TROUBLE IN DISGUISE

Christine's eyes fluttered open, greeted by a pounding headache and the faint smell of beer lingering in the air. It felt like she'd been hit by a truck. The room spun slightly as she sat up, her muscles aching in protest. Before she could fully gather her bearings, her phone shrieked to life, the sound stabbing through her already throbbing head.

She winced, squinting at the screen. Missed calls—so many of them—all from her mom. Christine sighed, knowing she couldn't avoid this conversation much longer. Bracing herself, she answered.

"Hello?" Her voice cracked with sleep and exhaustion.

"Where was your phone? I called you tirelessly last night!" her mother's voice burst through the line, thick with worry.

Christine rubbed her temples, trying to soothe the ache. "Sorry, Mom. I… I missed your calls. I was just busy settling in—and, you know, preparing for my first day of college today." She winced at the lie but hoped it would sound convincing.

There was a beat of silence before her mom sighed. "I just worry about you, Christine. You know that, right?"

Before Christine could respond, a notification flashed across her screen. Her heart sank. She had a morning lecture—and she wasn't even close to being ready.

"Mom, I promise I'll call you later—I really have to go!" Christine's words tumbled out in a rush, panic setting in.

"Christine—"

But she didn't wait. She hung up, already diving out of bed and onto Jessie's. She shook her roommate's shoulder insistently. "Jessie! Wake up! We have to get ready for class!"

Jessie groaned, burying her face deeper into the pillow. "No lectures this morning. Let me sleep, woman!" she grumbled.

Christine huffed. "But I need help finding my way to the lecture hall—Jessie!"

Jessie waved a lazy hand. "You'll figure it out. I believe in you," she mumbled dramatically before rolling over and pulling the blanket over her head.

Realizing Jessie wasn't going to budge, Christine made a mental note to get back at her later. For now, she had to move—fast.

---

The campus buzzed with life as Christine sprinted across it, her backpack bouncing on her shoulders. After way too much fumbling with the map on her phone, she finally found the right building. By the time she slipped into the lecture hall, she was breathless, late—and absolutely mortified.

Trying to stay invisible, she scanned the room and spotted an empty seat next to a friendly-looking guy. Sliding into it as quietly as she could, she offered him a tentative smile.

"Hi," she whispered, brushing her hair from her face.

"Hey," he said, his own smile warm and easy. "English major?"

Christine's face lit up with recognition. "Yeah, I am. I'm Christine."

"Marvin. Nice to meet you." His eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled—genuine and inviting.

For the first time that day, Christine felt a little more at ease. But just as she settled in, her eyes wandered—and landed on Peter.

He sat a few rows ahead, completely absorbed in his sketchpad. The movement of his pencil was quick, deliberate. Christine found herself intrigued despite herself.

Suddenly, his head turned—as if he could feel her gaze. Their eyes met, and that signature smirk curved his lips.

"So you're obsessed with me, baby girl?" he teased, his voice a low rumble.

Christine's face burned. "Get over yourself. I just happened to sit here by accident."

Peter chuckled, undeterred. "Sure you did."

Christine rolled her eyes, turning away before he could see the smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

---

After the lecture, as Christine packed up her things, Peter's voice floated over. "Baby girl, can I have your number?"

Without missing a beat, Christine called back, "In your dreams, Peter. In your dreams."

Marvin fell into step with her as they walked out. "Do you know him?" he asked, casting a glance over his shoulder at Peter.

Christine sighed. "Unfortunately."

"Should I be worried?" Marvin teased lightly, his eyes sparkling.

"Only if you like drama."

They both laughed, and just like that, the conversation flowed. Marvin asked about her favorite books, and Christine's face lit up as she talked about Austen, Atwood, and the poetry she loved. He listened, really listened, and offered his own thoughts with just as much passion.

By the time they'd made their way across campus, Christine realized how easy it was being around him.

---

The library was Christine's sanctuary—a place of quiet and calm. That afternoon, she sat tucked into a corner, immersed in her book, her mind finally at peace.

Until a shadow fell across her table.

She looked up slowly, her stomach sinking when she met Peter's piercing gaze. He slid into the seat across from her like he belonged there, his presence both infuriating and—she hated to admit—magnetic.

"Well, well, well," Peter said, his voice low and lazy. "Look who's hiding in the library."

Christine sighed, already exhausted. "Peter. What do you want?"

He leaned back in his chair, watching her with amusement. "Just wanted to check on my favorite freshman. See how you're settling in."

She glared at him. "Save it. I'm busy."

Peter's smile didn't waver. "You know, you're cute when you're mad."

Her eyes narrowed. "And you're annoying when you breathe."

He laughed—a real, warm sound that caught her off guard. "You're fun, baby girl."

"Stop calling me that."

"Can't help it. Suits you." His grin widened.

Before she could retort, Peter stood, sliding his hands into his pockets. "Just remember, Christine…" He paused, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I'm always watching."

And then he was gone, his presence lingering like an echo.

Christine stared after him, her heart pounding for reasons she didn't want to examine. There was something dangerous about Peter—something she couldn't quite place.

But one thing was clear: he wasn't going anywhere.