Fragile Threads

The chill of the night air cuts into my cheeks as I walk away from the house, leaving behind my mother’s cruel words. I don’t remember when I started crying, but the wetness on my cheeks is proof that I did. I try to hail a cab, but my phone vibrates, snapping me back to reality.

A text from Sophie fills the screen: *"Why haven’t you replied since the party? Do you even care about this friendship? After everything I've done for you?"*

The words sting, but I can’t risk losing her too. Even if Sophie doesn’t know it, she’s the only connection I have left. My fingers tremble as I type a reply, begging for her forgiveness and coming up with an excuse.

*“I’m so sorry, Soph. I got caught up in studying, and things at home have been… complicated. I’d never want to hurt you or ruin what we have.”*

I hold my breath as I press send, hoping that this desperate attempt to hold onto our fractured or non-existent friendship will be enough. I know she’s not the best friend, but right now, she’s all I have.

Finally, a cab pulls up, and I slide into the backseat, feeling like I’ve left a part of myself behind. When I reach my dorm, it’s quiet and still—Maya isn’t back yet. Relief washes over me as I drop my bag by the door. I change into my pajamas, grab an ice pack from the mini fridge, and press it to my swollen cheek, wincing at the sting.

I lie down, willing myself to sleep, but the night’s events keep replaying in my mind. My mother’s face, twisted with anger. Her words were laced with disgust. And that awful, helpless feeling of being trapped, of realizing no one will believe me.

I don't know how much time passes as I lie there, caught between exhaustion and my spiraling thoughts, when I hear the door creak open. I hold my breath, praying Maya won’t hear my quiet sniffles.

She doesn’t say a word, just goes straight to the bathroom, and I let out a sigh of relief. A few minutes later, I hear her get into bed, and the room falls silent again. But even with her presence nearby, sleep doesn’t come easily.

---

The next morning, I’m pulled from sleep by the sharp vibration of my phone on the bedside table. Squinting against the morning light, I check the screen to see a message from Aiden: *"Hey, still up for coffee? We planned for today, right?"*

My mind feels sluggish, piecing together the day before, the lunch with him, the chance to meet in class. I sit up, rubbing my eyes, and suddenly realize my cheeks are wet again. Had I been crying in my sleep? I quickly wiped my face, hoping Maya didn’t notice.

I glance over and see Maya stirring, her gaze flicking over to me. Her brow creases, and she asks, “Are you okay? You… look like you’ve been crying.”

I stiffen, trying to laugh it off, but my voice feels too tight. “Oh, I… I had a nightmare. It was really vivid.” I keep my tone light, but I can tell she’s studying me, her worry barely masked.

“A nightmare?” she repeats, unconvinced. “You sure you’re alright?”

“Yeah, really.” I force a smile, hoping it’s enough to keep her from asking more. “It just shook me up, that’s all.”

She hesitates, as if deciding whether to press further, but then nods. “Alright. But if you need to talk, I’m here.”

“Thanks, Maya.” I can feel my smile waver as I force myself to meet her gaze. Her kindness is almost too much right now, but I push that thought away and give her a small nod.

I check my phone again, still clutching onto Aiden’s message like a lifeline. My fingers hover over the screen as I type out a quick reply.

*“Yeah, coffee sounds good.”

It’s just coffee, I tell myself. Just a small break from the mess that is my life. I have no idea why he keeps reaching out, but maybe… maybe I need someone like him right now—someone who doesn’t know everything, someone who might see me without all the baggage.

As Maya gets up and starts her morning routine, I slide my phone under the covers, feeling a small flutter of hope stir in my chest. Maybe, just maybe, today won’t be as unbearable.

I keep my eyes on my phone as Maya gets up and starts her morning routine. She stretches, yawns, and glances over at me. “Going anywhere today?” she asks, not unkindly, but with a hint of curiosity.

“Uh… just a little study session,” I say, avoiding her gaze as I tap out a response to Aiden. *“10:30 sounds good.”

“Got it,” he replies almost instantly. *“Meet me at Harlow’s. I’ll be in the back corner.”*

I quickly shut off my screen before Maya could catch any details, feigning an interest in my blankets. I don’t need her teasing me or, worse, trying to read too much into this. With a nod and a quick smile, she gathers her things and heads out, her footsteps fading as she heads down the hall.

I give it a full five minutes, just to be safe. Once I’m sure she’s gone, I throw back the covers, get up, and head to my dresser. My bruises are still fresh, the tender purples and blues blooming across my arms and back, a constant reminder of yesterday’s nightmare. I slip on a loose, long-sleeved sweater in a soft gray to keep everything covered and pair it with black jeans. The outfit is simple enough, but I feel a little more put together with my sleeves rolled just to my wrists, showing a hint of skin but nothing too revealing.

For my hair, I decided to try something new—a loose, low ponytail with a few strands framing my face. It’s just different enough to make me feel like I’m putting in an effort, but casual enough to not seem too obvious. I search through my things, looking for my favorite perfume when my phone buzzes with another message from Aiden.

*“I’m here. See you soon?”*

My heart skips. *“On my way,”* I reply quickly, grabbing my backpack, slinging it over my shoulder, and heading out the door. I make my way through the dorm building and step out into the chilly morning air, walking briskly to Harlow’s so I don’t keep him waiting.

