𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜... | ᴍᴀᴛᴛʜᴇᴏ ʀɪᴅᴅʟᴇ |

21.

21. flirt 
• • • 

I FROZE, TOWEL STILL wrapped around me as the rummaging in my room was going on. I couldn't decide if it was Tanya, Zara, Conan, or an intruder. "Hello?" They said, hearing the bathroom fan. I frantically looked around as if the walls would tell me what to say next. 

Cracking open the door, I peeked my head out to see a topless Tanya. "Sorry! Sorry!" I sputtered, pinching my eyes shut and closing the door. "I just had to take a quick shower," I explained through the door, resting my head against it. 

"It's okay, it's your dorm too," she said, sounding slightly uncomfortable. "I'll get out of your hair." I heard the door slam shut once again and I groaned, wishing she stayed. I also wished I didn't have to feel like a burden to her. Could I get my dorm room switched? 

I sighed heavily, quickly finishing getting ready and heading out the door, to my first class. Just before it was too late, I sat next to Enzo, happy I made it on time to Potions. I didn't think twice as to who I was sitting next to but after a minute, it dawned on me and I squirmed in my seat uncomfortably. 

"Listen," he whispered, "I'm really sorry. But I don't want our friendship to change, we made a stupid decision but we need to be able to forgive and forget." 

"I do forgive you, Enzo," I whispered back, "I don't forgive myself. And I'm going to have a really difficult time forgetting, especially when Malfoy is constantly on my ass." I fidgeted with my hands nervously, trying not to attract any unwanted attention. "I wish it didn't affect our friendship either, but it did." 

"Edith, what are you saying?" 

"I'm saying-" 

"Miss Snow and Mr. Berkshire. Quit interrupting the class and pay attention," Snape snapped, making me flinch. Feeling sick, I got up, running out of the class, not bothering to ask to leave. I gasped, desperately needing fresh air. 

"Edith, wait, please." Lorenzo approached me as I stumbled outside. "I want to know what I can do to help." 

"There's nothing," I gulped, shaking my head, sitting at the base of the tree. "Look, I don't know how or why I got so drunk that it made us... you know. I'm trying to figure shit out, a lot of shit. I just want some time alone, please." He shoved his hands into his pockets, hesitating before turning and leaving to head back to class. I leaned my head against the trunk, sighing dramatically. I would hear the birds chirping in the tree and the rustle of the leaves as the wind blew them around. I counted. 

Five. I opened my eyes, looking around. Stone benches. Fall leaves on the ground. My dirty shoes. The sky, contaminated by clouds. The large branches of the tree. 

Four. I closed my eyes again, focusing. I felt the breeze brush my face. The uncomfortable root I was sitting on. The dirt that was on my hands. My clothes, resting on my skin. 

Three. The birds were still tweeting. The leaves were still rustling. My breath had started to slow down, but it was still audible. 

Two. I smelt the clean, outside air. The slightly damp soil. 

One. The plain, almost stale taste of my saliva. 

"What are you doing?" I jumped, brows shooting up on my forehead as my eyes ripped open. "Are you skipping? Have I really taught you that well," Riddle smirked, making me roll my eyes as I calmed down. 

"Just overwhelmed," I replied shortly. 

"With what? With me?" Cocky bastard. "You have, what? Potions?" I nodded slightly. "Yeah, how's it going with Enzo." I scowled. "Not great, clearly. Need a distraction?"