Page 74 of Sincerely, Butterfly

She tosses her head back and laughs.

“What?” My brows furrow.

“Is it in the Benson building?” she asks, eyes glimmering with amusement.

“Yes, why?”

“Because that's my next class too.”

My brows jump, and I huff out a laugh. “Really?”

She nods. “Let me see your schedule.”

I hand my phone over, letting her look it over.

Turns out we have biology and physics together Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this semester, and biochemistry next semester.

I didn’t realize how much our careers would blend together.

“Thank fuck we’re in some classes together.” Callie hands me my phone back. “While I’m not actively searching for friends here, I’m glad I’ve made at least one.” She winks.

I just blink at her.Okay, so we’re doing this? We’re friends?

“Yeah.” I can’t help but smile. “Same.”

“I’m starving, and it’s a little after lunch time. I told my brother that I’d meet him and his friends to go out and grab something since we have a few hours to kill before our next class. Did you want to come?”

“I don’t know,” I say hesitantly. “I’m not good around new people.”

“How about you meet them first, then decide? If you don’t feel comfortable, I’ll totally understand, and we can just meet up after for our next class.”

She’s not judging me, not pushing me, not making fun of me. She’s just letting me be… me.

And that's the only reason why I agree to at least meet her brother and his friends. Who knows, maybe they’re not complete assholes. She seems pretty cool, so maybe that same sentiment will extend to them.

“Sure, I guess.” I nod.

“Yay!” She smiles. She types something on her phone before looking back up at me. “Just finding out where they are now.” Her phone dings as she gets a reply. “Guess they’re in the parking lot waiting by my car.” She rolls her eyes. “Honestly, I’m surprised he’s not waiting nearby, following me like some overprotective bodyguard.”

“He’s really that bad?” I grin.

“He’s all I got, really.” She shrugs. “I don’t mind. But he'd better let me live my life, because this girl has been locked up for far too long. I’m now free.” She throws her arms out. “The worldis at my fingertips.”

“You only got one life to live, why not make it the best one you can?” I laugh, loving her energetic vibe.

“Exactly.” She snaps her fingers and points at me. “You get it.”

We head towards the parking lot, talking about the other courses we’re taking next semester.

“Yup. There they are. Waiting like big scary guard dogs,” Callie sighs.

My eyes search in the direction she's looking, and my heart leaps into my chest as I nearly trip over my feet when I see who's there.

Sylas, Jasper, and Wesley are leaning against a deep red car.

With each breath I take, my mind spins.

How can this be?