At a rest area in the mall, Patricia saw Naomi approaching with a pile of snacks and coffee. She guiltily handed Naomi’s phone back to her.
“Naomi, I’m so sorry, I was just…”
Before she could finish, her own phone started ringing.
“I need to take this.”
Naomi took her phone back and put it in her bag. She started poking straws into the cups and handing one to Patricia while she waited for her to finish her call.
It was the mixer coordinator, saying they needed Patricia’s help with something urgently.
Patricia frowned. “You want me to find materials now? Where am I supposed to find them?”
The coordinator sounded apologetic. “I’m really sorry, this was our mistake. I just thought since you were already out, maybe you could help us look around…”
“But if you can’t, that’s okay…”
Patricia was warm-hearted by nature. Hearing the coordinator’s plea, she was instantly reminded of the messy politics of student council.
She had been naive enough to think joining the student council was a big deal and signed up as soon as she started college.
Looking back, she must have had rocks in her head.
“I’ll see what I can do.”
Hanging up, Patricia looked at Naomi with a helpless expression. “Sorry, Naomi, I can’t go back with you. You should just grab a ride back first.”
Naomi asked what was going on. When she learned Patricia had to find materials for the student council, she split the snacks and drinks with her. “Here, have something to eat first.”
“Thanks, sweetie!” Patricia gave her a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek before hurrying off with the food.
Now that she was alone, Naomi didn’t feel like staying at the mall any longer. She ate what she could and carefully packed the rest to share later, then requested a ride on an app.
While she was waiting, Zebulon called.
She frowned but answered the call.
“Where are you?”
Zebulon’s voice was filled with suppressed rage.


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