Whirling Storms: Darius

27

I couldn't help but wonder how I should react to what Darius had said to me. It didn't felt like a warning. It was more of a, favor. Something that he wants out of worry.

It seems like I'm overreacting things but when it comes to Darius, I just can't help but jump to conclusions. He is everything that makes me want to risk it.

"Are you still listening to me, scary bear?" Neo asked and I was pulled back from oblivion.

"Oh, sorry. What were you saying?" I apologetically asked.

"Nevermind. Are you going to class? I'll be on the field starting next week so we might not be able to see each other more often." Neo sadly informed me.

He decided to actively join the football team again. He is the captain of the team before he had a break due to an injury. Good thing that he is coming back. The team's overall achievement isn't doing well after Neo left. Well, it couldn't be helped. Without Neo as the captain they are like chickens without a head.

"Don't worry about me. I'll be visiting your practices from time to time." I assured him.

Now that Alexa isn't here anymore, it is my duty to show my support to Neo. He needs it the most. Moral support from friends is a big help, don't you think so?

"Make sure you do. If possible, drop by before you go home. I'd like to see you in one piece before going home." he strictly stated like how a father talks to his daughter.

"Yes, yes. I'll walk by the field before going home so that you'll see me in one piece. Agree?"

"Agreed." Neo replied and I couldn't help but giggle at him.

I may not have my parents now but Neo alone makes me feel like they are still here. He's like a father figure and a friend to me. He also nags just like how my Mom would have probably nagged at me. It's somber but I don't mind now. I'm just contented that I have Neo by my side.

"I'll be in my class now. Break a leg, captain!" I exclaimed and bid farewell to him.

We parted ways and I headed straight to the lecture hall where my first class will be held. It wouldn't take longer than two hours so I'll be fine.

While classes was going on, my phone kept on vibrating. I secretly look at who kept on texting and my brows furrowed as I saw Darius's name flashed on the user ID. The professor was busy discussing a difficult topic so I chose to ignore Darius's text messages. As soon as my class finished, I got my phone and dialled his number. I'll just call him to know what he needs or whatever his texts were about.

"Hello? Why did you send me so many messages?" I asked as soon as he picked up the call.

"I wanted to ask you about one of your recipes, Miss Aronson. I'm in need of help." Darius reiterated.

"My recipe? Which one?" I asked because there are many dishes I already cooked for him.

"Your favorite dish." he straightforward replied to me.

"My...my favorite dish?" I asked to make sure that I was hearing it right.

I'm pretty sure that he told me last time how it didn't exactly suit his taste. Why is he asking me for the recipe of it anyway? I'm certain that he wouldn't want to eat it again.

"Yes, Miss Aronson. The one you ate last time. Was it the 15th? Or was it the 16th?" Darius unsurely replied and I had gone silent.

I remembered it again. The day Darius was talking about, was a very special yet somber day for me.

"Miss Aronson? Are you still there?" Darius asked because I didn't respond to his question.

"I'm sorry, I'll just text you the ingredients and the procedure. Will that suffice?" I asked and looked at the time.

I still have fifteen minutes before my next class. It will be enough time for me to walk to the next building.

"Thank you, Miss Aronson." he politely said and I couldn't help but smile when I noticed a slight change of tone.

"Do you still have any questions?" I asked to make sure that he got what he wanted.

"Thank you for reminding me, Miss Aronson. What time will you be home?" Darius queried and my brows creased.

"I'll be home before six, Darius. Why do you ask?" I followed up to make sure that I wouldn't be jumping to conclusions again.

It gives me false hope and adds to more disappointment once I find out how it isn't really what I was thinking.

"Nothing, Miss Aronson. Please be careful on your way home." Darius last said before ending the call.

A smile crept to my lips and I bit my lower lip to suppress it a little. His vague answer makes me feel like it is something positive and I deserve to feel this way. Screw Darius and his magic on me. It never fails.

As much as I want to lazily sit around and feel butterflies in my stomach all day, I still have classes. I got my stuffs and hurriedly attended all of my classes for the day. Before going home, I didn't forget to drop by the field to say goodbye to my best buddy, Neo.

"Are you going home already?" he asked and I nodded at him.

"My last classes ended before five so I'm skipping my way out of school now. You?" I asked and glanced at the other football players practicing.

"Our practice ends later at six. Want me to drop you off? We're just wrapping up for the day." he offered but I declined right away.

"Don't worry about me. Just focus on practicing. Keep up the great work, Captain!" I said and tapped his shoulder before going away.

I'm walking to the bus station to wait for the bus while I check my phone messages. Darius sent a few texts asking again about the ingredients. He must have figured it out by now. He doesn't need to text me to ask again.

Strangely, I felt a tingling sensation at my nape. I tilted my head hoping for it to go away but it won't. The tingling eventually made me look back. Why am I sensing a dangerous energy near me?

Am I being followed? Why would they be following me anyway? I'm no pretty gal to be of use to them.

I was unsure at first but as I brisk walked my way to the bus station, I felt it come nearer and nearer. I was panicking inside but I still had the courage to dial Darius's number.

"Oh my goodness. Why isn't he picking up?" my knees was shaking from fear.

Am I really being trailed right now? What should I do? I have never experienced this before. Why now of all times? I can't remember having any stalker either. I'm completely clueless as to why I am chosen as a target. Well whatever that person is planning, I won't give in.

Be it break my bones, I'll run away from trouble.