In the weeks leading up to finals, a pattern emerged in Keeley's life: wake up, go to class, do homework, go to class again, go to the lab (where Aaron brought her food around 6 PM), and then do more homework before sleeping. When she couldn't stand studying another second, she baked or allowed herself twenty minutes of YouTube. Because she needed breaks, she averaged only four to five hours of sleep a night, resulting in permanent raccoon eyes.

A few days before finals, Aaron asked, "Are you getting enough sleep?" He brought her an extra-large coffee and doughnuts—she'd requested lots of sugar and caffeine.

"Sleep is for the weak," Keeley replied.

"Keeley," he said disapprovingly.

"I know, I know. But I really don't have time. I'll sleep for three days straight afterward."

"That's a coma," Aaron corrected.

"Sounds festive!"

He shook his head, a slightly indulgent look on his face. "Why do you do this to yourself?"

She shrugged. "Why does anyone go to grad school? We're all masochists with career goals."

"Well, Miss Masochist, if you truly want a three-day coma, I can put up blackout curtains in one of my guest rooms. It would be a lot quieter than your apartment."

Musical audition season began in February, and Jennica had started practicing show tunes early to secure an ensemble part. Due to the noise at home, Keeley and Valentina had been studying in the library. Keeley had mentioned this to Aaron, which likely explained his offer of a quieter place to stay. He was awfully accommodating these days.

Keeley smiled. "Tempting! I'll let you know if my sleep gets too disturbed." Staying at his place felt less awkward now that she'd done it a couple of times. He was gone most of the day, and she could sleep, watch TV on his comfy couch bed, and enjoy plenty of snacks. Not a bad offer.

Over the past month, she'd become progressively more comfortable around Aaron. She wouldn't say she looked forward to seeing him, but she didn't dread it either.

"Just be sure to bring me a plate of Christmas cookies in exchange," he said casually.

"I was planning on that anyway, since you keep bringing me food."

A pleased smirk crossed his face. "Excellent. Bribery works on you."

She stuck out her tongue, just as she would with any friend. Aaron had lightened up, making teasing him feel natural. Speaking of teasing…she had an idea for his Christmas present. Knowing he'd get her one, she felt it would be awkward not to reciprocate. She was already buying gifts for her roommates and Ryan; one more wouldn't strain her budget, especially since this one would be partly homemade and inexpensive. She just needed to find the right materials.

She gulped down her coffee and ate a doughnut. "Thanks for the fuel. Don't forget, I won't be here next week because of finals."

"When will I see you then?" Aaron asked directly.

"I'll bring you cookies a few days before Christmas. We can exchange presents then, too."

His temperature seemed to rise, though his expression remained neutral, betraying his happiness. What a tsundere!

"You got me a present?"

"It's not much, but yeah." She still needed to finish it and the rest of her Christmas shopping.

He hugged her, resting his chin on her head. "I'll be looking forward to finals ending even more. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

She'd gotten used to his hugs. They weren't nearly as bad as before; they were actually kind of nice, almost like hugs from her previous boyfriend, Aaron, before things went south. Comforting, somehow.

"I won't. Thanks, Aaron."

She knew he'd drop everything to help, even if it was the middle of his workday. She wouldn't do it unless desperate, but she sensed he secretly wanted her to call on him. Poor guy.

Jennica entered, eyeing Keeley's art project strangely. "What exactly are you doing?"

"Making a Christmas present."

"For who, your grandma? Only old people like homemade gifts anymore."

Keeley rolled her eyes. "It's an inside joke, Jen. You wouldn't get it. People like inside joke gifts."

"Fair enough. I still need to figure out what to get Cam. Do you have a couple of hours to shop with me?"

"No, sorry. I don't even have time for my own shopping; I'll probably order everything online. Have you tried Valentina?"

Jennica pouted. "She's just as busy as you are. Nobody loves me anymore!"

Keeley laughed. "Oh hush, you're the most loved person in this apartment."

Cameron brought back five souvenirs from Singapore, and the apartment always had fresh flowers. They ate together every night and went to a Broadway show weekly. He was a prince among boyfriends; it was no wonder Jennica was head over heels.

Jennica beamed. "I know. I'm just teasing. I do miss you guys though; we need some girl time soon."

"Come to my place for Christmas; I know you can't afford to fly home."

She blushed. "I would, but Cam's parents want to meet me, so I'm going to Philadelphia with him."

"So soon?!"

"Both our families think we've been dating longer than we have! He's already met mine; it only makes sense."

Wow. Cameron certainly didn't waste any time. He must really love Jennica—he knew what he wanted and went for it. Keeley would likely be attending two friends' weddings next year.

The thought saddened her. The last wedding she'd attended was for the daughter of one of Aaron's business contacts, three years ago. Aaron had sat beside her, but she might as well have been alone; she was only there for show. Funny, memories of her past life had been less frequent lately. Why did this one hit her out of the blue? Spending time with this Aaron seemed to be helping her think about the other one less.

She smiled for her friend, despite her melancholy. "That's great. I'm happy for you."

Jennica launched into a happy monologue about Cameron, and Keeley felt profoundly single. But…even though he was just a friend, Aaron was every bit as doting as Cameron seemed to be. The thought cheered her slightly.

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