybe it was my imagination, but his voice seemed colder than before."

Connor reached for me, his voice hoarse. "Help me up. I can barely stand."

I hastily pushed his hand away, completely ignoring his shocked expression, and instead grabbed Logan's sleeve, calling out instinctively, "Logan!"

He slowly looked down at me.

"Is there something else?"

I thought, "Were you at my engagement party?"