Chapter forty-nine | When Dreams Come True

I focused my eyes on salted roads as heaps of snow gathered on the sides.

It was snowing wildly for mid-December, making this year colder than earlier ones.

I tried to keep my mind away from the thoughts of my best friend. I wanted to talk with Connor about his actions and his feelings, but I didn't know how to approach the topic.

My musing came to a halt when Cynthia wrapped her hand around mine. From the corner of my eyes, I glanced at her.

"So, did you get an answer to your early application?" Cynthia asked, changing the topic.

She knew the turmoil inside my mind, making me smile slightly.

"Not yet. To be honest, I am not expecting acceptance. I mean, the chances of me getting into MIT will be as slim as me winning a medal in athletics."

Cynthia giggled at my words and shook her head. "I see that you are confident."

Before I could reply, the cars pulled up into a cafe's parking.

Just as my feet touched the wet ground, my eyes found Connor. He was stepping out of the car with three girls in tow.

As a smile filled his face, I couldn't help but wonder if it were true or not. Luna's words had somehow triggered my over-thinking self, making me question Connor's every action.

Cynthia shook my arm slightly, bringing me back to the present.

I looked down at her as she looked up at me concerned. "You can talk to Connor about it. Don't worry," she reassured, making me nod.

Pulling her closer, I inhaled her calming citrus scent and placed a kiss on top of her head.

Throughout the date, my eyes kept straying towards Connor and Luna.

With Luna's words echoing in my mind, it was easy to notice the subtle gestures.

It was as if a fog disappeared from my mind, and I could see everything clearly.

The lingering touch, the straying eyes, and the sighs of dejection; everything became obvious to my eyes.

Their awkwardness was so clearly visible with their forced gestures that I wondered why I didn't notice it earlier.

I berated myself internally for not observing this earlier. My fists clenched beneath the table as my jaw ticked.

My eyes analyzed (maybe over-analyzed) his every move. I thought he was over Navya by now, but his actions spoke otherwise.

I am such an idiot! I screamed in my mind.

My anger towards myself bubbled to a dangerous level. I felt a small hand around my fist, making me turn towards my left.

I gave Cynthia a questioning look as she leaned closer to me. Her breath tickled my ear as she pressed herself against my side. "Calm down! Don't hold yourself responsible for anything, or I will wack you over your head," she threatened.

Some of my anger disappeared, and my eyes softened. I couldn't help but twitch my lips upwards at her threat.

I cupped her cheek with my other hand and slanted my lips over hers.

She gasped in surprise as my lips touched hers. The kiss was innocent as I pulled back quickly. But it didn't disappoint because sparks shot through my body, and my heart raced wildly.

Wolf whistles and cheering filled our table as the other customers gave us a curious look.

"My man is getting it tonight!" Connor yelled, making me shoot a dirty look towards him.

"Shut the fuck up!" I said, throwing a balled napkin his way.

Not noticing my attack, he kept on laughing but choked as the napkin landed in his mouth. He coughed wildly and hunched over as I bit my lips in amusement.

Navya chuckled and laughed wildly as Luna rubbed his back. Andrea giggled, shaking in her seat.

"You f-fuck face! You asshole," he gasped a few minutes later. "You fucking tried to kill me!"

I scrunched my nose up and gave him a long look. "Unfortunately, I failed."

Another round of hysterical laughter filled the table, and Connor glowered my way. In the end, he huffed and pouted like a petulant child.

We were there for the next two hours, talking about nothing to everything.

Not even once I touched the topic of Connor and Luna's relationship or relationships in general. It was something I wanted to discuss with him alone.

Cups of coffee piled up on our table as snacks disappeared like air. We were obnoxious, making the people around us scowl.

"I am getting fat every day, ever since I started to date you, I gained 10 pounds! 10 POUNDS, ELI!" she exclaimed as her hands moved wildly. Her body leaned against mine as we made our way back to the car.

"I don't mind as long as it doesn't affect your health." I gave a shrug, making her huff.

As I opened the car door for her, she gave me a slight shove. "I will drive," she announced and snatched the keys from my hands before I could protest.

I rolled my eyes as she adjusted the seat according to her size, pulling it closer to the wheel.

"You are seriously short," I muttered as finally, her feet reached towards the pedals.

She huffed and pulled the car out of the parking. "I am not short. You are a freaky long... like a giant with no muscles," she muttered.

We exchanged no words as the hum of the radio filled the silence. It was odd how this silence was just so comfortable.

After staring at the white scapes for a few moments, I shifted in my seat. Turning towards Cynthia, I found her staring at the road in complete concentration.

"Do you think Connor will get over Navya anytime soon?" I voiced the question plaguing my thoughts.

Cynthia was quiet for a few moments as she thought about the answer. "It depends. It might take time, but he will get over her. It has just been a few months, and to forget about deep feelings like love with years-long relationships takes time. Maybe if he meets someone special, he will let go sooner," she answered, reassuring me with her words.

"Maybe," I muttered with uncertainty lacing my voice. "I just want him to be happy." A dejected sigh escaped me as my head hung low.

We pulled in front of my house as the other car parked nearby too.

I cut our conversation short as I heard Navya and Connor bickering as they stepped out.

Cynthia wrapped her hand around mine and gave it a reassuring squeeze. I offered a sad smile as she stared up at my face in question.

My phone pinged, making me pull it out from my pocket.

I went stalking still as I read the message on the screen.

"Cynthia, I got a reply for my early application," I muttered, making her peer over my phone screen.

With an excited squeal, she shook me slightly. "Then open it!"

I nodded and gulped. Pressing on the small email notification, I typed my password in. My body shook as Cynthia squeezed my hands.

"Calm down, Eli. I am sure you will get accepted... maybe... at least deferred but certainly not rejected," she tried to reassure me as I felt nervous for no reason at all.

"What is happening?" Luna asked as the group collected all around me.

I read through the mail rapidly and blinked at the text. With a choked gasp, I read the text again, making sure I got it right.

"Looks like I got accepted," I whisper in awe.