The two of us were sitting and resting in the campus park after finishing our presentation assignment in the library. It was quite mentally exhausting, so I asked Amelie to sit for a while in the park before going home. Breathing in some fresh air might help ease my fatigue.

Amelie opened her cellphone; it looked like she had just received a new message. Suddenly, her eyes widened with excitement. A smile bloomed on her beautiful face.
“El, thank you so much! I finally got David's phone number—he just replied to my message!” Amelie cheered happily like a little kid.

Oh, so the senior whose phone number I asked for during lunch earlier—his name is David.
At first, I smiled amusedly at Amelie’s excited hopping, but then I started to feel embarrassed the longer I let her continue.

“Mel, that’s enough excitement already,” I said, trying to stop her. “Hey! People are staring.” I added.

Instead of stopping, Amelie only laughed harder in joy.
“Whatever, Mel. I’m heading home first!” I said, pretending to leave the park. My trick worked; Amelie immediately stopped hopping around.

“El! Wait, don’t leave me!” Amelie quickly ran after me. I teased her by pretending not to hear her calling and walked faster, making her run after me even more.

A moment later, she managed to walk beside me.
“El, I think you're starting to catch Sebastian’s mischievousness!” she said, a little annoyed. “You walk way too fast!”

“Well, I did tell you, but you didn’t listen,” I said, trying not to laugh.

“Sorry, I was just too happy, El. I’ve never been this excited before. This is the first time I really like a guy. I’ve had a crush on David since the first time I met him,” she explained.

“Since when did you know him, Mel?” I asked, a little surprised because we usually did everything together on campus. How could I not know she knew a senior?

“You always refuse when invited to hang out with people from our major. I met David during a gathering with our classmates. It’s been a while, over a month now.”

I could only grimace at Amelie’s words. I just remembered that I rarely joined any campus events unless necessary. I tried to avoid too much contact with classmates out of fear someone might recognize me.

“Hmm, so why didn’t you tell me you were crushing on David?” I asked, feigning a bit of a sulk.

“Well, you’ve been busy. Plus, I was also helping Sebastian organize that sudden wedding last time,” Amelie tried to explain.

I sighed softly, “You could’ve at least told me a little. So I could share your happiness too.”

“Hmm, alright. I forgot—you’re my sister now. My most beautiful sister-in-law in the whole world,” Amelie teased with a laugh.

“Well, of course, I’m your most beautiful sister-in-law—you only have one!” I laughed at Amelie’s sweet flattery.

“Hehe, that’s true,” she replied, swinging her steps joyfully.

“Gosh, someone’s really in love. You’ve been smiling nonstop,” I teased Amelie.

“Please understand, I’m in love! Just pray that your adorable sister-in-law can get together with David!”

“Okay, deal. I’ll definitely pray for my cutest sister-in-law to end up with her dream guy, David!”

“Thank you for your prayers!” Amelie said joyfully. “Thank you so much, sis!”

She clung to my arm sweetly, smiling cheerfully as we walked toward the parking area.

I had actually contacted Sebastian shortly after Amelie and I finished our presentation.

“Your brother said he might be a bit late, Mel. He said he’d stop by the hospital we talked about the other day,” I reminded Amelie about the hospital where Mom would have her surgery.

“Wow, that’s fast. They don’t need a waiting list there, El?” Amelie seemed calmer now, back to normal.

“I’m not sure yet, Mel. He’s just going to check things out first. Let’s wait for news from your brother.”

Amelie nodded.
“Oh, I see. Okay then. I hope he brings good news, El,” she said anxiously.

“Yes, Mel, let’s pray Mom can have her surgery soon.”

Suddenly, I heard my phone ringing from inside my bag. It must be Sebastian. I quickly reached into my bag and answered the call.

But it wasn’t from Sebastian. It was Sarah’s name on the screen, which made me frown in confusion.

“What is it, El? Not Sebastian?” Amelie asked when she saw my puzzled expression.

“No, it’s from an old friend. Hold on, Mel. I think this is important.”

Amelie smiled, “Go ahead and take it. I’ll head to the shelter near the parking lot. Just meet me there later.” She pointed at the bus shelter where students usually waited to be picked up.

I nodded and gave her a thumbs up. “Okay, got it!”

“Hello, Sarah… what’s wrong?” I answered the call.

“El… please come here right away! I really need your help!” Sarah’s voice sounded anxious.

“Huh? Sarah? What’s going on?” I instantly had a bad feeling hearing her uneasy voice.

“It looks like the big boss is arriving earlier than expected. So if possible, come here now,” Sarah said, sounding even more worried. I too was starting to feel nervous and uneasy.

“El… can you make it? Can you come now?” she asked again.

“Yes, yes. Hold on, I’m still on campus. I’ll order a ride now. Just wait for me—I’m on my way,” I replied.

“Okay. Thanks so much, El. Be careful on your way.” After that, Sarah hung up.

Meanwhile, I suddenly felt weak and very anxious. What now? What should I say if Amelie asks where I’m going? And Sebastian? What excuse will I give him? My head suddenly filled with all sorts of bad thoughts. I gently massaged my temples, which were starting to throb.

For now, I needed to come up with a reason to explain to Amelie why I couldn’t go home with her. With heavy steps, I walked toward the shelter where Amelie was waiting for me.

***