Chapter 52: Chapter 52

JUNE

It has been a week since that fateful night. Things went back to normal. Well, as normal as it could be between us. Mark and I returned to how we have always been. Though I didn't speak of that night, I can see in his expression that he wishes to talk about it.

But I always find ways to skid around it, not ready to speak about the worst night of my life.

I combed my hair, running my fingers through the beautiful black strands as I stared into the mirror. I stared at the woman I had become, not aware of the right feelings I should have.

For a week, I have successfully acted like I wasn't affected by whatever Kristin did. Those seven days must have been the worst for him because he looked like a shell of his former self.

And me?

I was barely holding on. But who was I to complain when I was the one that decided on this?

I tied my hair into a ponytail, forcing a smile as I posed for the mirror. I wore my beautiful body con black dress, with a slit on the left thigh.

It wasn't indecent, but it was short enough to raise a brow from mothers.

With a smile, I left my room, taking my bag with me.

Mark went on a three-day trip and will be back in two days, leaving me to seek another alternative for transportation.

The sweet smell of coffee led me to the kitchen, where Kristin was. A hot plate of garnished noodles was in front of him as he took a sip from the cup he had in hand.

His eyes went up when he heard the sound of my footsteps. He dropped the cup and smiled at me, looking so tired, it made me raise a brow.

There were heavy bags under his eyes, making me wonder when he last had a good rest. His dyed hair seems to be losing its strength, as I can see a few strands of red.

“June, good morning,” he smiled at me, running his left fingers through his hair as he tapped his foot on the ground.

“Mm,” I just nodded as I went to my side. Without a word to him, I brought the plate of noodles closer.

“Are you leaving for school already? How will you go? I heard from the professor that—”

“I'm taking the subway,” I shrugged, taking my cutleries as I tried not to look at the man in front of me.

“No, it's not safe out there. I will take you to school,” he offered with a wave of hope.

“You don't have to bother. I will find my way,” I took a bite of the noodles, trying not to moan at the burst of flavour in my mouth.

“No, I'm taking you to school. I need to make sure you are okay, and ….”

“What of Edith? Don't you have a date with her?” I asked in my best emotionless voice, slowly chewing on my meal.

He sighed, “June, I don't know what you are thinking. Edith and I aren't—”

“You don't need to tell me anything. You owe me no explanation,” I forced a smile.

I would have long risen from the chair and left, but I couldn't do so because I was enjoying the noodles.

“Doll, you—”

“It's alright, Kristin. I'm a grown-up. I can take care of myself quite alright. You don't have to bother yourself with my affairs," I continued to eat, monitoring the time, to avoid going late for lectures.

Kristin didn't try to say anything, but from the way his forehead furrowed, I could tell he was in deep thought.

I finished my meal and drank the milk he poured out to me before I carried my plates to the kitchen and dumped it into the sink.

I came out, took my bag and turned to leave, but he stopped me.

“Please, allow me to take you to school,” he begged. “I know you are trying to show me how independent you are, and everything, but I can't help being worried about you.” He stared into my eyes, giving me a soft look that made it seem as if I was bullying him.

“You don't—”

“I want to do this,” he hurried to say, not letting me complete my words. “Please allow me to do this… Just this once.”

The expression on his face caused me to sigh. I ran a hand through my hair before I forced a smile, “If you wish.”

“I do!” He hugged me, causing me to freeze. This was the first in weeks that we had had any physical contact beyond holding hands.

Against my better judgment, my heart skipped a beat.

“Thank you!” He broke from the hug and pecked me on my forehead. “Wait for me here, I will be back.” He turned and dashed out of the kitchen.

I stood transfixed as I stared at the door he raced through. I can't tell what I felt by his actions. It sent my heart racing, making my 7 days of abstinence look like child's play. All it took was a hug from him to make me feel like a damned fool!

“Let's go,” he entered the kitchen, took my backpack from me, and held my hand in his as he tugged me towards the door.

I followed him without saying a word. I was so dazed that I didn't register what was happening until he started the engine and started driving to my school.

The ride was done in silence. The atmosphere was a bit tense, but I can tell the difference between how it was before and now. It seems a bit lighter compared to earlier this morning.

Could it be that this man still has my heart?

I discreetly glanced at him, trying not to get caught checking him out.

He drove into a parking space and killed the engine before turning to me, “Please call me back after class. I will be here to pick you up.”

He leaned close with his right hand raised to ruffle my hair, but froze and snatched his hand back with a tight smile, “Have a nice day.”

“You too,” I got out of the car and shut it behind me, slinging my backpack on my back.

I only spared a look at his car before I strode into the gate, heading towards the science building.