Chapter 249
Chapter 249:
Pondering this, he suggested, “Since you’re here for Neal, why don’t you head up first? He must be getting bored since I left. I’m on my way back to school and could give her a ride.”
It seemed like a good plan, but Fernanda was unsure if Bonita would be on board, so she turned to her for approval.
The thought of refusal crossed Bonita’s mind first. The imposing presence of Beckett loomed large, causing her to keep her distance from others.
Rejecting the offer would mean Fernanda would have to take her back, wasting Fernanda’s time.
After a brief hesitation, Bonita slightly nodded and said to Fernanda, “Then I’ll go back with him. You can go see Neal.”
Fernanda responded with a gentle nod.
Before stepping into the vehicle, Bonita cautiously looked around, relieved not to see Beckett.
Still, a sense of unease lingered, as she wasn’t sure if he might still be watching from somewhere hidden.
As the car pulled away, Bonita waved her farewell to Fernanda, and Jeff steered into the street.
Fernanda let out a soft sigh, bearing a weight of weariness for Bonita’s sake.
She recalled how vibrant Bonita had been at their first encounter, treating Neal to a meal, her spirit bright and infectious. Yet, Beckett’s looming presence had driven her to a shadow of her former self. Fernanda shook her head, feeling a pang of sympathy for Bonita.
Upon reaching Neal’s ward, she found him engrossed in his phone.
Neal, spotting Fernanda at the door, fumbled in a panic to hide his phone. Hindered by his injured hand, he clumsily dropped it. Fernanda walked over to pick it up for him.
“Stop, don’t touch that!” Neal blurted out, but Fernanda had already grabbed the phone.
On the screen, she caught sight of something unexpected.
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Displayed was a video capturing her guitar performance at the freshman welcome party.
It showcased a solo performance: her proud, detached expression lit by the spotlight as her agile fingers traversed the guitar’s fretboard, her ponytail bouncing rhythmically to her movements, radiating vibrant youthfulness.
Neal’s discomfort grew as he saw Fernanda watching the video, feeling as though a private treasure had been exposed.
“Um, Alex sent me this, and I was just watching it,” Neal stammered, his cheeks reddening. “It’s not the only one; there are several from the party. I couldn’t make it, but knowing I enjoy such events, Alex and some friends recorded them to send to me. I can show you the rest if you think I’m making this up!”
“I never doubted you,” Fernanda replied with a soft smile, handing the phone back to the flustered Neal. “What’s got you so flustered?”
Neal stumbled over his words, unsure how to express his concerns.
He feared Fernanda might judge him for appearing to obsessively watch videos of attractive women.
.
.
.