The Last Architects

Chapter Thirty-One.

"I think it's time we end things between us."

Had I known what would come of that decision, I would never have started anything to begin with.

. . .

My day was fine. I caught up on every class and even people I rarely talked to sat with me and asked me how I'd been doing. It was refreshing.

I didn't have much interest in making friends, but I could still appreciate them for trying. And it nearly made me forget what I had planned.

How selfish was that? Starting something with Cameron only to be swayed by a confession from somebody else. It made me a bad person, I knew that. But I just had to tell myself and acknowledge the fact that he was far worse. Cameron knew I was seventeen. He knew I didn't like being alone, and he knew I liked him. He chose to be with me, and I used to think of that as a thing to be happy about. But now, I couldn't even stomach the sight of him, let alone his touch.

But as I walked the street to Cameron's house, and the sun hid behind a fortress of clouds, it was eating away at my body. The thought that what I had instigated was now my responsibility to end... It was horrible. I didn't want to make him mad.

Knocking on the door, I pocketed my hands when they began to tremble, taking a deep breath to better compose myself as I heard his footsteps from inside, and as the door opened, I pulled on a smile regardless of how tired I was. "...Hi, Professor."

"Welcome back, Ema. Please, come in." Cameron smiled warmly, and as he stepped back, I walked inside.

"I can't- I don't want to stay too long... I really just want to talk." I sighed, feeling weak in my legs as I took a seat at the kitchen island.

"Well then, go ahead," His head tilted as he took a seat across from me, and I only grew more anxious.

"Well...Professor. I think it's time we end things between us." I didn't want to sound unsure, and in return, I was worried I sounded mean.

When Cameron didn't answer, and instead stood still as he stared at me in thought, I wanted to take it back. "How come?" Seriously?

"What- really...? I mean... It's not like this was a relationship, and you're my teacher, Cameron. The age difference, the ethics of it all are just wrong. You didn't do absolutely anything wrong!" I waved my hands, doing my best to push through, "I know it was me who encouraged almost everything... But it's no longer just a...fun time."

"Have you thought this decision over well?" What did that mean...? He leaned back like he was clearly thinking, and I was about to leave.

"I'm sorry if it's random, Professor... But I can promise you I have. I want to keep our relationship professional, and sleeping over, kissing, holding hands will only complicate things, I'm sure. And it's better to put a stop to anything before we're too close." I moved my arms around myself as I stood. It's not like he loved me. This shouldn't be a big deal. He didn't care about me.

"I wouldn't do this." He watched me and I suffered through eye contact, waiting for him to elaborate on why. "I am not quite done with you, Ema."

"Excuse me-?" I froze, taking a step back as insecurity harbored in my chest. "I- I'm not yours, Professor? I thought that's why this whole affair worked? Besides- it's- it's not your call!" I couldn't start yelling.

"And is it yours to break off?" Cameron kept his usual calm composure, but as he stood, and his words registered properly, I couldn't stop myself from being scared, it had gone so badly the last time I did this... "it isn't your decision to make, Ema. Until I decide otherwise, this relationship continues."

"What?!" I gave up on the no yelling idea. "Do you hear yourself? You're delusional. Whatever you're talking about is insane. And further proving why I had to make this choice! From your answer, I waited too long." I moved to the door, not risking anything.

"You're making the wrong choice, Ema." He sighed and I wasn't sure if he was giving me one. "If you take it back now, I can forgive this."

Tears threatened my eyes as I stared at him, trying my best to stand my ground. "...Why are you acting like this..? With all the things you said- you're scaring me, Cameron." I felt as the first tear ran down my cheek.

"I wouldn't have to be if you kept compliant. But I can be much worse, Ema. So, take back that decision and we can continue being such a lovely couple." For every step he took closer, I moved back. And as I was pressed against the wall behind me, I felt a horrific amount of fear towards the man that stared at me as if I was nothing.

"...We weren't ever a couple! You're- back up- firstly..." I stressed, my legs about to give out any moment. "We weren't- and never will be- you're acting ridiculous!" What was happening?! Why was he acting that way?!

"Ema, it's bad not to finish what you started, were you never taught that? You're being rash. And I don't want to hurt you, you don't want to drive me to that point, right?"

"...Screw you-." I couldn't move... I was already backed against the wall when Cameron stepped closer, so when his lips crashed against mine, and his teeth dug into the corner of my lip, I couldn't stop my hand from colliding against his cheek. A stinging sensation burned up my palm and as he stood nearly leaning against my chest, I shoved him back with all the force I could manage, running to the door. And the moment I hit the sidewalk I felt as the little amount of food I'd eaten came rushing my throat.

What the hell just happened.

. . .

Waking up beside Skyler nearly had me forgetting the events of last night, but as I came to my senses at the feeling of his arms around me and a burning heat, I felt paralyzed.

Quickly lifting myself up, I covered my coughs with a sleeve as I crawled across him, nearly stumbling to the floor but making it a priority to rush to the bathroom while all the memories of Cameron came flooding into my mind. His hot breath against me, his teeth ripping the skin of my bottom lip, his threats. I didn't have a way to explain any of it to Skyler, so I made sure to lock the door behind me as my knees scraped against the tile and my arms embraced the toilet.

It was over. And for that, the slightest bit of happiness crept into my chest, but I couldn't dwell on it long as I choked on saliva. Nothing came out, which I was relieved for, but it didn't stop the nausea from the whole ordeal from choking me out.

And after I managed to compose myself, I stared at the mirror, curious as to why Skyler was being so quiet... But I waited a moment after running a brush through my hair a few times and washing my face before unlocking the door, stepping back at the same time as him when we both thought he was too close. "...Sorry...for last night."

"... It's ok. Are you... decent?" He looked me over with concern, and I realized I had been very vague the night before.

So with a hesitance that caused me guilt, I brought my arms around him. "Mhm... I'm much better..." I sighed, holding onto his shirt like it was the only thing keeping me up. "...I've...I've been such a shitty friend... I'm so sorry..."

"Hey, hey it's ok. You don't owe me for being a good one." He brought his arms firmly around me, "can I ask what happened...?"

"Uh... It's a long story... But I ended things with the person you told me to... It was messy, but it's over, so you don't have to worry about it anymore... He just took it really badly." I still felt exhausted, but at the same time, a lot lighter...

"... At least it's done. Good job. Or whatever. I'm just glad his influence is gone." When Skyler hugged me even tighter, I reciprocated only for a moment before leaning back, looking up at him.

"You were supposed to hate me... Not care about who I was seeing..." I mumbled, looking away as my lip began to ache, the taste of iron staying on my tongue so matter how much I tried to ignore it.