Until We Met Again ( Rowan and Johnson )
Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Karla was fretting about the possibility of them bumping into Rowan on his return. Would their paths cross and lead to an awkward encounter? Thankfully, it was a good ten minutes later when Rowan strolled back in, his arms laden with bags brimming with groceries and a selection of thick, warm clothing. He’d picked out the clothes for her–a couple of sweaters and a jacket.

Karla glanced at the garments and noticed they weren’t the styles she’d seen in photos. This meant she wouldn’t be heading back just yet. “Didn’t replace anything fancy at the local store, so you’ll have to make do for now. We’ll hit the downtown mall sometime soon to get you something nicer,” Rowan said as he handed her the items before washing his hands in the kitchen and plating up some toast.

He’d thoughtfully bought all the essentials, even making sure to get her women–specific shampoo and body wash–very considerate indeed,

By the time Karla had freshened up and returned, Rowan had warmed up the milk, so she could dive right into breakfast. Nibbling on the toast, she watched Rowan multitasking between his studies and his meal. Curiosity piqued, she asked, “When did you strike out on your own?”

“Just three months back,” Rowan replied without looking up, “moved out of the dorm.”

Karla nodded and probed further, “What made you want to rent a place by yourself?”

“More convenient for part–time jobs.”

“Jobs?” Karla paused, recalling that Rowan’s first acting role had been that of a mute boy, played when he was just fifteen. Did his reference to ‘working‘ mean acting?

“Dishwasher at a diner, paperboy, all sorts of odd jobs–you name it, I’ve done it.” Rowan said casually, though Karla knew life hadn’t been a cakewalk for him. He didn’t take a dime from his family, shouldering his tuition and living expenses all by himself. It was tough, but thankfully, scholarships covered a significant chunk.

Thinking this over, Karla suddenly found her toast and milk less appetizing. She was eating the fruits his labor, his sweat and toil. He must’ve been scrimping and saving on a regular basis, and here she w him to spend a hefty sum.

After breakfast, Karla resolved to replace a part–time job during her stay, to help alleviate some of his burden. Rowan frowned at the idea, clearly not on board.

Karla teased him with a chuckle, “What, you’re going to support me if I don’t replace work?”

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He stayed mum, and though Karla hadn’t meant it seriously, after a beat, Rowan murmured, “Is that not okay?”

“What?” Karla had already moved on from the topic.

Rowan shook his head, “Nothing.”

Then, a thought struck her. “Have you made any friends?” she asked.

Rowan’s retort was blunt, “I don’t need friends.”

Karla chuckled, “Nobody can survive without friends, especially when you’re on your own.”

“Who says I’m alone?” Rowan looked up at her, prompting her to fall silent. She wasn’t going to be around forever.

As if reading her thoughts, Rowan said, “You mean, because you’ll leave me again one day, right?”

“Yes,” Karla didn’t sugarcoat the truth.

“Then I’ll just wait for you to come back,” Rowan replied, unaware of the weight his words carried or how they would echo throughout his life–his future spent in a prolonged wait.

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18:27

Chapter 45

Despite Rowan’s claim of self–sufficiency, Karla hadn’t forgotten the group photo including Polly and Wayne. “Do you know Polly and Wayne?” she inquired.

Rowan’s brow furrowed, “You know them?”

“What’s the matter? You’re not on good terms with them?” Karla asked, curiosity piqued.

“It’s nothing.” Rowan dismissed, his perpetual cool demeanor giving nothing away.

Rowan would start work at the restaurant at 11 a.m., and he usually ate lunch there. His schedule typically kept him out until late at night, sometimes even into the early hours of the morning.

Now with Karla around, sorting out meals became a concern.

“Did I really seem so helpless, incapable of fending for myself in the kitchen?” She thought to herself.

In the end, Rowan left at Karla’s insistence. Karla assured him not to worry and to do whatever he needed to do.

Still, Rowan’s concern for her lingered, leading to a distracted shift at work and a broken plate, essentially a day’s effort down the drain.

Eager to return, Rowan cut his evening job short and was home by nine, not forgetting to bring Karla a late–night snack.