Falsettos College AU

"Sexual Tension"

Trina

I know Whizzer told me not to stress about Mendel having feelings for me, but I've tried not to stress and I'm failing miserably. How can I not? There's so much going on right now. I'm still trying to figure it out myself.

I'm walking in the hallway, trying to act normal, but really I'm a confused mess inside. When I reach the stairs, I take a deep breath, drop my bag, and hang onto the railing to try and steady myself in the hopes that it will somehow steady my life. "Relax, Trina," I tell myself. "Just forget all this is happening and you'll be fine."

People come and go, glancing at the distressed girl draped over the railing and trying to clear her mind for a second. Only one person actually stops at the sight of me, and that person is my ex-boyfriend.

"What the hell are you doing?" asks Marvin.

I exhale sharply. "It's none of your business," I reply, composing myself. "I just needed to stand here and calm down for a while." I pick up my bag like nothing happened.

"Calm down about what?" he wants to know. "The fact that you so obviously have feelings for a short, annoying psychology major who's made it his whole personality and is clearly super into you, too?"

I stare at him. That's exactly right. "No."

"No?" he repeats, raising his eyebrows.

"No," I say again, hoisting my schoolbag over my shoulder and starting to continue down the stairs. "Now leave me alone, Marvin. I'm busy."

He steps in front of me. "Wait. I know you've been talking to Whizzer."

I give him a look. "All right. And?"

"Well..." He looks around, apparently not knowing what to say. I start to move again, but Marvin puts his hands out. "No, hold on. Why do you two think it's okay to start talking behind my back?"

"Because the world doesn't revolve around you, Marvin?"

"You're my ex. He's my boyfriend. It's not natural. I let you guys meet once at that Halloween party. Can't you just let it go?" he demands.

"I'm not the one who needs to let anything go," I argue. "Whizzer and I have no reason not to be friends. You're just upset that he doesn't do everything you want him to at all times. Just like in our relationship."

He frowns. "What are you talking about?"

"Come on, Marvin, don't play innocent. When we were dating I know it killed you to see me doing anything on my own for a change." I let out a huff and push past him. He follows me down the hallway anyway. "You can't do that with Whizzer if you ever want to know what a healthy relationship is like?"

"Oh, and you do?" he scoffs. "You and Mendel have the most twisted friendship I've ever seen."

"This isn't up for discussion anymore," I tell him, my face turning red. "Let's just move on. From these types of arguments and from each other."

"Agreed."

We keep walking at a brisk pace, not looking at each other but staying side by side. I sort of wish he'd just leave, but considering how much we still have to work out, maybe it's best that he doesn't just yet.

"I'm sorry," Marvin finally says, and I stop walking and turn to him in surprise. He places his hands on the backs of his hips awkwardly and sighs. "You know. For everything."

"Wow." I don't know what to mention first— how mature he's being right now or the fact that this has made me realize he never actually apologized before. But he is now, so where would that get me?