Solution

The moment I entered the Lecture Hall, my eyes darted to my seat area and I saw something that I had already expected.

Where I usually sat, two people occupied the seats closest to mine.

A smile formed on my face as I saw them both wave at me. I raised my hand and returned their gesture while drawing closer. It was a relief that things worked out so well.

'Looks like I've got them, after all.'

Edward and Anabelle were seated, their eyes expectant and ablaze with excitement the moment they saw me.

"Good morning, Jared." They both said, and almost in unison.

"Good morning," I replied with a bright smile while having my seat.

Since I was seated on the last seat to the right, Edward was directly beside me, on my left, and Anabelle took the seat beside him.

I was grateful that it was Edward I was stuck with and not the talkative girl. Hopefully, she had reflected on what I told her.