And then a memory, one I had completely forgotten, slipped in quietly, as if waiting for me to bring it back to life.
The morning of that final, Niko was already seated when I arrived for class. Our eyes met. His were soft and pleading, mine, I’m sure, were hard and unforgiving. Once I settled into a seat as far from him as possible, he stood up. I turned away, the anger roaring to life as he headed in my direction.
Every student was frantically reviewing their notes, some quizzing each other, some talking out loud to themselves. It was going to be the most difficult exam of the year. Even though the project we had worked on was 40% of our grade, this last exam would determine my GPA for that class.
By that point, the plagiarism insinuation had been refuted, and Logan had allowed Niko and me to finish the project separately, his TA aiding us both when necessary.
He stood over me, nervously rocking back and forth on his feet, and handed me a folded piece of paper. I looked up at him with fire in my eyes. How dare he upset me right before I took this important exam?
When I wouldn’t take the paper from his outstretched hand, he laid it on my desk and said one word. “Please.”
Looking him right in the eye, I crumpled the piece of paper and tossed it on the ground. I’ll never forget the hurt and disappointment in his eyes as he nodded and walked back to his seat.
Knowing now what it took for him to come to me that day, my heart ached, desperate to know what that stupid note said.
“Father, I need You to sing over me and quiet me with Your love.”
Instantly, His peace surrounded me. My tears slowed, as did my racing heart. It was like coming home after years away and seeing an old friend who acted like no time had passed. There was more I needed to entrust to Him, but I had taken the first breath of surrender, and it felt amazing.
The rest of the day was spent in quiet reflection until it was time to head to Sofia and Luke’s. I couldn’t help feeling a twinge of excitement knowing I’d see Niko there, yet the thought of my friends armed with teasing smiles and zero restraint gave me pause. At least Jaz and her husband had bowed out at the lastminute. I wouldn’t have been able to handle all of them at one time.
When I gotout of my car in front of the house, Niko and Mike were just pulling up. I dipped my head down to conceal my grin at seeing him.
“Hey, you made it,” I said as I locked my car.
“We did. Thanks again for the invitation,” he said, walking toward me. “Leyla, you remember Mike Walker?”
“So good to see you again, Mike. Glad to have you tonight,” I said, shaking his hand. His face was sharper than I remembered, but his smile was unforgettable. I’d never seen him without one.
“You, too. I’m so ready to beat this guy at whatever we’re playing tonight,” he said, tapping Niko’s back.
Niko looked slightly irritated, his hands shoved in his pockets as he looked between his friend and me.
“Let’s head in. Oh, shoot, forgot the tray I brought. You guys go on and knock. I’ll be right there.”
“I’ll come with you,” Niko said, stumbling a bit toward me. It almost looked like Mike had pushed him.
“Great, let me open the door again. It’s on the passenger seat.”
He walked over, pulled the door open once it was unlocked, and reached in for the tray.
We walked awkwardly, shoulder to shoulder, toward the front door.
“How was your weekend so far?” I asked, adjusting my purse on my shoulder.
His gaze shifted to me, then back. “Good, thanks.”
The moment reminded me of so many others during that time we spent together in school, when making conversationwith him was like pulling teeth. Now that I knew how hard this was for him, I saw him in a whole different way.
Knowing what he had to overcome to be in these social settings, I just let the silence sit between us.
“Um, this smells good,” he said, lifting the tray a bit.
Pressing my lips together, I answered, “It’s mostly cheese.”
When we got to the front porch, Mike was waiting for us. He must’ve heard our exchange and said, “Yeah, Niko really likes cheese.”
Niko glared at him, but I had the distinct feeling his friend was only trying to help him. It was interesting to see their silent language. Mike seemed like he would fit right in with my crazy group, and I was grateful to have an ally to make sure Niko felt welcome as well.
