Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 53

“Into it,” Darren suddenly interjected, “then | owe you one.”

After hanging up. Wallis raised an eyebrow, “Professor Yearwood seemed pretty hyped, huh?” “He’s got a good temper.”

“| beg to differ.” Wallis pinched his chin, pondered for a couple of seconds and said, “Last time. at the party, some girl was hitting on him, and he barely said two words before he ditched her with his dessert to find you.”

hadn't noticed that bit. “You talking about Darren?”

“Yep.” Wallis clapped me on the shoulder, “So, when you're picking out a basket for Professor Yearwood, make sure you choose carefully.”

| was about to argue, but then | saw Hogan and Cecilia standing a few steps away.

Cecilia, with a smile beaming across her face, said, “Is Xaviera picking out some strawberries for Professor Yearwood?” They all heard it.

Wallis responded, “Director Irwin, you've got some sharp ears, catching all that from way over there.”

Cecilia wasn’t annoyed, replying, “Hogan said the strawberries here are super crunchy, brought me over to try them, we just happened to pass by.”

Wallis grinned, “Why take it so seriously, Director Irwin? It’s all in good fun.”

Cecilia eyed the basket in my hands and sighed, “Xaviera, you are so sweet to Professor Yearwood, thinking of him even when you're out having fun. Professor Yearwood would be thrilled if he knew.”

| looked down at the plump berries in my basket and said calmly, “You're right, Director Irwin. | should’ve invited Professor Yearwood along.”

After all, it was free. Why not take advantage of it?

But Cecilia's smile froze at the comers of her mouth.

Wallis picked up the conversation. “That’s a great idea, next time we do a team building, we should allow plus—ones.” Plus—ones?

Where was this coming fro

from?

As evening approached, we returned from Honto Abbey with our spoils.

| went to see my uncle with strawberries in hand.

Looking at the fresh and appetizing strawberries, my uncle sighed. “1—If only your aunt and m—m-my girl were here. She’s g-got crafty hands. c—could’ve made s—some strawberry jam for the k-kid.”

1 comforted him, “Sure thing.”

He was in a rush to his night shift, so | didn’t linger long. Before | stepped onto the subway, he hurried over and handed me a bag of roasted chestnuts. “E-eat them while they're here”

| didn’t think much of it until | was on the subway and found something extra in the cadragine

Opening it. | saw several neatly rolled—up cash.

Not much, just fifty dollars.

There was also a note from my uncle. [Xaviera, | have a job now. Remember to treat yourself to something nice.]

Suddenly, | felt a lump in my throat, almost bursting into tears.

Fifty dollars couldn’t even buy one of Hogan’s pens.

See, life’s just that unfair.

In a daze, | missed my stop and didn’t get back to my neighborhood until it was quiet late at night. As fate would have it, just as | entered the building, | ran into Hogan lighting up a cigarette.

He was wearing just a thin crew-neck sweater, sleeves slightly rolled up, revealing a bit of his firm muscles.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

When | looked over, he was leaning against the wall, gently blowing out a ring of smoke, frowning slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of corifusion, a sort of inexplicable dejection.

| remember he didn’t use to smoke.

Seeing me, he gave me the once-over, his gaze finally resting on the basket by my side, and he said in a deep voice, “Did you deliver it already?”