Callie grabbed his hand as he was about to open the car door, her smile a bit stiff. “Didn’t you also study here for a year before? There’s nothing new to see.”
“School celebrations are lively, let’s join in the fun,” Nelson said, holding her hand and leading her out of the car.
Callie had no choice but to follow.
Nelson, dressed in a black coat, stood in front of her, blocking most of the wind. Just looking at him gave her a sense of security.
In the vast expanse of the world, the woman seemed so small, hiding behind the man, as if she was naturally well-protected.
There was a lake nearby, with sycamore trees lining its banks. Red leaves fell into the clear green water.
A little further ahead was the bustling event site.
Nelson, somewhat absent-minded, suddenly asked, “Did you ever date anyone in college?”
Callie’s pupils dilated slightly. She paused before answering, “Why do you ask all of a sudden?”
Nelson turned his head. “I just thought such a beautiful scenery is perfect for college romances.”
Callie couldn’t figure out what he meant. She tightened her grip on his arm and asked back, “What about you? Did you date anyone in college?”
Her thoughts were transparent. Nelson turned around and said plainly, “No. After a year at Ylosea, I got a scholarship to Boston. The studies abroad were tough, and I focused mostly on my grades. I didn’t have time for dating.”
“So pure and ascetic, I find that hard to believe,” Callie half-joked. “You’re so handsome; there must have been many admirers.”
Her sweet talk made Nelson pinch her chin, half-warning and half-serious. “You haven’t answered my question yet.”
Callie met his gaze, knowing she couldn’t avoid it. “I dated someone for over a year. He went abroad for studies, and we broke up.”
It was true, not a lie.
Nelson’s smile faded. She quickly added, “We were young then, couldn’t tell right from wrong. It was just an experience. Why, Mr. Oconnor, are you angry about this too?”
He let go of her chin and said he wasn’t angry. “Was he an upperclassman?”
“… Yes.”
Nelson had never regretted any choice in his life, but hearing this made him regret choosing to go abroad back then.
“If I had stayed, maybe I would have met you earlier.”
Callie laughed at that. She couldn’t imagine what it would have been like to date Nelson in school. The thought amused her so much that she bent over laughing.
“What are you laughing at?” Nelson asked, puzzled by her laughter, supporting her so she wouldn’t fall to the ground.
“I just thought that back then, you must have been so arrogant, looking down on everyone,” Callie imagined the scene and laughed even harder.
Nelson reached out to tickle her. “Is that how you see me, Callie?”
Callie raised her hands in surrender. “I was wrong, I was wrong. It’s windy by the lake; let’s go back quickly.”
Nelson pulled her up and was about to agree when suddenly a voice called out-
“Callie!”
They both turned to see a slender woman walking towards them with a smile. As she got closer, Callie recognized her. “Aimee?”
Aimee had also returned for the school celebration.
Aimee walked over with a smile but seemed surprised when she saw the man beside Callie. “And this is…”
Callie exchanged a glance with Nelson. “My husband, Nelson. Nelson, this is my classmate, Aimee Sherman.”