"Annie?" Bella's eyes widened in surprise as she spotted the familiar figure waiting near the entrance of the science building. Annie was a casual friend, someone she said hi to in the hallways, exchanged a few words with between classes, occasionally sat next to during lectures when other seats were full. They weren't close, but they were friendly. Enough that Bella recognized her face, her smile, the way she tucked her hair behind her ear when she was nervous.
Annie was clearly nervous now.
Annie hurried toward her, her steps quick, her hands clutching a notebook to her chest. "Oh my god, Bella! I've been looking everywhere for you. I don't have your number, so I've been waiting here every day. Hoping you'd come back."
Bella's brow furrowed. "What's wrong? You look stressed."
Annie glanced around at the students streaming past them, laughing, talking, heading to their classes. "Can we talk somewhere? Alone?"
