Time Heals All Wounds By Oliver Thomas 16 Summary
In this chapter, tension rises between Rachel and Aaron as they clash over her plans after leaving campus. Aaron clearly disapproves of Rachel’s stubbornness and choices, dismissing her excuses and warning her not to come back complaining. His frustration is evident as he walks away with Sophia, signaling he’s done with the conversation.
The next morning, as everyone prepares to leave, Rachel overhears a conversation between Aaron and Sophia that highlights their judgmental attitudes toward her. They criticize her for not having a ticket and suggest she stay in a shabby apartment Sophia offers, rather than taking a bus, which Aaron finds disgusting. Their condescending tone makes Rachel feel belittled and unwelcome.
When Rachel calmly reveals she plans to go home by private jet, Aaron reacts with disbelief and anger, mocking her claim as ridiculous and fake. Sophia tries to calm Aaron down by suggesting Rachel is just stressed, but Aaron remains harsh, accusing Rachel of being delusional and ungrateful. The chapter ends with Rachel feeling exhausted and resigned, deciding not to argue further as she walks away from the confrontation.
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Chapter 4
Aaron wasn’t convinced by my excuse at all. In his eyes, I was just being stubborn, trying to save face. He gave me a dismissive wave and a look that said he was done with the conversation. “Tine, whatever! Do whatever you want. Just don’t come crying to me when you’re stuck here!”
Before I could respond, he called out, “Sophia and I are catching the early train tomorrow. Don’t forget about those library seats!” Then, without waiting for an answer, he grabbed Sophia’s hand and they walked away together.
The morning everyone was leaving campus, the sky was clear and the sun shone brightly. It was one of those rare perfect days that made saying goodbye feel even harder. I was rolling my carry-on out of the dorm when I suddenly heard two voices I wished I hadn’t.
“Rachel! You’re still leaving without a ticket?” Sophia’s voice was laced with fake curiosity as she hurried over, eyes wide as if she genuinely cared. “Did you… find somewhere to crash?”
Aaron’s frown deepened as he stared at me like I was some reckless kid causing trouble for everyone. “I thought you said you didn’t get a ticket? Where exactly are you going with that suitcase? Please don’t tell me you’re taking one of those gross Greyhound buses…” His tone dripped with disgust.
I could almost see the image in his mind — cramped, dirty buses filled with sketchy strangers. My roommate had once taken one and came back smelling like cheap diesel and body odor. Just being near him after that made me nauseous. Aaron actually took a step back, crossing his arms as if I was contagious.
“If you’re gonna ride one of those things, don’t even think about hanging out with us for a while. That’s embarrassing.” His words stung, as if my choice would somehow shame him by association.
“Sophia, don’t be so harsh… Rachel’s obviously desperate,” I heard a quiet voice protest.
Sophia turned to me, her expression dripping with fake concern. “That little apartment I mentioned earlier? Yeah, it’s tiny and kind of run-down, but it’s somewhere to stay temporarily. I can give you the key right now. Beats riding some disgusting bus, right?”
She spoke as if I was some homeless person who should be grateful for her scraps. Aaron nodded approvingly. “See how thoughtful Sophia is? Stop being so stubborn and ungrateful. Just take the key and crash there. It’s way better than wandering around aimlessly. Plus, it’ll be convenient for you to get to the library and save our spots.”
Watching their little tag-team act, any hope I’d had for Aaron melted away completely. I forced a smile and said, “Thanks, but I’m good. I’ve got somewhere to go.”
“Somewhere to go?” Aaron’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief. “Where could you possibly go? You don’t know anyone here.”
“Home,” I replied calmly.
“Home?” Aaron looked like I’d just told the funniest joke in the world. “How are you getting home without a ticket? You gonna fly there?” His voice was thick with sarcasm.
But I nodded seriously. “Yeah, actually. Private jet.”
The air around us seemed to freeze.
Sophia’s fake sweet expression froze mid-smile, as if someone had pressed pause. Aaron’s face paled, then flushed red with anger.
“Rachel! Are you out of your freaking mind? Private jet? Why don’t you just say you’re taking a rocket ship!” he snapped.
“Look, if you couldn’t get a ticket, fine. But making up ridiculous lies to look cool? That’s just pathetic.”
Sophia quickly softened her tone, touching Aaron’s arm gently. “Aaron, don’t get so upset… Rachel’s probably just… really stressed and saying crazy stuff… we should try to understand.”
Aaron’s eyes burned with disappointment and disgust. “Understand? For what? Rachel, I never knew you were this fake and delusional! Private jet? Seriously? Do you have any idea how much that costs? You stayed up three nights straight just to get regular train tickets!”
Looking at his furious face and Sophia’s barely concealed smirk, I felt completely done with the whole ridiculous situation. Arguing with them was like banging my head against a brick wall. I had no energy left to explain anything.
“Whether it’s BS or not, you’re about to find out,” I said quietly, turning away.
15:06
Conclusion
The tension between Rachel, Aaron, and Sophia in this chapter highlights the deep misunderstandings and unspoken judgments that can fracture even the closest bonds. Rachel’s desperate attempts to maintain dignity and independence clash painfully with Aaron and Sophia’s condescending attitudes, revealing the emotional distance that has grown between them. Despite the harsh words and dismissive glances, there is an undercurrent of vulnerability and longing for connection that remains unspoken, making the conflict all the more poignant.
As Rachel walks away from their confrontation, her quiet resolve to face her uncertain future alone speaks to the strength it takes to endure rejection and stand firm in one’s choices. The chapter leaves us with a bittersweet sense of isolation and determination, reminding us that sometimes healing begins in the moments when we choose our own path, even if it means walking it without the support of those we once trusted.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled emotions simmering beneath the surface, as Rachel’s strained relationships with Aaron and Sophia reach a boiling point. The tension between them is palpable, and readers can anticipate moments charged with both confrontation and vulnerability. Rachel’s decision to stand her ground despite their scorn hints at an inner strength that will be tested as circumstances unfold.
As Rachel moves forward with her plans, the dynamics within the group are bound to shift, revealing hidden motivations and perhaps unexpected alliances. The emotional fallout from this chapter sets the stage for a journey marked by resilience, misunderstandings, and the quest for acceptance. Readers will be eager to see how Rachel navigates the challenges ahead and whether the fractures in these friendships can be mended or will widen irreparably.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
