PART-TIME LOVE

As the night fell, the girls lay on the bed, each engrossed in their phones or lost in thought. Violet, sensing a lingering unease, broke the silence.

"Are you guys okay?" she asked, her voice soft but laced with concern.

Minnie and Snow paused, exchanging glances that betrayed their confusion. They understood the question, but the answer felt elusive, tangled in their own emotions.

"We're fine," Minnie said finally, her tone a little too casual. "Why wouldn't we be?"

Violet sat up straight, her eyes narrowing slightly. "It's not about the slap or Snow fainting when she saw that man. It's about what's been going on inside you both. Are you really okay?"

Minnie's composure began to crack, her voice trembling as she spoke. "I'm fine." Tears welled up in her eyes, and she struggled to hold them back. "I'm just...shocked. I lost my mom, and I thought this year was supposed to be good. I had no idea my happiness would be short-lived."

Snow listened, her expression empathetic, before turning to Violet. "I'm fine, I just overreacted," she said, her voice steady but guarded.

Violet's gaze lingered on Snow, searching for the truth behind her words. "Snow, you didn't just overreact. Sometimes things are wrong, and you're not telling us what's really going on."

Snow's smile faltered for a moment before she reassured them. "I'm serious, guys. I wouldn't hide anything from you. I'm fine."

The tension in the room dissipated slightly as the girls nodded, accepting Snow's words for now.

In a silent gesture of comfort, the three of them wrapped their arms around each other, holding on tightly as they navigated the complexities of their emotions.

***

A WEEK LATER

Snow's mom called, and Snow hesitated before answering. "Hey, Mom."

"Hey, sweetie! How's college going?" her mom asked, her voice cheerful.

"Straight to the point, Mom," Snow replied, her tone neutral.

Her mom sensed the distance and dove straight into the purpose of her call. "Snow, I was thinking, it's almost Christmas, and I'd love for you to come home for the holidays. Your dad and I would really like to see you."

Snow sighed inwardly. She hadn't been looking forward to this conversation. "Mom, I don't know...I'm not really a girlie to have hearts up for family gatherings."

Her mom's tone turned persuasive. "That's exactly why you should come home. We can spend quality time together, catch up, and have some nice holiday moments. It'll be good for you to take a break from college and relax with family."

Snow's response was laced with indifference. "Mom, I don't think I'm in the mood for all that. It's just...I don't know, it feels forced, you know?"

Her mom's voice took on a slightly firmer tone. "Snow, you're my daughter, and I want us to spend Christmas together. It's not about being in the mood; it's about family. You need to come home."

Snow rolled her eyes, feeling a familiar frustration. "Mom, I understand what you're saying, but—"

"No buts, Snow," her mom cut in. "You'll come home for Christmas. We'll make it work, and it'll be nice. Your dad will be happy to see you, and I want us to have some good memories together."

Snow's tone turned cool. "Whatever, Mom. I'll think about it."

Her mom's voice softened slightly, but her determination remained clear. "Snow, I don't see this as an option. You will come home for Christmas. Let's not argue about it anymore. Have a good day, sweetie."

Snow's response was brief and sacarstic. "Yeah, you too."

As the conversation ended, Snow felt a mix of relief and annoyance. She knew her mom wouldn't let up, and the pressure to comply was already building.

***

William finished his class and headed to the law department to meet Minnie.

As he arrived, he spotted her wrapping up a presentation. He sneaked in quietly and took a seat, his eyes fixed on her with a warm smile.

When Minnie concluded her presentation, the class erupted in applause, and William joined in, his clapping enthusiastic. Minnie's eyes met his, and a bright smile spread across her face.

After the class, Minnie approached him, her curiosity evident. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprise.

William wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a gentle hug. "Don't you miss me?" he teased.

Minnie laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Of course, I missed you. But I didn't expect you to be here. I thought you had class."

William's smile grew wider. "Even classes won't stop me from coming to see you. And I have a reason for being here."

Minnie's curiosity was piqued. "What's the reason?"

William's eyes twinkled mischievously. "You'll have to come with me to find out."

Minnie's laughter was music to his ears. "Okay, let's go. Anytime you're ready."

William's face lit up. "Okay, fine. Let's go now." He took her hand, and they walked out of the classroom, weaving through the crowd of students.

As they strolled, Minnie asked, "Where are we going?"

William's grin was enigmatic. "It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you."

Minnie playfully rolled her eyes. "Come on, tell me."

William chuckled. "It's a surprise, so I won't tell you."

Minnie's pace quickened. "Can you walk faster? I can't wait for the surprise"

William matched her stride, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Let's get there already."

★

As they walked hand in hand, William revealed their destination: the Tower. Minnie's eyes widened in excitement as they approached the iconic landmark. "Oh my God, the CN Tower! I've always wanted to visit!"

William grinned, pleased with her reaction. "I knew you'd love it. Want to go up?"

Minnie's enthusiasm was infectious. "Yeah, yeah, yeah! Let's go!"

As they ascended, the panoramic views stole Minnie's breath. "Wow, this is breathtaking! Look at the city!"

William chuckled, enjoying her wonder. "Told you it'd be worth it."

Minnie turned to him, her eyes sparkling. "You're amazing for bringing me here. This is incredible!"

The wind whipped through their hair as they took in the stunning views. Minnie squealed with delight, and William laughed, feeling carefree.

As they explored, Minnie asked, "How did you know about this place?"

William smiled. "I've been here before. Thought you'd love it."

Minnie's gaze lingered on him. "You always know how to surprise me."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by laughter and gasps of wonder. As they descended, Minnie leaned into William, feeling grateful for the experience.

"Thanks for today," she said, her voice filled with appreciation.

William wrapped his arm around her. "Anytime. You deserve all the adventures."

Their day was filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

As they walked away from the Tower, Minnie knew this was a memory she'd treasure forever.