The week had brought a noticeable shift in everyone's lives. Justin, determined to keep his focus, deliberately avoided any drama, he steered clear of both Chloe and Melanie, refusing to let distractions pull him away from his goals.
Meanwhile, Bella and Kathy were deep into their studies. Bella made a conscious decision to prioritize her exams above everything else, choosing not to get caught up in relationship dramas or past heartbreaks. She and Austin were still together, their bond growing stronger with each passing day, giving her a quiet comfort amid the stress.
As the first day of exams arrived, a nervous energy filled the campus. Students buzzed with anxious anticipation, each silently hoping their preparation would be enough. The countdown had begun, and with it, the pressure to perform.
The morning of the first exam dawned clear but chilly. Bella sat at the breakfast table with Kathy, her notes spread out but her mind restless. Kathy sipped her tea, trying to calm her own nerves.
"Are you ready for today?" Kathy asked, glancing over at Bella.
Bella gave a small, determined nod. "I have to be. No distractions. Austin and I talked last night, he wants me to focus, and honestly, I want to prove to myself I can do this."
Kathy smiled. "That's the spirit. I'm proud of you. "
Bella's lips curved in a soft smile. "Things are just... different. Easier, happier."
Meanwhile, across campus, Justin sat alone in the library, flipping through his notes but struggling to concentrate. The weight of recent weeks still lingered, but he pushed it aside. He wasn't going to let anything derail his focus, not now.
John caught sight of him and came over, dropping a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Ready for today, man?"
Justin exhaled slowly. "As ready as I'll ever be. No more drama. Just me and these exams."
John nodded approvingly. "Good. That's the way."
____
Hours later, the first exam was over. Students trickled out of the exam halls, some relieved, others anxious about their performance. Bella and Kathy walked back to their apartment, books in hand but thoughts already shifting.
"The next one's on Friday," Bella said, a little tired but focused. "We've got a few days to really buckle down."
Kathy nodded, stretching. "Perfect timing. I'm going to hit the library hard these next few days."
Across town, Justin and John returned to their apartment, the weight of the first exam easing off. Justin sank into the couch, exhaustion evident but determination still burning.
"We've got time till Friday," John said, tossing a bag onto the floor. "Let's make it count."
As everyone settled back into their routines, the pressure was real, but so was the hope for a fresh start.
Justin and John were just chilling, catching a breather after the first exam, when Justin's phone buzzed. It was Austin calling.
"Hey, big bro!" Austin's voice crackled through the speaker, full of excitement.
Justin smiled. "Austin! What's up?"
"I'm coming over Thursday," Austin said, surprising him. "Finally getting to meet you and John again and also, you both meet my girlfriend !"
John's eyes lit up. "That's awesome, man! Can't wait."
Austin chuckled. "How'd your exam go?"
Justin shrugged. "It was okay. Next paper's Friday."
"Cool, cool," Austin replied. "We'll make sure to catch up properly then."
They chatted a little more about classes, studying, and plans before Austin said goodbye.
Justin ended the call feeling a bit lighter, looking forward to Thursday already.
Back at Kathy and Bella's place, they were sitting on the couch, books and notes scattered around them but their focus wasn't entirely on studying. Kathy looked up and asked, "So, are you and Austin going to see each other anytime soon?"
Bella smiled, nodding. "Yeah, he said he's coming over Thursday. Wants to see his brother and, get this, he wants to introduce me to him."
Kathy's face lit up. "Aww, that's so sweet! I bet you can't wait."
They both laughed, the tension of exams momentarily forgotten as they giggled, sharing the warmth of the moment.
As they laughed, Bella's phone suddenly buzzed. She glanced at the screen, it was her mom calling. She quickly answered, "Hello, Mom."
"Hi Bella, how are you?" her mom's warm voice came through.
"I'm fine, Mom. How about you?"
"I'm good, sweetheart. Sorry I haven't said much about our meetup lately. I've just been really busy."
Bella nodded, even though her mom couldn't see her. "It's okay, Mom. I understand."
Her mom continued, "Your dad told me your exams have started. We'll probably see each other after they're done, okay?"
"Yeah, that sounds good," Bella replied softly.
Before ending the call, her mom added, "I've sent some money to you and Kathy. Please take care of yourself."
"Thank you, Mom. I will," Bella said with a smile, feeling a little lighter despite the stress of exams.
Bella ended the call slowly, staring at her phone screen for a moment before placing it down beside her. Her smile had faded into a blank stare.
Kathy, who had been watching her, tilted her head. "You okay?"
Bella nodded slightly, but her mind was clearly elsewhere. Her thoughts spiraled. She's postponing again. It wasn't the first time. Her mom always had an excuse, busy with work, not the right timing, let's wait till exams are over. But the truth was, Bella didn't know how to feel about the idea of meeting her mom again.
"It's just… weird," Bella murmured finally. "I mean… if we finally meet, I don't even know what I'll say. It'll probably be so awkward."
Kathy looked at her gently. "Awkward how?"
Bella sighed, leaning back on the bed. "She's like… a stranger. I've never really been around her. What am I supposed to say? 'Hi Mom, I'm your daughter. Nice to finally see you again after all these years?'" She gave a sad little laugh. "It's going to be cringe as hell."
Kathy didn't speak immediately, giving Bella space to vent her emotions. Bella's chest felt heavy, not just from the stress of exams, but from the quiet ache she never voiced about growing up without her mom present. The woman who gave birth to her had always felt more like a distant figure than a parent.