Chapter 3
For a split second, I thought it was Ethan.
But by the time I tried to get a better look, the car had already pulled away, and he was gone.
I went back to Riverdale, back to the Institute of Advanced Studies.
I spent the whole night in the lab, not sleeping a wink.
I just kept mixing up new reagents, going through the motions like I was on autopilot, numb, barely feeling anything.
Just like Andrew said, my life had always been so bland.
When I was in school, I was all about studying. After graduation, I threw myself into research.
By then, work was the only outlet I had left.
I kept fiddling with those colorful reagents, barely looking up, until my vision started to blur.
By the time I looked out the window, it was already evening.
The housekeeper called and said Grandpa missed me and wanted to have dinner together.
I rushed to the hospital.
Over dinner, Grandpa was in surprisingly good spirits, even poking into my business like he was gossiping.
"Didn't you go all the way to Northbridge to see Andrew?
"Joe at the airport told me everything.
"How come you came back after just one day? That's not right!"
I just kept my head down and ate, not saying a word.
He let out a sigh right next to me.
"Sweetheart," Grandpa said.
"This isn't how young people are supposed to date, you know.
"Even if your research is important, when you finally get to see each other, you should stick around for a few days."
While he was talking, he scooped some soup for me.
His voice was full of worry.
"I know my own body, sweetheart.
"At most, I've got a month or two left."
I suddenly looked up, blurting out in a rush.
"You'll live to be a hundred, Grandpa!"
Grandpa smiled and patted my hand.
He said, "Alright, let's not talk about that.
"I've been taking care of Andrew since he was twelve.
"I'm not worried about how he feels about you.
"Next time, ask him to bring his business over to Riverdale as soon as he can."
My chest felt tight, like I couldn't breathe.
Everything I ate just sat in my throat, stuck there.
Ever since I got back last night, it felt like I hadn't been able to catch my breath.
I gripped my fork.
After a moment, I couldn't hold it in anymore and softly asked.
"Am I really that boring? Am I just annoying to be around?"
Grandpa went quiet for a long moment.
Then he slammed his fork down on the table.
"Did that brat bully you?
"Unbelievable. He's really asking for it!
"Just tell me, and I'll make sure he gets what's coming to him."
Suddenly, Andrew's voice came from outside the hospital room.
"Hey, Professor Goodwin, don't say that! Emma and I are totally fine!"