UNGIFTED

CHAPTER 13

F idgeting with the strings of his hoodie while pacing back and forth beside his door, Ben debated whether or not he should go by Ameria’s room. Nothing he thought about could pull him out of the pool of images that flooded his mind. Every moment spent with her replayed inside his head. Her, and the way she narrowed her eyes at him whenever he said something to piss her off. Her, in her baggy uniform, talking smart to him. Her, and the way her eyes sparkled anytime they found something she liked or was intrigued about. Her, in a gorgeous dress, so obliviously stunning. Her, and the recently missed opportunity to finally taste her sweet lips driving him insane. Her. His every thought revolved around her.

“Nope.” He said releasing the doorknob for the second time and stepping back. Turning around, he resumed his pacing. 

That was all he had been doing for the past thirty minutes. Figuring that maybe, since they lived in adjacent rooms, it would not be weird if they walked together to meet the rest of their friends. But doubt kept creeping at the back of his mind and, whenever he decided to go, pulled him back like an elastic restraint. Was it too soon? Out of place maybe? They were not exactly friends, but Ben wanted to think neither were they enemies anymore.

Convincing himself it was a good idea, Ben walked out of the room and quickly knocked on her door. They were neighbors after all. And they were going to meet their friends, it was not like they were hanging out together just because. They had a reason. At least those were the words he had used to persuade himself to do it.

Nobody opened the door the first time he knocked on it. And nobody opened it the second. Making sure no one was looking; he pressed his ear against the door and focused. Empty. The room was completely empty.

Maybe it had been for the best. Maybe it was too soon indeed. Ben sighed. While a part of him was relieved he had been saved from what was likely a mistake, the other could not help but somehow feel disappointed he had not found her. And each of those feelings crashed over the other, like waves at a riptide.

Hearing footsteps approaching, Ben straightened his posture and awkwardly pretended to be stretching a muscle. Greeting the person who walked by with a subtle nod, and quickly walking out of there shortly after. 

***

Ameria had left her room early with the first rays of the morning sun. It was the only time of day she had available, and was thankful Jamie was an early bird who did not mind.

Her days lacked hours lately and Ameria was doing everything she could to make the most of them.

And last night in particular, she had not been able to get enough sleep. Not after what had happened. Her mind was too busy trying to manage her thoughts and clear all confusion. But the images were too bright; and the blood rapidly pumping through her veins too loud.

What was left of her night was spent tossing and turning in bed. Tangled between the sheets, staring up at the ceiling trying to silence every crazy idea that her tired brain came up with. They were barely even friends, there was not a single chance Ben could ever be remotely attracted to her. That much she knew.

Still half asleep, she had managed to get dressed and make her way out of her room and to the library. Her hair messily tied up in a bun. They had arranged a meeting to discuss some new information Jamie had collected about her case, and Ameria did not want to miss it.

“Morning Octavia!” Ameria said walking behind the desk to great the librarian. “Oh, hi Eroan.” She added finding her friend behind some shelf organizing books. “What are you doing here?”

“Early shift.” He answered piling books on his forearm. “What are you doing here this early?” He asked.

“Meeting a friend.” She told him.