Broken

Chapter 8

I was walking out of class with Nina when I heard my name. I turned, it was Paxton.
I knew I was going to face him sooner or later cause of the day before but I didn't expect it now.
"I'll just see you later okay?" Nina gave me a smile and left.

I walked up to Paxton. He's adorable face was quite unreadable. I didn't know if he was angry or not.
"Hey." I muttered.
He didn't say anything, he just stared at me, as though expecting something from me.
"I'm so sorry for not taking your calls yesterday, I really apologize.... I don't think that's so hard to say Ronique." He snarled with his jaw clenched.

I exhaled slowly.
"I wasn't really not taking your calls Paxton.. something came up and I couldn't show up. "
"Then you should have at least sent me a text... I do take my grades seriously Ronique and I want my partner to do so."

What was he trying to say now? That I wasn't taking my grades seriously? So narcissistic...

I scoffed. "Listen up Paxton...If you're trying to say I'm a dummy then get yourself another fucking partner. Do you understand?" I flared.

He just stared at me. Perhaps a little surprised at my outburst. Realizing himself he looked away and released his breath.
He turned back to me to speak again but stopped. He looked into my face like he had seen something.

"What?"
"You've got huge eye bags... Sure you had enough sleep?"

I looked away immediately. Damn! How did he even notice them?
It was the effect from getting so wasted last night and I just couldn't sleep after the whole event, I had even put on so much eye liner and mascara to cover it up cause they were quite hideous.
I had thought it would be unnoticable.

"Are you okay?" The harshness in his words had changed to concern.
I swallowed. "I'm fine."
He didn't look even a bit satisfied with my answer.
"I said I was fine."
He nodded. "Okay...then you have to follow me to the library, we've got to get yesterday's and today's works covered."

I really didn't want to but I just had to.
"Okay... I will pick my stuffs and meet you there."
He nodded and I turned and left.

I picked my books and met him there and we went through the day's work.
Studying with him I would simply say the truth was awesome.
He knew quite a lot which was challenging. He almost made me laugh once or twice and I also forgot reality while I was with him.

It was just as though it was just the both of us in the entire place.
Soon enough we were done. He just watched me as I packed my books up. Seems like that's what he's been doing lately.
"So we're not gonna meet later." He said quietly.
"Yeah."
They was a little silence before he spoke again.
"So...uh..are you.. uh free later?"
The way he sputtered made me look at him. He looked nervous and it was funny. Paxton was not one to be searching for words.

"Why are you asking?"
"Uh... A mate cancelled out on a movie we were going to see tonight I was thinking maybe you could use the ticket and see it with me." He shrugged.
I was quiet for a while. Was he like asking me out on a date?? Nobody had ever done that before. Never.

I didn't have anywhere to go but then I couldn't let myself become attached to anyone. I couldn't trust anyone.
But what if he was just asking like a normal friend would but... Was I his friend?

Dammit Ronique! You're overthinking it.

But I just couldn't stop. I didn't know I had completely fazed out till I felt a hand shake me lightly.
"Ronique?"
My eyes quickly flickered to his.
"Are you okay?"

No.. I'm not..

I just nodded.
"I'm so sorry Paxton but I can't go with you." I sputtered.
"Oh!" He didn't hide the disappointment that smeared his perfect face.
"I think I have to go now." I picked my books and scurried away.
I knew that was weird as hell but I just couldn't help it.