The Sweet Crazy Life

Chapter 19: Goodnights

CHAPTER 19: Goodnights

Ariana

Nick and I sneaked into Cinnamon lodge an hour after curfew. I don't notice we've been holding hands since we left the clearing until he let's go to open the door. Not much happened after I told him to stay with me. We just lied down and talked but it felt like we've been there forever. And I didn't want it to end. I wanted to stay there, safely in his arms with the starry sky as our witness.

The Great room was empty and silent. It's not surprising since everyone is a double-course student in Cinnamon. We all need every bit of energy saved up for tomorrow.

"You should get some sleep." Nick tells me softly as he ushers me up the steps.

I yawn and gave a nod. It was a long day.

Our hands found each other in the dark and we quietly go up until we reached the second floor where Nick's room was. Some doors still had lights peeking out underneath and it was probably the only source of light since it was way past curfew.

"Do you want me to walk you to your room?" Nick asks as he hesitantly lets go of my hand.

"Nah, I'll be fine." I assure him even if a few moments with him were very tempting but I reminded myself Nick wasn't going anywhere.

"Okay, if you say so." He leans forward to kiss my forehead. "Good night, Ari."

It felt warm and lovely.

I smile. "Good night, Nick."

Nick enters his room, careful not to disturb his sleeping roommates and before he closes the door he looks one last time at me and smiles.

I padded up the steps, the dark not helping me one bit when I got to the hallway. I wonder what sort of monsters were lurking in the shadows.

Room 657 was the last door in the hallway so I was careful not to make a sound since everyone in the third floor was already asleep.

It was then a hand weighed down on my shoulder that caused me to gasp and give a small shriek. I swatted the hand away only to find—

"Ro?" He wasn't in bed yet? I couldn't see his face well in the dark but the stature and the blue sweater indicated it was my roommate.

"Ari." He says as if he didn't scare the crap out of me.

"You scared me." I scold softly. "You know how I hate people sneaking up on me."

What Nick did earlier was considered sneaking right? But technically, it wasn't sneaking since he did call my name and I was to deaf to hear.

"Your the one to talk, coming in an hour after curfew." Ro's voice was cold and clipped. "Where have you been anyway?"

Before I was able to answer, he dragged me to our room saying, "Let's not talk in the hall."

He looked pissed when the light hit his face. I scampered to my bed and just stared at him as he trades his sweater for a t-shirt. 

"I was out for a walk." I say as he finishes dressing.

"I knew that." He snaps and I widen my eyes slightly at his tone. "I meant where exactly did you take a walk that it had to take one hour?"

Ro has never been this angry at me ever since. I was afraid if I don't answer right, things might get a little bit complicated.

"Out in the small clearing near Roth hall." I answer honestly.

"Yup, I bet you and Nick had a fun time in that clearing."

My heart skips a beat. He knew Nick and I were out there. Wait, was he implying that we...

"Nothing happened." I deadpan, confused as to why he was making a big deal out of it. "I swear."

Ro rolls his eyes in disgust. "Oh, so nothing happened, huh? Oh, I see. Yup, I believe you. I totally believe you that nothing happened."

"What's with the sarcasm Ro?" I demanded, my voice quivering. "Do you really think I'm the type of person who would do that?"

"Well, aren't you?" The words hit me like a slap.

Ro's eyes widened as he realizes what just exited his mouth.

"I didn't mean that." He tries to recover but it was too late.

I shake my head in disbelief, not wanting to hear his excuses. "Okay. So this is how you see me now?"

Tears leaked out of my eyes but I held a firm gaze to the eyes I had once fallen in love with. Now, I don't feel anything.

Ro tries to touch my shoulder but I slapped his hand away.

"I never knew how much of a jerk you can be." I ready myself for bed, eager to fall asleep and just get away from him even for just one night.

"Ariana, I'm sorry." Ro apologizes from beside me. He sounded sincere.

I would have forgiven right away in another time but what he said was unforgivable. It would take a long time to forgive.

"Go to bed, Rowan." I say as I covered myself with my comforter. "Just leave me alone. Don't waste your time talking to a someone who likes to do it  in shady areas. I'm bad influence."

"Ari, I know your mad but—"

"Just... leave me alone." I say, exhausted.

And he does.

I hear him flip the switch off and shuffle in his bed on the other side of the room.

"Good night, Ari." He whispers while I cry softly under my comforter.

It's been a long day indeed.

Well, I guess this way it'll be easier to let go of him.