The Math of Love

Chapter 14 - Redness

Maya

The following morning I drink an Advil to try to avoid the massive headache that is starting to form.

I wake up early to finish packing up and make sure that nothing is left behind. Today we go back home, and I honestly wish that this trip could last forever. I loved it because weirdly enough, it was a fun trip. The chaperones let us have fun instead of boring us to death and forcing us to do a bunch of assignments, which is very not college-like.

This whole time I have been wondering something that I forgot to discuss with Gregory yesterday. We came to New York together, but we never really talked about  whether he would be giving me a ride back home or if I would just take the bus with everyone else. Either way, thankfully, my seat was never taken, so I can simply catch a ride with the school bus.

Once everyone is in the lobby of the hotel, and I have made one last run through the room to ensure that we are not forgetting anything, Gregory walks up to me.

"Hey, good morning," he says.

His hair is messy and just washed. He smells like cologne and I cannot stop to think about the fact that he is so tall and smells so good.

"Good morning!" I reply.

"Man, I wish we could stay longer," he says.

His face is a little down and I can actually see the disappointment in it.

"Same, the weekend just flew by, but I am so glad I got to actually come. Believe it or not. I was not going to," I say as if it would surprise him.

"Oh, I believe it," he says, obviously mocking me.

"Shut up," I say while playfully punching his arm.

We both laugh and at that moment I see everyone getting ready to board the bus. Jennice and Clarissa start waving at me to show me where they are.

"All right then. I will see you back home," I start to wave bye, but he cuts me off.

"Wait. Are you going on the bus?" he asks as if he is hurt at the fact that I am actually going back home in it.

"Yeah?" I reply, a little puzzled.

"Oh. Okay," is all he says.

"Why?" I ask.

"No... I just - I thought you would ride back home with me," he replies.

His face falls a little as if he is embarrassed to be saying it out loud.

"I did not think you would want me to," I search for his eyes.

"It is really up to you," he says with a hint of hope in his eyes.

"Sure. I would love to. Your car seems much more comfortable than the bus seats anyway," I joke.

"Allrighty then, get in the car," he commands in a playful way.

We laugh as we both walk towards the car.

I don't know how Gregory is feeling, but at least for me,  my heart is racing and after this trip I feel like I cannot deny that I definitely feel something strong towards him. Something that I am not sure if I should be feeling.

After getting in the car, I text Jennice and Clarissa to let the chaperones know that I am riding with Gregory and that we will just meet up with everyone at Campus. Again, the good thing about being in college, is that chaperones are not so uptight.