The warmth of the spring sun poured through the branches above, casting lovely spots of light on the grass at Evergreen University. Alice Thompson and Curt Jackson sat beneath the broad, reassuring shade of an old oak tree, its leaves fluttering softly in the breeze. The air was cool, but the scent of fresh earth and flowers penetrated everything, bringing life to the afternoon.
Alice laughed at a private joke and glanced up as someone approached. It was Jill. Her steps were purposeful but not hurried, and she looked at the familiar faces on the green lawn. Alice's smile tugged at the corners of her lips when she saw her.
"Hi, Alice," Jill called, her voice carrying easily across the space. "I've been looking for you."
Alice beamed at her, already standing up in greeting. "Hey, Jill! How are you?" She turned to Curt, her tone light, inviting him into the conversation. "Curt, meet my friend, Jill Andrew."
Curt rose to his feet with a pleasant smile, his demeanour welcoming but assured. He extended a hand, his grip firm yet soft. "Nice to meet you, Jill," he said softly, the words like a pleasant melody. He kissed the back of her hand without hesitation, giving Jill a brief, unexpected warmth.
Jill's smile faltered slightly as her eyes met his before she quickly disguised it. "I need to steal Alice for a minute," she said, her voice solid but with a hint of doubt in her gaze.
Curt raised an eyebrow playfully. "No problem," he replied, stepping back slightly. "See you later, Alice."
Alice gave a light, teasing laugh as she waved him off, watching Curt walk away. "I noticed how you looked at him! Someone's in love."
Jill chuckled and shook her head. "Oh, please stop it." She crossed her arms, seeming to dismiss the comment, but a little smile betrayed her. "But he is cute."
"You don't have to tell me!" Alice smiled and gently nudged Jill with her elbow. "So, do you like him?"
Jill hesitated, the question still on her mind. She took one last glance at Curt before returning her attention to Alice, the sarcastic tone remaining in her voice. "I barely know him, Alice."
Alice raised her eyebrows, and her expression softened. "Sometimes you know, Jill. Maybe he's the one."
Jill laughed, and her voice was light yet slightly strained. "We'll be late for class; let's go."
Alice gave an exaggerated sigh, but her smile remained. "Sure, sure. But if you like him, don't keep it from me."
Jill couldn't help but laugh again. "Come on, let's go!"
Jill tried to calm the uneasy flutter in her chest as they approached the lecture room. It didn't seem like a big deal—just a fleeting moment. Yet, Alice's words hung between them, carrying a significance Jill couldn't quite grasp.
Later that day
The classroom buzzed with half-hearted chatter and the sound of paper shuffling. Jill slid into her seat, her gaze sweeping the room for signs of recognition. She wasn't very social and preferred to remain to herself. But she was constantly aware, always looking and observing, but never actually participating in the world around her.
And then Curt walked in.
He maintained the same easy smile that made his eyes wrinkle at the corners and the serene confidence that appeared to fill the room when he saw her. He approached her desk without hesitation, and Jill's breath stopped for a moment.
"Hey, Jill. Remember me?" His voice was soft and warm, as if it were meant just for her.
Jill blinked, shocked for a second. She'd been lost in thought, and his presence brought her back to reality. "Yeah, you're Curt, right?" she replied, her voice full of teasing astonishment.
"Still, Curt!" he laughed, settling into the chair beside her. "Haven't changed either."
Jill replied with a soft and pleasant chuckle. She had not expected this: a simple encounter had become more unexpected. But there was something about him. He was relaxed and straightforward.
"Am I bothering you?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with a teasing edge.
"No, not at all," Jill quickly said, more out of politeness than anything else. "You're welcome; please have a seat."
Curt slumped back in his seat, his gaze fixed on her for longer than necessary. "I'm surprised I haven't seen you around before," he paused and enquired cautiously. "Are you new here?"
Jill shook her head, her lips curving slightly as she turned toward him. "No, I've been around. I don't hang around much."
She enjoyed silence, the shelter of her thoughts. But Curt was different. Notwithstanding her usual distance, there was something about him she couldn't ignore.
"Well," Curt said, breaking the brief silence between them, "I'm glad we met."
The words were simple but hung in the air like a subtle invitation. "Would you be interested in grabbing dinner sometime?" he asked casually, but the sincerity in his voice made Jill's heart accelerate.
Jill's thoughts raced, searching for reasons to say no. She could already hear her mother's voice, reminding her of her responsibilities and the cautious road she needed to take. The idea of breaking the rules, of wandering outside the carefully set boundaries she had created for herself, disturbed her.
"Dinner sounds nice," she remarked softly, her gaze drawn to the desk before her. "But I'm sort of under watch. "A car is waiting for me after class." She could feel the words coming out of her mouth before she realised why.
Curt raised an eyebrow, looking pretty interested. "Whoa, that sounds pretty wild," he said, leaning in a bit. "Is there any chance you could…. You know, bend the rules a bit?"
"Bend the rules?" Jill's lips curled into a small smile, but the tension in her chest made her uneasy. Was this how people lived, free of the constant pressures of obligation and expectation? "You want me to lie?"
Curt laughed, his tone warm and easy. "Don't lie—just bend the truth a little." His smile was playful, and his eyes sparkled with mischief.
Jill stared at him for a moment, considering his offer. It was tempting. She could imagine it now—sneaking away from the watchful eyes, breaking free from the invisible chains that held her down.
"I'll see what I can do," she said finally, her words coming out slower than she had planned. "But not today."
Curt's countenance softened, becoming more uncomplicated. "I would appreciate it if you could attend."
The sincerity in his voice calmed her stomach. It was a feeling she had missed for so long, a hint of hope in the air between them.
"I will see to it," she said, standing as the students settled in.
"Thanks, Jill," Curt replied, his voice dropping just enough to make her feel like he was speaking only to her. As he walked away, he turned to wink at her, and for the first time that day, Jill felt something ignite within her—a small spark of something new.
She smiled warmly as he disappeared into the crowd, the warmth of his words lingering from their recent peaceful moment.