The First Red Flag

After their initial discussion about collaborating on the project, Nicole and Andrew found themselves spending more time together. Casual meetings at the library, impromptu study sessions and shared coffee breaks became their new norm, each encounter deepening their mutual interest.

It was a quiet Friday afternoon when Nicole found herself waiting outside the campus café, her fingers nervously tapping against the cold steel of her phone case. She wasn't sure why she had agreed to meet Andrew there, but something about the idea of talking to him outside the confines of class seemed different- less formal and less controlled. Still, the nervous flutter in her chest reminded her that she didn't fully understand what was happening between them. Were they just classmates? Or was there something more?

Andrew was late but she wasn't particularly bothered. She had grown used to his habit of showing up exactly when he felt like it, which was… not always on time. But Nicole hadn't expected much from him. In fact, the unpredictability was part of the reason why she kept her distance. Andrew didn't follow any set schedule. He lived by his own rules, never answering to anyone- least of all to her.

As she stared out of the café, her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden appearance of a familiar face. David, Andrew's best friend, slid into the chair across from her with a grin that never seemed to fade. She'd met David a few times in passing but this was the first time they had a chance to talk without Andrew hovering nearby.

"Waiting for the elusive Andrew, I see." David said, his tone playful but tinged with an underlying seriousness.

Nicole nodded, giving a small smile. "Yeah, he's always running behind."

David leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning the café. He didn't seem rushed, as though time didn't matter to him the way it did to some people. "You know, he's not really a fan of schedules or commitments. He's the kind of guy who always looks like he's in motion but never really goes anywhere."

Nicole paused, looking at David, unsure of how to take his words. "What do you mean?"

David shrugged his gaze shifting back to the door. "He's had a tough time with … well, some stuff in his past. Doesn't like being tied down, doesn't like depending on people."  His eyes flickered briefly toward the door as if waiting for Andrew to arrive but when he didn't, he continued, "it's not something he talks about much, but I think it's the reason he's always running. Anyway, I got to go, bye Nicole"

Nicole tried to push the uncomfortable feeling aside, not quite ready to dig deeper into Andrew's past. But she couldn't shake the unease David's words left behind. Why did it feel like Andrew was always running from something? And more importantly, why did she feel like she was starting to get caught in the crossfire?

A few moments later, Andrew finally walked in, looking slightly out of breath but wearing that same mischievous grin that made Nicole both frustrated and intrigued at the same time. He spotted her immediately, his eyes locking with hers and for a brief moment, the rest of the world seemed to blur away.

"Sorry am late," he said, settling into the seat beside her with his usual easygoing charm. "Traffic was a nightmare."

Nicole gave him a small nod, though her mind was still caught on David's words. "He doesn't like depending on people."  Was Andrew running away from her too? Or was this just how he was with everyone? Detached yet magnetic, keeping everyone at arm's length while simultaneously pulling them in.

"So, what are we talking about today?"  Andrew asked after they had ordered cocktails, clearly oblivious to the whirlwind of questions now spinning in Nicole's mind.

"I don't know," Nicole replied, her voice sounding more distant than she intended. "Just… figuring things out."

Andrew raised an eyebrow, sensing the shift in her mood. "You, okay?"

Nicole hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much she wanted to reveal. She didn't even know where to start. Should she bring up how his unpredictability was starting to drive her crazy? Should she mention that she wasn't sure where she stood with him? Or should she simply keep up with façade of calmness that she had perfected?

"I'm fine," she said, finally, her tone softer than before. "Just a lot going on, you know?"

Andrew studied her for a moment, his gaze turning slightly more serious." Yeah, I get that. We all have staff."

But the look in his eyes wasn't just a casual concern- it was the kind of look that made Nicole feel exposed. As if he was trying to see through her, to break past the walls she so carefully maintained. And for a second, it almost felt like he could.

Just then, her phone buzzed on the table, breaking the moment. She glanced down the screen- Mom. Without thinking, she picked it up.

"Hi mom," She answered trying to sound cheerful despite the tension that was thickening between her and Andrew.

"Hey sweetheart, can you come home a bit earlier today? We need to discuss something important."

Nicole's brow furrowed. Her family rarely called for impromptu meetings. She replied, "Sure, mom. I will be home soon."

Andrew asked, noticing her distraction, "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, I just got a message from my mom asking me to come home early." She answered.

Andrew nodded his expression unreadable. "Family comes first. We can catch up later."

Nicole appreciated his understanding. "Thanks Andrew, I'll see you later."

As she made her way home, Nicole couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Her family was close-knit, but unexpected family meetings were rare.

Upon arriving home, Nicole was greeted by her mother, father and older sister, Emily. The living room felt unusually tense.

"Nicole, we need to talk," her father began, his tone serious.

Her mother reached out, squeezing Nicole's hand gently." It's about your grandmother. She's not doing well, and we think it's best to visit her this weekend."

Nicole's heart sank. Her grandmother had always been a pillar of strength in their family. The thought of her ailing was unsettling.

" Of course." Nicole replied softly. "I will make sure to be there."

Emily sensing the gravity of the situation, wrapped her arms around Nicole. "We'll get through this together."

The family spent the evening discussing plans, sharing memories and supporting one another. Despite the somber news, Nicole felt a profound sense of unity with her family.

Later that night, Nicole retreated to her room, seeking solace in the familiarity of her space. As she settled onto her bed, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Andrew.

"Hey Nicole, I've been thinking…"

She stared at the screen, waiting for the typing indicator to continue but nothing followed. Minutes passed and still no additional message.

Confused, Nicole typed a response:

"Thinking about what?"

The message remained unread. An uneasy feeling settled in her stomach. Was he having second thoughts about their project? Or perhaps about their budding friendship: the ambiguity gnawed at her, leaving her restless.

As she lay in bed, sleep eluding her, Nicole couldn't shake the feeling that this incomplete message was a sign- a red flag waving subtly in the periphery of their relationship.