Chapter 12:
Millie's hands trembled slightly as she closed her notebook.
She couldn't take it anymore.
Pamela's soft laughter, the way she leaned into Alex's space, and worst of all—Pam. That nickname didn't come from a stranger.
"I think," Millie said, her voice tight but polite, "we should just think over what we discussed today and… maybe talk about it tomorrow?"
Alex's brow furrowed. "Millie, are you-"
"Yeah," she continued, standing abruptly and gathering her things. "It's been a long day."
Pamela blinked. "Oh? But we were just getting started…"
"I'll write down a few ideas later and send them to you," Millie said, slinging her bag over her shoulder without meeting Alex's eyes.
She turned to leave.
"Wait," Alex said, pushing up from his seat. "I'll walk you—"
"Al?" Pamela cut in quickly, stepping between them with a sunny smile that didn't reach her eyes. "You promised to take me home, remember?"
Alex paused.
Millie didn't.
She didn't turn around. She didn't let them see the sting on her face or the ache in her chest.
"I'll be fine," she said quietly, still walking. "Rachel's coming to meet me anyway."
It was a lie.
But right now, she couldn't bear to be looked at with pity or indifference.
Behind her, she heard Pamela's voice fade into a soft coo: "Come on, Al. You promise."
Alex didn't call after Millie again.
The air outside was cool, and the breeze brushed Millie's cheeks like a gentle reminder that the world kept turning—even when your heart felt like stopping.
She walked briskly, keeping her head down. Her steps echoed on the pavement, the streets growing quieter the further she got from school. She let out a shaky sigh.
"Millie?"
She startled, looking up sharply.
Ted was standing by the vending machine near the corner bookstore.
His hands were shoved in his pockets, hair messily falling over his brow. He looked surprised to see her. She hadn't seen him since… well, since that conversation they both tried to forget.
"Oh," Millie said. "Hey."
"Hey," Ted replied, a little awkward. "You… walking home alone?"
"Yeah. I—Rachel was supposed to meet me, but she's busy today."
Ted nodded, then scratched the back of his neck. "Mind if I walk with you?"
Millie hesitated.
Then, after a beat, she gave a small shrug. "Sure."
They walked side by side in silence for a few steps, the tension thick but not unbearable.
"Look," Ted finally said, "about last time… I am so sorry again."
Millie glanced at him, surprised. "You don't have to—"
"I do," he cut in. "I was being selfish. I was wrapped up in my own stuff, and I forgot what a real friend looks like. That's on me."
Millie didn't answer right away. Then she offered him a faint, tired smile.
"Well… you still kinda owe me a snack."
Ted laughed. "I'll buy you two."
Their laughter mingled, soft and genuine.
And for the first time that day, Millie felt happy and content.
Back to Alex and Pamela on their way home.
The walk with Pamela was lively as usual, until they stopped outside a small, warmly lit convenience store on the corner of her street.
"I want juice," she said suddenly, tugging his sleeve.
Alex rolled his eyes. "You always want juice."
She grinned. "You always buy it."
Minutes later, they stepped back outside, Pamela happily sipping on a fruity bottle of something too sugary.
"Thanks, Al!" she beamed, skipping ahead a few steps like a kid.
Alex caught up, hands in his pockets. "Okay, seriously—what are you doing in the city? Last I heard, you were still in the countryside with Granny Shino. Is everything okay?"
She smiled. "She is okay, thank you very much."
He raised an eyebrow.
Pamela took a longer sip, then slowed her steps. "Well… my grandma finally took care of everything. She wanted me to have a real shot, you know? So here I am. I'm staying alone, just studying and trying to become what she always believed I could be."
Alex glanced at her, quietly impressed. "That's good. I am relieved."
She smiled, then added more softly, "But, between you and me… I didn't just choose this high school because of my grandma."
Alex tilted his head. "No?"
Pamela turned to face him, walking backward now. "I chose it because of you."
He blinked.
She kept going while grabbing his arm. "When we were little, I always felt like the weird countryside girl. But you were the only one who played with me. Treated me like I belonged. You even told me I could do anything."
Alex scratched his neck. "I don't remember saying anything like that…"
Pamela giggled. "You didn't. We were seven. You said I ran fast like a wild goat."
Alex laughed despite himself. "Sounds more accurate."
Pamela stopped walking, her face suddenly serious under the streetlight. "Still… that meant everything to me. So I came here to support you. Like you supported me."
Alex softened. "Pam, I don't need any support, I…"
She looked up with a cheeky smirk. "And also… I came to keep my promise."
"…What promise?"
Pamela put both hands behind her back and swayed slightly. "To marry you."
Alex stared at her. "Wait—what?!"
She shrugged with faux innocence. "You don't remember? We made a pact. You said we'd get married when we're grown-ups."
"I was probably bribing you to stop crying."
"That's not how I remember it, I love you, my lovely Al," she said, turning away with a sing-song tone. "Anyway, I'm leaving for today. Thank you for the juice, my lovely Al. See you tomorrow!"
Alex blinked as she began skipping off.
"Wait, she what?" "Pamela Shepherd, come here," he said while being flustered.
Then she disappeared around the corner, leaving Alex standing dumbfounded under the flickering street lamp.
Out of sight, Pamela slowed her steps.
Her cheerful smile faded.
She glanced up at the night sky, her grip tightening around the bottle in her hands.
"I'm so happy to see you're okay," she whispered to no one. "That's enough for me today."
Then she walked off, alone.