Michael leaned against the polished hood of his car, checking his watch with a growing scowl. "What is taking her so long?" he muttered to the empty air.
Nearby, Tia paced her steps deliberately. In her past life, a single call from him would have sent her heart racing; she would have tripped over her own feet to reach him. Now, seeing him lounging there, he looked like nothing more than a stain on the scenery. The love that once blinded her hadn't just faded—it had rotted away, replaced by a cold, clinical disgust.
"Finally," Michael said as she approached. He searched her face for the usual adoring spark, but found only the same frost from the lecture hall. She's still playing the 'angry' card, he thought, suppressed irritation bubbling up.
"Hello," he offered, his voice smooth and practiced. Tia didn't return the greeting.
"I thought you went home," she said, stopping several feet away.
"I did. But... I came back specifically to see you." He paused, waiting for the blush or the shy smile. Neither came.
"And? I hope this is important. I actually have a life to attend to."
Michael flinched. Her words were sharp, cutting through his ego. "I need a favor," he said, stepping into her personal space to regain the upper hand.
"Make it quick, Michael."
"We have that research assignment due tomorrow. I'm going to be slammed tonight, and I don't think I'll have time to finish it. Can you handle it for me?" He asked it boldly, as if it were a foregone conclusion.
Tia stared at him, momentarily stunned by his sheer gall. Does he really think I'm his personal secretary? she wondered. It hit her then just how much she had enabled his laziness in the past. She had traded her dignity for his academic success, and he had repaid her by cheating with her best friend and used her like a punching bag.
"Are you kidding me?!" Tia's voice rose, sharp enough to turn heads in the courtyard.
Michael hissed, glancing around at the gathering students. "Whoa, keep it down. You're making a scene."
Tia took a breath, lowering her voice but sharpening the edge. "Why on earth can't you do your own work, Michael? Are your hands broken?"
Michael let out a forced chuckle, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from her face—a move that had worked a hundred times before. "Come on, Tia. Are you still sulking about class? I'm sorry, okay? Just help me out this once."
Tia jerked back as if his touch were acid. "The answer is no. I'm busy with my own life. It's not 'possible'—not now, and not ever again."
Michael's smile vanished. "You aren't serious."
"I've never been more serious. In fact, consider my 'assignment service' permanently closed."
"What?" Michael's confusion was genuine. "You can't do that to me."
"Watch me. We're both students here, Michael. You're supposed to study, not coast on the efforts of others. I made a massive mistake by doing your work for you, and honestly? I regret every second of it."
Michael tapped his foot, his mind racing for a way to flip the script. He decided to go for the jugular—her feelings. "Tia... don't you like me anymore?" he asked softly, trying to look vulnerable.
Tia almost laughed. "You think that's a magic spell? Fine, I'll say it: I don't like you. Not anymore. I spent years trying to impress a man who treated me like a convenience. You were never grateful, and you never cared. I'm done being a fool."
"I did like you, Tia. You just... didn't see it."
"Save the lies for someone who hasn't seen behind the mask," she snapped. "Leave. Now. You aren't a child; go do your own homework."
Tia turned her back on him. Michael reached out to grab her arm, but she dodged him with a look of such pure loathing that he froze. He told himself she was just "playing hard to get," but the ice in her eyes suggested a permanent winter.
"Fine," he spat, his ego bruised. "Have it your way." He climbed into his car and tore away from the curb.
As the dust settled, Stella stepped out from the shadows of the residence hall, her eyes wide. She had seen the whole thing. He came all this way just for her? she fumed silently. She approached Tia, tapping her shoulder.
Tia jolted, spinning around. "Oh. It's you."
"Why did he leave looking like he wanted to kill someone?" Stella asked, gesturing toward the gate.
"He didn't realize he wasn't invited to stay the night," Tia replied dryly.
Stella sighed, playing the role of the peacemaker. "I don't know what's wrong with you today, Tia. You're so hostile. What did he want?"
"The usual. He drove all the way back here to demand I do his assignment. Can you believe the nerve?"
"And you said no? He looked furious."
"I don't care about his feelings," Tia said. "It's not my problem."
"But Tia, is it really right to upset him? Especially someone with his status..."
Tia's eyes flashed as she turned on her 'best friend.' "I don't care if he's upset. He doesn't deserve my time. And please don't ask me about him again."
She walked away, leaving Stella standing alone in the cold. Stella watched her go, a slow, predatory smile forming on her lips. "If Tia is stupid enough to throw him away, I'll be the one to catch him, she thought. I'll do his assignment. I'll be the girl he actually needs", she whispered.
*****
Michael drove with a heavy foot, the engine roaring until he realized he was swerving. He slowed down, his grip white-knuckled on the steering wheel. "That girl is becoming a real headache," he hissed.
His phone buzzed—a call from his mother. He ignored it. He was in no mood for her probing questions or her constant praise of "sweet Tia."
When he finally pulled into the mansion, Karen was already at the door. "Why didn't you answer? I was worried sick!" she cried, pulling him into a hug.
"I was driving, Mom. It's fine."
"Lunch is ready. Come, you haven't eaten a thing."
The family gathered at the table, but the air felt heavy. Michael picked at his food, his mind replaying Tia's rejection like a broken record.
"What's wrong, sweetheart?" Karen asked softly.
"Nothing. Just school stress."
"I bet he's thinking about Tia," Jerry chimed in with a smirk.
"Enough!" Michael roared, slamming his fork down. The table went silent. Jerry shrank back, realizing he'd pushed too far. Michael pushed his chair back, his appetite entirely gone, and stormed up the stairs. Behind him, he could hear his siblings starting to bicker, but for the this time, he didn't care enough to stop them. His world was tilting, and the girl who used to keep it steady was the one pushing it over the edge.