Chapter Text
I snap out of my daydream with the sound of the oven going off. I need to check the meatloaf, then sprinkle some cheese on it and let it sit in the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt. This was our first homemade meal this week. Jere and I have been so busy lately. We really need to fix our food habits. Jere and I have been married for 2 months. I married my best friend, and this is our story. We are building our life together. We are leaving for Cousins to celebrate our 2-month anniversary weekend together in a couple of days. With his job in Boston at Adam’s firm and my final year, we barely get any time to do things together. This is the first time I am going to Cousins' since our wedding. Since I last saw everyone.
“Bells, what smells so good?” beams Jere as he enters our apartment.
“Take a guess; it is straight from Chef Belly’s cookbook,” I announce as I pull out the plates for us. Jere pulls me into a hug and kisses me on my lips. Seems like he had a drink in the office before coming home.
“Go get changed and freshen up. I will set up the table for us. I made a whole meal for us, meatloaf, rice, salad, the whole deal, you know. You’re welcome,” I say cheekily.
“Well, Bells, I got a text from Redbird asking me if we would like to join the boys for a get-together at the frat house. I kinda said yes…,” he makes that scrunched face he makes when he wants to show he is sorry. I let out a sigh, tilt my head, and close my eyes before looking at him again.
“You could’ve texted me at least. I would not have made all this if you already had plans.”
“I’m sorry, Bells. The food smells and I'm sure tastes great. We can eat a little before we leave for the party.” When did I say I wanted to go to his frat house party? I try not to look annoyed, but he senses my annoyance.
“I won’t go if you don’t want me to. It’s just that with work and everything, I hardly get any time to unwind. I am sure you, too, could use some fun,” he tickles my waist as he says his bit.
“Fine, let’s go. I have been studying for the GRE, and I, too, need a break. I will pack the food up.”
“Yes, see. I know you all too well, Mrs. Fisher. And look at the bright side. We have food for tomorrow. I will freshen up. You also get ready.” I start packing up the food I made in plastic containers. It’s going to be a long night.
Frat house parties are exactly how I remember them. I also remember the reasons why I didn’t like them. I was kind of glad that when Jere would graduate, I wouldn’t have to come to these things anymore. Thinking about the last time I was here twists something inside me. Like someone is making knots inside my body.
You’re not the kind of person who would take that from a guy.
Maybe I should text Anika. She might want to hang out if she is not busy. She got a sunburn back in August and had to be taken to the hospital for it. She couldn’t even make it to the ceremony. We still meet from time to time, but she has been really busy with her applications for her master's lately. And well, Taylor…
Taylor and Steven got back together shortly after my wedding. After our fight on my wedding day, I was surprised she even showed up for me. I apologized to her afterwards, but she said she needed some time. We see each other everywhere; it is not like I can avoid my childhood best friend, who studies in the same school as me and is dating my brother. But I am not sure whether we are best friends anymore.
Fuck, I still love you.
I wrap my arms around my chest as I walk through the campus. It is starting to get chilly. Fall is here. I don’t let myself think about him. He and Jere still don’t talk. Jere doesn’t want to talk to him. He tries; he tries texting him. He texted him on Jere’s birthday a couple of weeks back. We still haven’t opened the wedding gift we got from him. We act like he doesn’t exist in our lives. I heard from my mother and Steven in passing that he and Taylor have become friends. Misery loves company, Jere says.