Dissent and Daffodils

Chapter 11: Care



Once they got into the car, Lilith offered Hazel a towel and turned on the heater. Lilith started to drive while Hazel continued to persuade her.

 

"I'm serious. I like you, Professor. I want to give us a chance rather than regret not trying for the rest of my life. I can manage my master's program, but I don't want to give up on you for that," Hazel said, looking down at her hands in her lap, fiddling with the straps of her purse.

 

"Let's give it a try," Lilith replied, placing her hand on Hazel's thigh while keeping her focus on the road ahead.

 

Hazel glanced at Lilith's hand, her eyes widening as a small smile spread across her face. She struggled to find her voice as a light blush crept onto her cheeks. "You're right. I already regret many of my decisions, and I don't want to add to that list," Lilith said lightly.

 

Soon, they arrived at the dormitory. "Here you go, miss," Lilith said after coming to a stop. She leaned forward to unbuckle Hazel's seatbelt, making Hazel blush even more. "Make sure to have a cup of warm ginger tea. Don't fall sick," Lilith said, her breath warm as it brushed against Hazel's ear, which sent heat creeping up Hazel's neck.

 

"Yes. Thank you for dropping me off," Hazel responded shyly, looking up to meet Lilith's gaze. Lilith smiled and said, "No need to thank me; you're my girlfriend now."

 

Hazel exited the car, shyly walking towards the gate of the dormitory. She paused and looked back, waving at Lilith. Lilith smiled and waved back. After Hazel had gone inside, Lilith waited for 15 minutes before pulling out her phone to text Hazel.

 

Lilith: Hi, this is my number. I hope you got back safely.

 

Three dots appeared on the screen.

 

Hazel: Hi, Prof. Yes, I made it back safely. Text me when you get home.

 

Lilith smiled, putting her phone down as she drove back to her apartment.

 

It had been more than two weeks since she moved to this new place, and for the first time, Lilith was sleeping peacefully, reassured that Hazel wasn't going anywhere.

 

The next day, Lilith went to the cafeteria, knowing Hazel would be there. She walked up to get her usual black coffee and added a cheesecake this time. When Hazel spotted her, Lilith hid her smile behind her coffee mug.

 

Lilith was dressed in a black vest over a red shirt, black pants, and a black tie. Her hair was tied in a messy ponytail, and her metal-rimmed glasses were fogging up from the steam of her coffee. Hazel, wearing a black T-shirt, blue jeans, and a silver heart-shaped necklace, was chatting and laughing with her friends, looking adorable in her casual outfit. Lilith was sure she would have kept looking at Hazel if they were alone, but even in a crowd, Hazel brightened her day. Lilith felt grateful for this secret connection they shared.


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