Computer Science department was near the north gate of Eclara University, so Juniper got out of the car first. Janet’s Law department was on the other side of campus, by the east gate.
After Juniper left, only Melvin and Janet remained in the car. Janet, who was already intimidated by older figures, was now so nervous she barely dared to breathe.
“Janet,” Melvin began, his earlier unease gone now that his sister wasn't watching. A warm smile spread across his handsome face. “How are you settling into school? Is everything okay?”
“It’s fine,” she replied. Her mom had asked her the exact same question.
“Oh.” Melvin hadn't expected such a concise answer. After a few seconds of silence, he tried again. “Since you and Juniper are at the same university, you two should look out for each other.”
“Okay,” Janet said with a polite, graceful smile. “My mom told me the same thing.”
Her mom? Why was he being lumped in with her mother? Melvin’s smile twitched. “Well,” he said, changing the subject, “how about we exchange numbers? Just so I can, you know, check in on how Juniper is doing.”
Janet blinked, then obediently took out her phone. “Should I get your number, Mr. Steele?” she asked timidly.
“Sure.”
The friend request came through instantly, and Melvin accepted, labeling the contact: Janet.
Janet did the same, saving his number as Mr. Steele. Then, she mentally filed him away in the same category as her elders.
“We’re here.” Melvin pulled up and got out to open the door for her.
“Thank you, Mr. Steele.” Janet quickly hopped out of the car and gave him a deep, respectful nod. “Goodbye, Mr. Steele.”
“…Goodbye.”


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