𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 | 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐨𝐧𝐞

Chapter 15

I had started packing a few things since I'd be leaving in two days. I honestly hated the idea of going back to my parents' house, knowing well that Lance and his family would most likely be there too.

Amanda had gone out to work since she started a new job about three days ago, leaving me alone in our dorm room, busy fixing some of my clothes.

"Why do you need so many shirts?" a voice spoke up, pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked up to see Aaron sitting on my bed, casually examining the clothes I had set aside.

I had completely forgotten he was here. "I like to be prepared. I might stay more than a few days," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

He nodded, folding one of the shirts with surprising care. I had come to notice how respectful he was, always seeming to take my feelings into account.

"You're staying here, right?" I asked, glancing over at him.

"Yes," Aaron said calmly, his expression steady as he placed another shirt on the pile.

"You'll be alone; Amanda is going back too," I said, throwing some clothes on the bed in a haphazard pile.

"Yes," he repeated, maintaining his calm demeanor. I couldn't help but study him. "Something wrong?"

"No. Why?" he asked, looking genuinely puzzled.

I shrugged, unsure how to articulate what I was feeling. "You're usually more cheerful."

He smiled at that, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. 

"Okay, tell me what's wrong. You always hear me bitch about everything," I said, stopping my task and shoving the clothes aside. I plopped down on the bed in front of Aaron, looking at him expectantly.

"Nothing's wrong, Ruby," he replied, crossing his arms and leaning back against the bedframe. He wore that casual grin that made it hard to take him seriously, but I was determined to get to the bottom of this.

"Are you ill? Your voice is raspy," I pointed out, noticing the slight gravel in his tone.

"I am," he said, and a smile crept onto my face knowing I was right.

"Seriously? You're sick? You should have said something!" I said, leaning closer. "Do you have a fever or something? Are you contagious? Should I stay away?"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "It's not that serious, Ruby. Just a little cold. I'll survive."

"Still, you could have at least told me! You should be resting, not helping me pack," I insisted.

"Still, you could have at least told me! You should be resting, not helping me pack," I insisted, my frustration bubbling over.

He didn't answer; instead, he just watched me with those intense eyes before looking away. "What?" I asked, puzzled by his silence. Then I realized I was leaning in a little too close. How embarrassing.

I backed away slowly, feeling heat creep up my cheeks. "Do you have any other friends?" I asked, trying to shift the conversation.

He turned to look at me, confusion etched on his face. I raised my eyebrows expectantly, and he shook his head. "No, I don't."

"You're kidding?" I said, taken aback.

He shook his head again. "Nope."

"Then who were those guys picking up your boxes?" I probed, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"They offered to help," he said, and I felt a frown forming.

"Okay, but seriously? You have no friends at all?" I asked, trying to process this new information.