I get them.
****
I’m actually early today. I’ve tried stalling as much as I could but it didn’t work out. As I scurry down the aisle of the classroom, I notice there are only about five people already sitting at their tables. Most of them are the original early birds and it’s a good sign that Tyler isn’t here yet.
I go for the table near the window, pulling my chair out and dropping my bag and notebook on the table. I pull the extra chair from under my table and move it to the back of the classroom. I don’t want him near me—at least not yet.
Professor Doran comes into the class with a grunt and his circular glasses barely hanging on the bridge of his nose. He has his briefcase tucked in hand and a few papers in the other. “Morning, class,” he sighs, dropping his things on his desk. He looks up at each of us and I give him a wary smile but I can’t help but look at the back door that I know Tyler will be coming through soon.
A few more people come strolling in but none of them are Tyler. I’m sort of relieved but at the same time I want him to come so we can talk in a public place. I know not to talk to him in private anymore.
The clock strikes two-forty-five and class begins . . . but there is still no sign of Tyler. I force myself to focus on my notes from Professor Doran but it’s impossible. The fact that he isn’t showing up to a class he had attended every single day is freaking me out. I’d hate to think Brittany was right about him.
After gathering a few notes, grabbing my satchel, and tucking my notebook beneath my arm, I decide leaving early is best. He isn’t coming and it’s one of the main reasons I showed up today. To figure out what the hell he might have done to me.
I zoom through the clear hallway, stepping my way up stairs to get to the library. As I enter, a woman with bold white hair smiles at me from the desk. I force myself to smile as I walk past her to get to the farthest table. I catch a glimpse of a table near the window and rush for it. Dropping my books, I turn to scan the miles and miles of books that are in front of me. It’s a great place to think. To write.
Pulling a pen out, I rip out a sheet of paper from my notebook and start scribbling all of my emotions. Confusion. Worry. Happiness (but only because of Nolan). Partially complete. I won’t be entirely complete until I figure Tyler out. Nothing has ever bugged me so much.
“What are you writing?” a familiar voice asks from behind me.
My heart slams against my ribcage, my palms sweat, and my pen stops scribbling as I stare ahead. How the hell did he find me?
I force myself to blink, placing my pen down. Slowly, I turn to face Tyler who’s already staring at me, a smirk on his lips. His dimples are deep; his hazel eyes are clear and unashamed. I stand to my feet, narrowing my eyes at him as he takes a small step forward.
“I’ve been calling you,” I lie.
“I know.”
“Why haven’t you answered? I thought we had fun.” Another lie. I didn’t have much fun with him.
“Let’s cut the small talk, Natalie.” He brings a hand forth to touch my arm but I jerk away. As I look up, his eyes are wide with a mix of humor. “Do I scare you now?”
“What did you do to me, Tyler?” My voice is wavering ridiculously.
His head cocks a little. “How can you remember?”
“I don’t remember. They told me I was bleeding and you left me out there alone.”
With a chuckle, Tyler brings his hand up and runs it across his forehead. Then, unexpectedly, he moves in closer, causing me to take quick steps back until my back hits the nearest wall. He cages me in with his arms and my heart pounds as he looks straight into my eyes. “I didn’t like the way you were all over your ex-boyfriend. Is he even your ex anymore?”
I don’t answer him. I’m too afraid.
“I thought we had more, Natalie. I really did. I wanted so much with you. I actually wanted to change for you.” His smile dissolves into a scowl. “But you fucked