When I arrive, I pause at the entrance, scanning the busy café for any sign of him. My heart pounds a little harder with each passing second, wondering if I’ve somehow ended up at the wrong place. Just as doubt starts creeping in, I feel a gentle tap on my shoulder.

I turn, and there he is, standing right behind me with a small, knowing smile. He’s dressed casually but well—a dark green jacket layered over a fitted black sweater, with a simple silver chain peeking out at his collar. It’s understated but effortlessly put together, and for a second, I can’t stop staring.

“Raven?” His voice breaks through my daze, his smile widening as he raises an eyebrow.

“Oh, hey!” I stammer, trying to shake off the embarrassment that’s creeping up on me. “I didn’t see you there.”

Aiden gives me a small smile and gestures toward a table by the window. I follow him and slide into the seat across from him, taking in the soft chatter around us. Once we’re settled, he flips open his laptop and looks at me, brows slightly raised.

“Did the professor add you to the group chat yet?” he asks, scrolling through something on his screen.

I shake my head. “No, I… don’t even have the professor’s number. I don’t think she has mine, either.”

He nods, frowning slightly. “Ah, that’s on me, then. I should’ve asked yesterday, but I got caught up and didn’t realize how late it was getting.”

“It’s alright,” I reply quickly. “I was pretty swamped, too.”

He glances up, his smile relaxing a bit. “Well, at least we’re both on the same page.”

The waitress swings by, and Aiden glances at me. “Do you want anything?”

I scan the menu quickly and say, “Um… I’ll take a caramel latte and a slice of matcha cheesecake.”

He nods and orders for both of us then returns his attention to his laptop. “Alright, so here’s what I’ve put together for the project so far. We’re focusing on consumer behavior analysis, and I’ve done some preliminary research to get us started.” He tilts the screen toward me, showing a series of documents and charts.

I skim through them, impressed. “Wow, you’ve… really been working on this.”

He shrugs casually. “I want this to go well. So, any part of the project you’d prefer to handle?”

“I’m fine with whatever,” I say, but he shakes his head immediately.

“Nope. I’m leading the group, sure, but I want everyone working on something they’re comfortable with so we’re all contributing our best,” he insists, watching me closely.

“Alright,” I say, glancing back at the screen. “I’m good with research and, uh, putting everything together for whoever’s presenting.”

“Perfect,” he replies, flashing a quick smile. Just then, my phone vibrates, and I glance down to see a notification pop up: You were added to ‘TrendTrack Squad’ Chat.

“Oh! I got added already,” I tell him, slightly surprised.

“Of course. I may have my chaotic moments, but I am a professional.” He gives me a mock-serious look, making me laugh despite myself.

I watch him type some notes, effortlessly focused, his hands moving confidently over the keyboard. Something is captivating about how seriously he’s taking this, and for a moment, I lose myself in the way his brows furrow and his jaw tenses in concentration.

“Raven!” My name rings out, startling me from my thoughts. I look up, and Aiden does, too, just as Sophie and Emily are walking toward our table, waving with wide grins.

Emily and Sophie walk over, and before I can say a word, Sophie stops right in front of me, her arms crossed tightly.

“Oh, so you can’t even text or check up on your friend, but you can meet up with a guy?” she says, her voice dripping with accusation.

I feel a rush of heat in my cheeks, caught off guard. “I texted you yesterday, Sophie. You didn’t reply.”

She scoffs. “That’s because you ignored me first.”

As her words sink in, Aiden interrupts, his tone firm but polite. “Lovely to meet you, but could this happen some other time? We’re really busy here, so if you could please excuse us…”

Emily raises her eyebrows, glancing between us with an all-too-satisfied smirk. “Oh, I remember you! You were at the party, right? The guy who took Raven’s cup?”

Aiden’s expression hardens. “And so what? She clearly didn’t want to drink it.”

Emily lets out a soft laugh. “Wow, Raven, everyone just loves to defend you, don’t they? So pitiful.”

Her words hit me like a slap, and I can feel the embarrassment burning through me. I drop my gaze, staring down at the table, wishing I could disappear. Before I can even process a response, Aiden closes his laptop with a click and stands up.

“If you’d kindly excuse us,” he says, his voice clipped, “our professor is calling Raven and me to her office. We really can’t be late.”

Surprised, I look up at him. “Oh! Really? Why didn’t you tell me?” I say, catching onto his bluff.

“Yes, let’s go,” he replies smoothly, then turns to Sophie. “We’ll have to catch up another time.”

Before Sophie can respond, Aiden takes my hand firmly, steering me out of the café. I barely get the chance to give Sophie a quick, awkward wave before we’re out the door.

Once we’re outside, I pull my hand free, looking up at him in confusion. “So… which professor is calling us?”

Aiden laughs softly, glancing back over his shoulder at the café door. “None. Those friends of yours wouldn’t stop talking down to you. I figured a quick exit was best.”

Embarrassed, I drop my gaze, fiddling with the strap of my bag. “I’m… I’m sorry about that. They’re just—”

He stops me with a quick shake of his head. “Hey, don’t apologize for someone else’s childishness. You didn’t say anything wrong.”

The kindness in his eyes catches me off guard, and I feel a knot in my chest loosen just a little. I’m at a loss for words for a moment, so I just nod.

“Thanks,” I finally manage, my voice quieter than I intended.

He nods back, his expression softening. “Anytime.”