When You're Gone (Colette) novel Chapter 18

The voice of James' roommates felt like a light year away. The world faded away as he focused on the young woman.

It wasn't until his roommates slapped him on the back that snapped him back to reality. Speechless, they reminded him, "Hey, that's enough. The town hall is about to start. Don't stare at her. If you like her, you should get to know her, not stand here and stare."

They dragged him away, pulling him back to reality. He finally looked away and moved on.

Meanwhile, Colette Evans sensed a pair of eyes on her. She looked in James' direction, but he had already vanished into the crowds.

She looked away, puzzled. Her friend, noticing that she was looking around, stole a glance at the university president who was about to walk onto the platform.

Then, the friend whispered to Colette, "What's wrong?"

No longer feeling James' eyes on her, Colette brushed off the feeling as an illusion. She shook her head. "Nothing. I guess I'm just sleepy."

"You should have gone to bed earlier last night since we have an event today." Janelle Windsor tousled Colette's hair. After a pause, she made Colette rest her head on her shoulder. "Since you don't have classes this morning, why don't you catch some sleep after the town hall? Rest on my shoulder for now."

"Janelle, you're the best." Colette rested her head on Janelle's shoulder. After finding a comfortable position to rest in, she drifted to sleep, much to Janelle's surprise.

Listening to Colette's soft and steady breathing, Janelle wondered how tired was Colette to have fallen asleep under such circumstances.

Sighing, she shifted in her seat to hide Colette behind her.