Chapter 16:
The train hummed softly as it raced through stretches of open fields, sunlight spilling across the windows like liquid gold. Millie pressed her face lightly to the glass, her eyes sparkling with wonder as she took in the vibrant green hills and seas of wildflowers swaying in the breeze.
"This is so beautiful," she whispered, her voice laced with awe. "I could stare at this all day. I wish I could run through those flowers."
Eliot, seated nearby, leaned back with a casual smirk. "I guess this is your first time seeing something like this, huh? Since you were… you know, always sick and all."
Millie blinked and turned to him, her head tilting slightly. "Are you talking to me?"
Eliot raised an eyebrow. "Uh, yes?"
She gave him a blank stare. "And you are…?"
"Why does no one remember me?" he groaned dramatically, clutching his chest like he'd been shot. "I'm Eliot Rich—the handsome guy of our class. The Eliot Rich. You know, the one everyone's supposed to admire?"
Millie giggled softly. "Oh, right. Eliot. Well… yes, it's my first time seeing all of this." Her voice softened as she turned back to the window, eyes glistening slightly. "There's so much I'm experiencing for the first time lately. It almost doesn't feel real."
Her fingers brushed against her cheek as she blinked back tears.
Eliot frowned, realizing his comment had struck something tender. "Ah… hey, I didn't mean to bring up your sickness or upset you or anything."
She shook her head quickly and wiped her eyes. "No, it's okay. These aren't sad tears." A warm smile bloomed on her face. "This is nothing but pure joy."
Wordlessly, Eliot reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, holding it out. "Here. I hope you'll have more moments like this. Full of joy, not tears."
Millie hesitated, then accepted it with a grateful nod. "Thank you. I hope so too."
Meanwhile: At the Library
Rachel's eyes scanned the rows of books in the quiet library, her hand brushing along the spines until she spotted the title she needed. She stretched up on her tiptoes, fingers barely grazing it. With a small huff, she tried jumping.
A hand reached over her shoulder and plucked the book with ease.
"Oh—thank yo—" Rachel's voice faltered as she turned and saw Ted towering over her, holding out the book.
"You can have it," he said flatly.
"Thank you," she murmured, clutching the book to her chest.
Ted turned as if to leave, but Rachel's hand shot out, clutching the hem of his shirt.
"Wait," she whispered.
Ted froze, his voice low and serious. "Why?"
Rachel hesitated. "I… I didn't expect to see you here. Do you need help with anything?"
"You don't need to worry about that. If that's all, let go."
Her grip tightened slightly. "I'm sorry."
Ted's brow furrowed. "What are you sorry for?"
"You… want me to say it out loud?"
"Fine. If you don't know, let go then."
"Okay—I'll say it." Her voice wavered. "I'm sorry for making things awkward. For ignoring you. And for leaving you waiting on the rooftop that day."
Ted didn't turn, though his shoulders stiffened.
"I didn't know how to face you after what happened on stage," Rachel continued softly. "It's been weeks, but… I can't stop thinking about it. Even if it was accidental… it was my first kiss. And it counts."
Ted's ears turned pink.
"I was too embarrassed," she admitted. "I kept thinking about you. I just… need some time. Right now, I'm too focused on other things."
At last, Ted turned fully to her, his expression unreadable.
"I'll wait for you," he said quietly. "Just don't ignore me anymore."
Rachel's face flamed scarlet, her lips parting in surprise. She nodded, unable to speak as Ted's hand reached out, gently ruffling her hair.
And for the first time in weeks, Ted smiled. Brightly.
Back to the Trip
"We're finally here!" Pamela's voice cut through the buzz of the crowd like a firecracker as they stepped off the train. She threw her arms up dramatically. "Welcome to the ultimate summer adventure!"
Alex rubbed his temple. "Can you not scream? And where are we exactly?"
Pamela turned with a twirl. "Behold—an amusement park! The reviews said it's a must-visit."
Millie gasped as her eyes widened, the colorful rides and decorations reflecting in her pupils. She raised her phone and began snapping pictures, her cheeks glowing with delight.
"Al, come here," Pamela said suddenly. "You're sticking with me today."
Meg fidgeted nervously before moving closer to Millie. "If you want… I can be your guide for the day. To make up for… you know."
"You'd do that for me?" Millie asked, surprised.
Meg nodded. "Of course. After what happened in gym class, I feel bad."
"What happened in gym class?" Millie tilted her head. "Oh well—anyway, where should we start?"
"Stop right there!" Pamela interrupted, placing her hands on her hips. "This is a group trip. No splitting up. I have everything planned. Trust me."
Alex groaned. "Why would we trust you? You've never even been here."
"Excuse me? I researched this place for weeks! Watched videos, read blogs… I'm practically an expert now."
"Let's give her a chance," Meg said timidly.
"Adventures, let's goooo!" Pamela cheered.
The group tackled everything—the haunted house, the underground maze, a splash-filled waterfall ride. Millie posed for photos with a rabbit mascot handing out free candy, and soon the entire group joined her, capturing the memory.
But as the hours passed, Millie's steps grew slower, heavier. She hid it behind her smile, not wanting to ruin the fun.
Alex noticed.
"Let's stop here," he said suddenly, pointing at a cozy-looking cat café.
Everyone cheered in agreement.
At the café, waiters in cat-themed uniforms served cakes and chilled drinks. Eliot, sitting coolly, handed over a sleek black card.
"I'll pay for everyone," he announced arrogantly.
Pamela glanced at him. "Wow, thanks. We'll order extra then."
Meg's eyes widened. "A black card? You're rich?"
"Yes. Eliot Rich, get it?" he said proudly. "I'll tell you more about my family's empire—"
Millie tuned out his monologue as she texted Liz updates about their day.
Her phone buzzed.
Isn't it time to take your medicine?
Millie blinked. Who is this? she typed back.
Before she could see the reply, her father called.
"Sorry, I need to step out for this," she told the group, heading for the quiet hallway.
"Hey, sweetheart, how is it going?" Peter's warm voice said through the line.
"Hi, Dad! Great! I'll send you some pictures soon—we're having so much fun."
"I'm so glad. Just don't forget to take your medicine."
"I won't," she promised.
As she hung up, a low voice spoke behind her.
"So you're not even going to answer my message?"
She jumped slightly and turned. Alex stood there, arms folded.
"What message?"
"Don't tell me you didn't save my number," he said with an exasperated sigh.
"We… never exchanged numbers."
"We're in the same group chat," he pointed out flatly.
"Yes, but I didn't want to save it without your permission."
Alex ran a hand through his hair, muttering, "Unbelievable. Give me your phone."
She handed it over hesitantly. He typed quickly, saved his number, and handed it back.
"There. You're officially allowed to text me now," he said with a faint smirk.
Millie looked down at the screen, her cheeks warming. "Thanks."
"Take your meds before coming back, I will order for you," Alex added in a quieter tone.
"Right," she murmured.
From around the corner, Eliot watched the exchange with a raised eyebrow.
"Interesting…" he murmured to himself.