Author’s POV"Excuse me please, can I take this call?" Jake said."Sure, sure, go ahead," Madeline replied, taking a quick sip of her coffee.She was nervous. Was Jake just about to confess his feelings for her? She thought. She was absentminded throughout the phone conversation until Jake held her hand, bring her back to reality. There was a spark in his touch."I'm sorry I have to go now. There's a little emergency at home but I promise you, we'll pick up this conversation some other time," Jake said."It's fine. I hope it's not something too serious?" Madeline asked, her face squeezed with concern."It's nothing I can't handle," Jake said winking at her, causing her heart to flutter. Madeline thought back to Jake's words as he hurried out of the coffee shop. She was left feeling unsettled and questioning the nature of their relationship as a result of the sudden interruption. Madeline sat by herself and thought about the intricate dance of fate, choices, and emotions as the door c

Madeline pulled her phone out of her pockets and smiled when she saw the caller ID. It was her father, Lucian. She answered the call."Hello dad," Madeline said smiling as she fumbled with her room keys."Hello, my love! Happy birthday. I hope your day was amazing," Lucian's kind voice rang out over the phone. "I'm grateful, Dad! It was incredible. I had fun," Madeline answered, opening the door to her room."It sounds exciting! I'm sorry your mum and I couldn't come but we'd send you a small birthday present. You'll get it tomorrow," said Lucian. Excitement sparkled in Madeline's eyes. "Really? Thank you, Dad. I can't wait to get it." "I'm happy you're expecting. How are you doing? How are things going for you in college?" Lucian asked. After locking the door and going to her room, Madeline sat down on her bed. "Though difficult, I'm getting by. Daniel and Marie surprised me by coming for the birthday celebration. Actually, they were invited by my friends and I was r

"Good morning Jake," she said over the phone as soon as Jake answered the call."Good morning Madeline. I hope you slept well," Jake replied."Yes I did but I should be asking you that question. You were the one who sustained an injury last night. Did you get to sleep at all?" Madeline asked."Well, I tried. I kept going on and off because of the pain but I will be good," Jake answered."Oh my, I'm so sorry to hear that. It's all my fault," Madeline said sadly."Okay Madeline, for the last time, stop blaming yourself. I sustained this injury for a good cause and I don't regret it and neither should you," Jake said."Ok Jake. Anyway use I spoke to my parents this morning and they agreed to let you come over and spend Christmas with us at our house," Madeline mentioned."Oh really, that will be really nice. Please extend my gratitude to them and let them know how pleased I am to hear this," Jake replied."I will. So, I was planning to travel home tomorrow. Will you join me or should I g

Madeline looked at her mother wondering what was going on. She got down of bed and followed her mother downstairs, her friends following behind her. They got downstairs only to be faced wit something they never expected to see.Daniel was standing with his bags on the floor beside him. Madeleine wore a look of confusion on her face as she approached Daniel."Babe, what's going on here?" She asked."I came to spend Christmas with you guys," Daniel said with a smile on his face."What? This doesn't make any sense. You live next door or a few doors away, which means you can come from home on Christmas to join us in the festivities. Why do you have to come with your things and stay here?""Well, my mum decided to travel at the last minute to see her family on the other side of the world and I didn't want to go with her because I wanted to spend Christmas with you. I didn't want to be alone in the house and that is why I came over here with my things. Am I not welcomed here anymore?" Danie

Madeline returned to Harvard after the festive break. Amanda, and Stephanie, her roommates, welcomed her with stories of their own holidays. The memories of the Christmas pool party with Daniel, Jake, and friends lingered in her mind, a source of warmth during the chilly Cambridge winter.As classes resumed, Madeline dove into her studies with a newfound determination. Long-distance calls with Daniel, who was studying in Colombia, became a lifeline, and they navigated the challenges of maintaining a strong connection across borders. One day, driven by a desire for focus, Madeline decided to study at the library. As she delved into her books, she spotted Jake across the room. It had been a while since they last met, and a sense of familiarity washed over her. She couldn't help but smile as she approached him."Jake, it's been ages! How have you been?" Madeline exclaimed, excitement evident in her voice. Jake looked up, a grin spreading across his face. "Madeline! I've been good. I can