Enemies to Lovers

Worlds Collide

I left the library with a few books in hand, some of which were ones that Ms. Marpole suggested that were very good. I had felt the eyes on me as I walked out. Mostly people staring and whispering about me. As if I didn't feel enough shame for everything that was already going on. I walk down the street with my messenger bag over my shoulder back to the dorms. I was hoping it would be a quiet night, since it was a Friday. The freshman and his little friends would be out partying. Maybe I could get some decent shut eye for a change. That thought was quickly disturbed by someone bumping into me, making me fall backwards onto my butt.

I rub my head a bit and groan. "Watch where you're..." I look up to see Max. Great. Something else that everyone could laugh about. "...going." I finish my thought and quickly stand up, dusting myself off. "Woah. Sorry about that. You okay there, Brad?" Max says in a tone of voice that was filled with what sounded like concern. Why would he feel any concern for me? "I'm fine and it's Bradley. You know that. How many times do I have to correct you, freshman?" I ask in a snarky tone. He rolls his eyes and chuckles. That stupid laugh of his. "Actually, I'm a sophomore now." He says as he looks at me. "So, how's it going anyway? You kind of disappeared for a bit." He says as I scoff at him, rolling my eyes right back at him. "Yes, well, when you're thrown into a blimp by your ex-boyfriend for leaving him for dead, that tends to happen. I was in the hospital recovering. Not that anybody gives a shit anyway." I look away. I couldn't bear to look him in the eyes. All I could see was pity. It was either pity or hatred. Those were the looks I saw from everyone nowadays. "Anyway, I have to get back to my dorm. I have lots of work to get done for class tomorrow," I lied. I had finished my work for class already. I just didn't want to continue this conversation any longer. Before he could reply, I walked away, leaving him standing there with his skateboard in hand with a confused look on his face.

My heart raced in my chest. "Why does he care about me?" I thought to myself as I reached my dorm. After all, I'm the reason he and his friends almost died. Countless times, in fact. The guilt ate away at me most nights. I lie awake sometimes, wondering if this is who I'm destined to be; a pathetic little nobody that should've gone to jail for attempted murder, even if it was an accident. I couldn't help but think about Max's facial expression. He looked concerned for me. But why? I reached my dorm and unlocked the door, walking inside and shutting the door behind me. I hang my key on a rack next to the door and take off my shoes. I take a deep breath and sigh as I take off my messenger bag, placing it on my desk.

In my room, there were old pictures of all of the years the Gammas had won the X Games. Even the years before I got into college when I had dreamed of becoming a member of the X Games. I take all of the pictures down and pack them into a box nice and neatly. I decided I would probably give them to the Gammas to do whatever they wanted with it. As for my uniform and gear, I had that buried deep in my closet. For a college dorm, it wasn't bad. It wasn't like I was used to back home, but it was a space just for me. Granted, I felt lonely, but that's nothing a little bit of reading or watching TV couldn't fix.

I head to the bathroom and take off my clothes, hopping into the shower. I wash my hair and body as I think of Max. The thought of seeing him after so long felt... strange. Why did my heart race so fast after talking to him? And did he get piercings? My mind raced over the thought of seeing him again. He felt concerned for me. He was worried about me. Granted, it could just be because he ran into me but even still. Why feel any concern for your rival? I had more concerns right now. Like how the hell was I going to pay for groceries with no job? I needed to find something, and soon. It's been horrible since my father cut me off financially, even though I was relieved he cut me off completely.

I look down at my body and sigh. The last time I saw my father, he made sure to let me know just how much of a disappointment I was. Not even my mother could stop him from hitting me. As if she would have anyway. She was about as spineless as me. I sometimes wonder why she even married him. I stared at the scars, though faded, were still there. I rarely wore tank tops or went shirtless for fear of what others would say. I didn't want them to think I had done this to myself or worse. I was already the talk of campus. I didn't need any more backlash than what I was currently receiving. I could feel myself zoning out, wondering if life could ever get better than this nightmare I was currently living.

After almost half an hour in the shower, I finish up and head over to my dresser drawer to begin getting changed into pjs for the night when I get a text from Tank. I walk over to check it and am surprised to see that he invited me to a Gamma party. These were big parties that almost everyone went to. You would have to be an idiot NOT to go. I sighed as I stared at the text, the thought of being around my old crew crushing me. The stares, the laughs and the humiliation I would face if I went to the party. I couldn't do it. I would be the talk of the party, and that was the last thing that I wanted right now. I put my head in my hands, contemplating what the hell to do. Tonight was probably not the best night for a party. After all, I had class tomorrow. I normally tried to drink on the weekends when I didn't have class. I had expected Max and his friends to roll into class tomorrow, hungover. I shook my head, annoyed. Why was I still thinking of that damn goof? Maybe reading would do me some good before a goods night rest.