Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 202

Chapter 202 Food 

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Finisher 

Noelle gave a light grunt. “Yeah, I know. I just snapped for a second. I’m not usually that reckless. But seriously, that girl? She’s definitely not from money. If she had real connections, she would’ve used them already instead of yelling like that.” 

Zoey gave a quick laugh and dropped a chunk of food into Noclle’s plate. “Shut up and eat.” 

After dinner, the three of them stepped out just as another group of students filed into the mess hall. 

Ava felt a bit bloated. Dinner had been way more filling than she expected, and the taste wasn’t half bad either. She wondered if they’d still eat this well once training officially kicked off the next day. 

“Ava, wanna come hang out in our room for a bit?” Zoey asked. 

Ava nodded after thinking it over. “Yeah, I’ll swing by. No point walking back and forth right 

now.” 

Their dorm wasn’t very big. It was clearly more cramped than the officer quarters Ava had been assigned. Her cheeks warmed a little. She knew she’d gotten special treatment. That girl from earlier hadn’t exactly been lying. 

Noelle and Zoey sat side by side on the lower bunk. Ava took the small chair in the corner. 

Noelle opened her Holoband and started texting home. Zoey did the same right after. 

Ava rested for a few minutes, then finally tapped her Holoband screen. Notifications stacked in rows–some from her older siblings, some from a few of her matches. 

She replied to all of them one by one. Then her eyes stopped on the last profile. It was Asher’s. He hadn’t messaged her at all. He’d gone completely quiet after the coming–of–age party. 

Jonathan had said he got reassigned. Ava opened Asher’s profile and typed out a message. “Asher, I’ve started classes at Starry Heavens University. Military training begins today and lasts a full month. Please take care of yourself while you’re out there.” 

“How old are you, Ava?” Noelle suddenly asked. 

“Me?” Ava looked up. “I turned twenty–five earlier this year.” 

“Then you’re three months younger than me. Two months younger than Zoey. Are you engaged yet?” Noelle asked without missing a beat. 

Ava glanced at her. “I’m seeing someone.” 

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Chapter 202 Food 

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Finished 

Noelle’s eyes lit up and she scooted over onto the chair beside her. “Wait, seriously? You just turned twenty–five and you’re already off the market?” 

Zoey perked up too and leaned in to stare at her. 

Ava looked between them. “Wait. You two aren’t seeing anyone?” 

Zoey blushed right away. She fidgeted with her hands. “I mean… kinda? We’re not official. My family said I should wait till I got to school to figure it out.” 

Noelle threw her head back. “God, who wants to get married this young? My mom’s been breathing down my neck. She says if I don’t lock someone down before twenty–six, she’s flying in and playing matchmaker!” 

Ava blinked. “Wait, so your families didn’t set you up early or pressure you?” 

Noelle shrugged. “I’ve got fourteen brothers. I’ve been babysat since birth. I’m sick of guys. My mom already paid the fee, so I get a few more months to mess around.” 

Zoey added quickly, “Maybe you’ll meet someone here at Starry Heavens!” 

Noelle waved her off. “Forget me. What about you?” 

Zoey grinned. “Same here. I’ve still got time to have fun.” 

Noelle squinted at Ava. “Seriously though, you just turned twenty–five and your folks are already pushing you?” 

Ava exhaled. “It’s complicated. I don’t even know where to start. But yeah, my family’s pretty chill.” 

“Is your guy good to you?” Zoey asked. 

Ava nodded slowly. “Yeah… he’s really generous.” 

Zoey leaned forward and rested her chin on her hands. “Then he definitely likes you. Guys don’t just hand out money for fun. Mine’s sweet with words but stingy as hell. Always hot one minute, cold the next. I’m honestly starting to second–guess this whole thing.” 

Noelle rolled her eyes. “How many times have I told you online flings never work?! But you just had to go fall for some guy in a game. He calls you ‘queen‘ and you lose all your brain cells. Get real!” 

Zoey pouted. “I get it, okay?! We’re not even together. We’re just talking. 

“If I finally snap out of it, I’ll cut him off.” 

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Chapter 202 Food 

Noelle gave her a deadpan look and turned to Ava. “She’s beyond help. Total romanc 

Ava stared at both of them and couldn’t help being a little amazed. One of them was self-aware. The other acted like she was in a high school soap opera. 

They stayed in the room a little longer. Then a sharp whistle blared from downstair moment later, the intercom crackled as a loud voice ordered all students to gather. 

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