Page 98 of Hannah.
I chuckle and set the cup down. “I’m not normally this nervous.”
“Well, it’s good to see you,” he replies. “I wasn’t expecting to run into you today.”
“Yeah, well, it’s always a surprise to run into a friend,” I say, watching his face for a reaction.
“Are we friends?” His eyes light up.
“I hope so. We've had fun, haven’t we? I’m gonna go out on a limb and say yes, we’re definitely friends.”
Conrad smiles. “Okay. Good.”
“Did you, by any chance, have heard of Johan? He has canceled both Monday and Wednesday classes.”
Conrad seems uneasy, as if apprehensive to tell me the truth. “I think he’s taking the day off. Not sure why, but that’s all I know.”
“That’s all?” I ask him, my gaze focused on him. “Is this because of his dad or something?”
Conrad shrugs, looking nonchalant. “I don’t know.”
On a whim, I reach out to grab his wrist, turning it so I can see the time on his watch. Dropping his hand, I tell him, “Oh shoot. I need to get to class.”
I think I’ve made a mistake by touching him when I look up and see that he’s smiling, but there’s nothing to be done about it now. “I’ll walk you!”
I almost tell him no, but decide against it. With the distinct possibility of losing Astrid as a friend, I need to keep whatever allies I can. And Conrad admitted we’re friends. He’s a nice enough guy; he just needs to understand where we stand.
We walk side-by-side, him asking me how classes are going and me answering. Then, when we arrive at the door, I stop and smile. “Thanks for walking me to class.”
“I’m glad I did. Maybe I'll see you later?”
I shrug. “Maybe.”
He sighs and says, “Hannah, can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” I reply, but I think I already know what’s coming.
His expression is somber, and he takes his time examining my face with his eyes, the frown at the corner of his mouth growing. “Are you...involved with someone else?”
I hesitate. Do I lie? Should I lie? He’s obviously disappointed and maybe even hurt, but he’s not acting like the kind of guy who would make trouble for me. If I’m honest, which I want to be, will he start asking questions?
“I am,” I answer. It’s true, after all. Johan is the only one for me, even if I don't know where he is.
“Oh. Okay. It’s just…never mind.” He swallows and then looks away. Other students are pouring into the lecture all around me, and I’m anxious to find my seat. Then Conrad adds, “Have you heard the news?”
I frown at his question. “What news?”
Conrad smiles now, but there’s a deep sadness in it. “It’s not my place to say. But if you need me later, call me, Hannah. Or text me. Any time of the day or night.”
“Um, thank you,” I say, puzzled by his odd behavior. “I have to go in now. Class is starting.”
“See you later,” he says and touches my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. Then he turns and walks away, leaving me confused and a little worried.
The lecture is a blur, and as much as I try to pay attention, the only thing on my mind is Johan and the lack of information about him. I do take notes, scribbling furiously, but at the same time, wondering how the hell I’m going to find him. I’m trying to force my attention back on the lecture when my phone goes off on the table beside me. It’s on silent, so the text just vibrates, but I see the screen light up and can’t contain my curiosity.
Astrid:Hey.I’m sorry about yesterday. I’ve had a lot going on. Can we get lunch today, please? I have big news to share!
My heart soars. Maybe I haven’t lost Astrid’s friendship after all. Her normal warm, friendly tone shines even through the text.
Me:Of course. Where and when?