Page 10 of You've Found Oliver

“If anything,” she says, “maybe this class will help you figure it out.”

“I hope so.”

As Professor Clarke packs up her things, I glance at the box on the table. “So what’s actually in there, by the way?”

“You know I can’t tell you that,” she answers.

“My guess is there’s nothing inside.”

She looks at me, almost surprised. “If that’s what you choose to believe, then maybe it’s a good thing you’re taking this class. Because for all you know, there’s an entire universe in there.”

I check my phone the second I get out of class. Why hasn’t Ben messaged me back yet? It’s been a few hours already. I know it shouldn’t bother me this much. I mean, we don’t even know each other. But I can’t seem to get him out of my head. Hopefully, I’ll hear from him soon.

I forgot my key card in my room this morning.

So I have to wait for someone to let me into the dorm building.

There’s different music playing in each hallway, like different radio stations.

I’m about to try our door handle when I notice the rubber band.

From what I learned in movies, that’s the universal roommate code for “do not disturb.” We never discussed it before though. Maybe I’ll just knock first.

A moment later, Ethan cracks open the door. But he doesn’t let me in. “Hey, what’s up?”

“Oh, you know, enjoying the hallway. Are you—”

“Busy, yeah.” He points at the rubber band on the knob. “You mind coming back later?”

“What time later?”

Ethan checks his watch. “How about six?”

“Six?” I consider this. “Alright. Fine.”

“Great. Owe you one—” He shuts the door between us.

That’s the longest conversation we’ve had all week. I should have just asked him to grab my key card. But I don’t want to knock again. So I head back down the hallway. Maybe I’ll take a stroll through town.

Someone is waiting outside for me.

“Hey,” Nolan says casually.

I nearly trip on the step. I want to turn around, but the door has already closed behind me. I’m waiting for him to head off, but he just stands there with his hands in his pockets.

“What are you doing here?” I finally ask.

“I wanted to see you.”

I don’t respond.

“And to talk,” he admits. “I tried texting you, but I don’t think they’re going through. Unless you blocked me or…”

“How did you know where I moved?”

“Rachel told me.”

I should have figured that already. She’s one of his best friends, and her younger brother lives on the floor above me. “So you came here to stalk me…”

“I came because I missed you.” His voice is softer than usual. “I’m sorry. It was a mistake, okay? I don’t want things to end over this.” He looks at me with those piecing blue eyes, which might have worked a few months ago.

“I have to go,” I say. I try to walk around him. But he puts out a hand.

“Wait, alright? Just tell me what I should do.”

“Nothing.”

“Can’t we at least talk about it?”

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

Nolan groans. “You’re killing me right now. I told you, I’m sorry. I wish it never happened, alright?”

“I wish it didn’t, either,” I say.

“Oliver—”

I hurry off before he can say more. Thankfully, he doesn’t follow after me.

I can’t believe he was just waiting outside like that.

I figured we would run into each other eventually.

But I thought it would be at a party or something.

I’m not even sure how to feel right now.

Because a part of me still misses him. After all, we were together for five months.

We spent every day together. I’d never been that close with anyone else.

He was the first person I loved since Sam.

A part of me wants to forgive him, pretend like none of this ever happened. Wouldn’t life be so much easier that way? As I cut through the school rose garden, I remember what Sam once said. “You deserve someone who gives you flowers.”

If only you were still here.

I wish I could call Julie and tell her what happened.

But it’s probably two a.m. in Copenhagen.

Maybe I should have gone with her. Moved to a completely different country.

At least I know Nolan wouldn’t be there.

What if I just call her anyway? I mean, she basically manifested this encounter.

And this is basically an emergency. As I pull out my phone, there’s a text message.

Hey. Sorry for the late reply

Was caught up in lab all day. But just got home

What are you up to?

For a second, I thought he had forgotten about me.

I want to reply immediately, but I don’t want to seem desperate.

Maybe I’ll find somewhere to sit down before I answer.

I cross the street and head into town. Sun and Moon doesn’t look too packed today.

The Moroccan lamps never give the place enough light.

I order a pastry and find a table in the corner.

Then I glance at my phone again. It’s been twenty-three minutes since Ben texted me. Honestly, that’s long enough.

No worries!

finished my last class for the week

my roommate kicked me out of our room

so I’m seeking shelter until I’m allowed back

I’m not expecting a quick reply. But he answers within seconds.

Oh that’s brutal

You’re telling me

There goes my afternoon nap

Currently in bed right now

But no time for a nap either. Have to get back to lab soon

Just enjoying a few minutes of freedom

You’re not really selling this major

There are better days than others. I messed up my experiment earlier and have to redo the whole thing. Also forgot my journal with all my notes

Sorry, I don’t usually complain this much

Don’t worry. I’m sure my day was worse

Did you also contaminate your cell culture?

No but close

Feel free to elaborate

Don’t want to bore you with my lore

I promise you won’t bore me

I always enjoy your texts

I probably shouldn’t tell him about Nolan. But maybe it’s not that big of a deal. I mean, he knows so much about me already, right?

Just ran into my crazy ex. That’s all

Oh

You have my attention

It’s not a big deal. Just haven’t seen him in a while

Sounds like you’re not on speaking terms

It’s honestly for the best

I get that

I ended things with someone recently too

Sorry to hear

It’s alright. We were only together a few weeks

So I wouldn’t really consider him an “ex”

So he was dating another guy. That means he’s gay, too.

How long were you guys together?

Five months

Can I ask why you broke up?

It’s a long story

Maybe I’ll tell you another time

building the suspense I see

It’s not a very good ending. I can tell you that much

But enough about my love life. Tell me more about this cell culture

You mean the mold I’m growing? Riveting stuff really

I smile at the change of subject. We continue texting back and forth.

Ben tells me he lives in his own apartment off campus.

It’s unusual for first years, but he managed to finesse things with the housing office.

He asks what my plans are for the rest of the week.

There’s always a few parties happening in the dorm. But I haven’t decided if I’m going yet.

If I stop responding, it just means I fell asleep

Don’t you have to get back to lab?

Yeah but my eyes won’t stay open

You should take a nap if you’re that tired

Maybe you’re right

Could you text me in an hour if I don’t wake up?

Setting my alarm now

I smile at our conversation. Ben doesn’t respond after that, which makes me think he did fall asleep. I’ll remember to check in on him in an hour. Then I finish my drink and head out of the café.