𝐆𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 [elmax story]

Chapter 9: In the middle of the hallway

The rain wasn't stopping, which was annoying the students of Columbia University. It was Saturday, it was cold and it was raining a lot.

Max and Victoria were, as well, bored in their room. There was nothing to do, probably not even in the mood to do something. Max, actually, hadn't seen Jane for days, even if she had texted her to catch up. But seemed like Jane was too busy doing stuff, as she was always saying. Max loudly ugh-ed and threw herself on the bed.
"What's up?"
"It's the hundredth time Jane tells me she's busy and can't hang out."
"Oh... why?"
"I don't know! It's annoying. Fucking annoying!"
Vic had a surprised expression. She wasn't understanding her friend's reaction towards Jane who, in fact, had been distant for days. Max stood again and walked to the balcony, looking from the thick glass, the rain drops covering her view.
"Boring!" - she exhaled.
"Max?"
"What?"
"Do you like... like Jane?"
"What?" - Max snapped her head to her roommate.
"Do you like her or not?" - the latina girl chuckled.
"No, I... I don't know... it's-it's complicated. I don't know!" - Max went back to her bed, sitting down and rubbing her face hard. - "What's going on with me?" - she whispered to herself.
"Cariño," - Vic sat next to Max. - "It's okay if you're interested in her. And... maybe she's busy at the moment, plus, she hasn't stayed with none of us these days, it's not that she has something personal with you."
"Well, I think she literally has something with me."
"Why would she?"
"Because I don't know! This is what's frustrating me right now. We were good, opening to each other and shit, until she decided to get distant from me."
"Maybe she's kinda depressed from school?! Or she's just handling something at the moment and she doesn't wanna talk with anyone about it. Like, she needs a little bit space." - Vic shrugged innocently.
"Maybe you're right."

Around midday, Max and Victoria were waiting for their friends to arrive. During this time, Max had been chatting for a few minutes with Eric. The boy was making her feel less stressed and even better. The three other members of the group joined them. Max was surprised to see Jane was there, too, but she could feel the brunette wasn't in the mood, again.
"I've slept for hours and I'm still tired." - Lucas yawned as he sat next to Vic.
"Me too." - Will shook his head in agreement.
  "How's it going with Eric? You guys bonding?" - Jane suddenly asked Max.
The girl was caught of guard. She put her phone away, but instead of saying something she started mumbling.
  "They don't know yet." - Vic replaced Max's words.
  "Why? If you like him then what's stopping you?"
  "I need to get to know him better. It's still the beginning." - Max finally answered.
  "Oh... well, go for it." - Jane shrugged and looked away.
  "Yeah, if he's cool and respectful, why not." - Lucas agreed with his friend.
Max politely nodded. She looked at Jane and noticed she was still not in a good shape. But Max needed to talk to her, she was one of her closest friend now.

A few hours later, the group decided to go back to their dorms. While leaving in the hallway, Max took a moment to stop Jane by grabbing her arm softly.
  "Can I talk to you for a sec?"
The boys were already gone to their rooms. Vic, who was walking forward, turned around to see them standing in a distance. Max made a sign with her head for her to keep walking so her roommate nodded and left the area. As the hallway got empty by now, Jane turned to face the redhead.
  "Sure, what is it?" - she said in a low yet bored voice.
  "Do you think it's worth it? Like, me and Eric?"
  "Why are you asking me that?"
  "You're my close friend, I need to get your opinion, too."
  "If you like him, what's stopping you?"
  "I don't know, he's charming and funny and cute..."
Jane slightly rolled her eyes.
  "What is stopping you?" - the brunette tiredly repeated. - "Just go and get to know him better."
  "Is there something you don't like about me and Eric?" - Max suspiciously asked.
  "What? No... why would I?"
  "I think you smell something off... or I don't know, if I'm right or wrong. But you're definitely not telling me something."
  "Max, I'm not in your head, so stop asking me questions."
  "I'm just getting an opinion from my close friend. It's a simple question according to my "relationship"."
  "Then don't ask me! I'm not in your head, okay?" - Jane suddenly got frustrated.
  "Are you okay, though?" - Max asked with an offended voice. - "'Cause you're literally acting weird right now. I don't like your attitude."
  "I'm perfectly fine. I need to go now, I got something to handle and I don't wanna be late. Have a good night." - the girl left with fast steps, leaving Max all alone in the hallway.