Chp. 39 Whispers Beneath the Oak

It was the middle of October now. They were nearing the wedding and the new year.

Dean hadn't gotten a dream in a while. He couldn't ever remember clearly afterwards what it was, only snippets which had consisted of something along the lines of sacrifice and a choice.

He had pushed the thought behind him, there were more important things to focus on.

Camille had class at an earlier time than he did, so he decided to take all his books he needed to study and go to the little cafe on campus.

He ordered a coffee with creamer and sugar and settled at the table outside to do his homework. He was currently learning introductory courses like biology, chemistry, and physiology. Sometimes even physics as it paved the way towards what would be the more advanced science courses later in their education.

After about an hour and a half had passed by Dean was finally finished with his homework. He wore a grey sweatshirt and black jeans in the chillier weather. He had on a black beanie and black air forces.

He grabbed all his things heaving them into his backpack and headed off to class. Camille would be done by now and probably going back to her dorm. He was going to walk to his lecture and then meet up with her after his class.

Meanwhile

Camille had finished class and spent two grueling hours taking notes and concluding that she'd probably spend the next day studying in the library. She was super excited for break, the main reason being that she was getting married, but also that it was a much needed and well deserved break from school.

She wore a red sweater and black leggings. She had her hair up in a claw-clip and paired it with tiny pear studs in her ears. The only jewelry she wore was her engagement ring and a bracelet. She had on thick socks and brown Ugg slippers. She was pretty comfortable today. The weather was getting cooler which meant dressing in thicker layers.

She spent some time in her dorm flipping over her notes from class and researching a few topics.

She scrolled on social media and caught up on people's lives from back home. She chatted a little with Daniella and then went back to studying.

After a while had passed she checked the time and saw that Dean had texted her he was done with class. He told her to meet him outside. It was starting to get dark earlier which meant a sunset soon. They liked to sit in the park and watch the sun set together. It was just small moments they got to have together that made everything better.

When Camille reached the park she saw Dean waiting, and the sun had just began to set.

"Hey." She said and settled next to him. He held her hand and smiled at her, glad to have her company.

The camps was bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the park.

They sat on a weather bench beneath a large oak tree. There were many names carved into the bench, Camille figured on couples or friends before them. It was cute, a piece of someone else's history incorporated into their own.

The leaves rustled gently in the evening breeze. The space around them was bustling with students some going to class and some leaving class. Some who'd been free all day and were going out and some who were coming back from being out.

Though the world was obviously busy around them, in this moment time slowed for the two of them.

"Do you remember the senior retreat?" Camille asked, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

"Of course." Dean laughed. "How could I forget… You finally admitted to liking me back and you danced with me in the pouring rain, you were smiling so genuinely I think my heart skipped a beat." He teased. "And your hair was stuck to your face but goodness you couldn't have looked more beautiful."

Camille laughed. The memory bringing warmth to her heart. "I used to be so reserved before I met you. I never thought I'd dance in the middle of a rainstorm with someone, but hey." She nudged him. "You bring out the best in me."

"Damn right I do." Dean chuckled his arm wrapping tighter around her shoulders pulling her into him.

They laughed softly together. The sound blending with the ambient noise of the campus. Camille leaned back against the tree, her gaze fixed on the sky. "I wouldnt have ever imagined this time last year I'd be plannning a wedding, getting married. It's crazy, but I can't wait."

Dean joined her. His shoulder brushing hers.

"Life sure does have a way of surprising us."

A comfortable silence settled between them, each lost in their own thoughts.

Finally Camille broke the silence. "Do you ever wonder if we're ready for this? For marriage?"

Dean turned to face her, his expression serious. "I don't think you can ever really pinpoint an exact moment in life when you're ready for something. It kind of just comes along naturally. But I know that I want this, and I want it with you. I've just about waited a lifetime for this. We've already faced some shit together. I believe whatever will come to us, we'll get through."

Camille met his gaze, her heart swelling with love. She reached out taking his hand in hers. "No doubt about that."

They sat there, hand in hand, and watched the hustle and bustle of the people unfold around them. A symbol of the new chapter they were about to begin in their lives, a chapter they were to begin together.

They wouldn't have preferred it any other way.