Chapter 5: Stains, Secrets, and a Piggyback

After morning class, I had to go to the lab, but thinking about going to the movies with my crush in the afternoon put me in a good mood.

I scrolled through my phone, checking showtimes and daydreaming about popcorn and Ethan’s smile.

Since you can't wear a skirt in the lab, I brought my date skirt and makeup, planning to change after the experiment and have Camila take my stuff back.

The skirt was my favorite—the one with little sunflowers. My shoes were stashed in my tote, ready for a quick switch.

Because I practiced once with Julian yesterday, I finished quickly today, marked everything, showed him, and put it in the incubator.

I zipped through the steps, my hands steady for once. Julian gave a nod of approval, which felt weirdly satisfying.

I grabbed my tote bag, rushing to the restroom under everyone's surprised gaze.

I shot Camila a look, and she winked, covering for me as I darted out.

Gotta say, it felt pretty good.

It was like winning a gold medal for lab speed. Maybe Julian’s training wasn’t so bad after all.

After changing and putting on makeup, I returned to the lab door, knocked, intending to signal Camila to pick up the bag, but was spotted by Julian.

My heart skipped a beat. I froze, halfway through the doorway, clutching my skirt.

I was unlucky enough to meet his gaze; he looked a bit surprised.

His eyebrows shot up, and for a split second, he looked almost impressed.

Afraid he'd call me back again, I panicked, dropped the bag, and ran.

My heel nearly caught the rug, and the tote strap swung wildly as I bolted, the echo of my sneakers thwacking down the hall.

Later, Julian texted: "Am I a ghost? Are you that scared of me?"

I rolled my eyes and didn’t bother replying. Some battles aren’t worth fighting.

I ignored him.

I suspect Julian Carter is my destined jinx; whenever I run into him, something bad happens.

If Murphy’s Law was a person, it would wear Julian’s face. I should have bought stock in band-aids and headache medicine.

Five minutes before the movie started, I realized I got my period.

Of course. Perfect timing, universe.

No matter how much I prayed, my stomach still hurt mercilessly.

I dug in my tote for a spare tampon, came up empty, and considered sprinting to the CVS off campus—but the previews were already rolling. My body was not cooperating.

After the movie, I had to tell Ethan my stomach was upset and I needed to go back to the dorm to rest.

I hated bailing on him, but he took it in stride, giving me a gentle smile. Still, disappointment hung heavy.

"Alright." Ethan patted my head. "I have something to do, you go rest."

His hand lingered for a second, but his eyes darted to his phone. I tried not to take it personally.

I felt a bit disappointed, hoping he'd walk me back, but now asking would seem unreasonable.

I sucked it up, telling myself to stop being needy. Not every guy is Prince Charming.

Autumn Lane, he said he had something to do, don't make trouble.

I replayed Camila’s pep talk in my head, trying to convince myself I was being mature.

Standing alone at the traffic light across from campus, I felt like people were watching me. I checked the mirror but saw nothing odd except my pale face.

My reflection looked ghostly, dark hair limp and skin chalky. I clutched my tote tighter, wishing I could vanish.

Until Julian came up, took off his jacket, and wrapped it around my waist.

He moved fast, his jacket soft and heavy, cedar-clean and warm, the scent of his cologne wrapping around me. "You okay if I…?" he murmured, already shielding me.

I was startled by the sudden person and action.

My breath caught, adrenaline spiking. I barely registered Julian’s face, focused only on the unexpected warmth.

My body clearly trembled.

Goosebumps prickled my arms, and I tried to play it cool, but he noticed.

"Your skirt is stained," he explained, his deep voice slightly reproachful. "Wearing a white skirt during your period—you’re brave."

He sounded half-annoyed, half-impressed. I wanted the ground to swallow me whole.

Hearing this, I froze, stiff as a statue.

I mentally rewound my day, realizing how many people had probably noticed. Mortification level: critical.

Now I knew why people kept looking at me…

I wanted to run, but my stomach said otherwise.

"Why are you so dressed up today? A date?" he asked.

His tone was teasing, but I caught a hint of curiosity. He was always fishing for information.

"None of your business." I turned away, stubborn.

I wrapped his jacket tighter, hoping nobody would recognize me.

As if he hadn't just helped me.

I hated owing him even a little bit, but I couldn’t deny he’d saved me from serious embarrassment.

"Who was it?" he pressed.

I glared, determined to protect what little pride I had left.

"What's it to you?"

My voice was sharp, but he didn’t flinch.

"Autumn." He suddenly called my name. "You're really heartless. If I hadn't helped, half the campus would've seen."

He said it like he was the only one who ever looked out for me. I rolled my eyes, but part of me was grateful.

"Actually, you don't have to say it. I know it was Ethan." He continued, "Autumn, your magnet-for-douchebags trait is as strong as ever. Being kept as a backup and you don't even know—sorry, data doesn’t lie."

The words stung more than I wanted to admit. I wondered if Camila had spilled the details.

Hearing that, I realized Camila must have told him.

I made a mental note to have a talk with her about boundaries. Some secrets aren’t meant for sharing.

Camila! Why are you siding with him!

I’d have to buy her ice cream as a bribe, or at least give her a piece of my mind.

But I was too weak to argue; my stomach hurt so much I couldn't stand straight, so I squatted down to ease the pain.

The world spun, and I tried to breathe through it, focusing on the cracks in the sidewalk.

Cold sweat broke out on my forehead, the sun glaring on my face until someone stood in front of me, blocking the light.

Julian’s shadow cooled my cheeks. I looked up, grateful but annoyed.

"Get on." Julian squatted in front of me, signaling for me to climb on his back.

He waited patiently, looking determined. I hesitated, then gave in—pride could wait.

I was especially obedient and climbed on.

His back was broad, steady. The heat of the asphalt and the squeak of his sneakers grounded me as I clung to him.

He was so warm, and I was freezing. I couldn't help but snuggle closer.

I buried my face in his shoulder, feeling the tension ease a little.

He paused, then warned, "Autumn, don't move around."

His voice was low, almost gentle. I nodded, trying to stay still.

He seemed to know our dorm RA well; when he carried me into the dorm, she didn't stop us.

Jada, our RA, waved us through with a smile like this wasn’t the first time he’d saved someone halfway across campus.

So he carried me all the way up to the sixth floor.

By the time we reached my door, I was half-asleep. Camila opened it, eyes wide with shock.

With Camila's surprised gaze, Julian said, "I can't stay long, please take good care of her, thanks."

He set me down gently, brushing a strand of hair from my forehead. Camila blinked, still trying to process.

Camila laughed awkwardly, "No need to be so polite, taking care of Autumn is my duty."

She shot him a thumbs up, and Julian cracked a rare smile. I just collapsed onto my bed, grateful for the rescue.