The Cursed Pharaoh's Bride

Chapter 13: Delivered Like A Package

Carolina

My cell phone buzzes for what feels like the thirtieth time today. I don't have to check to know exactly who it is. Ever since I found those books about ancient Egypt, and saw that magazine, I haven't made any attempt to contact Elijah. I mean, I made it clear before that I don't want him to randomly message me or spam my phone. And yet, for whatever reason he's doing it anyways. His messages are also strange. It's as if he knows that the fact that I have gotten closer to the truth without him is making me upset with him. Well, I also may or may not be more upset about seeing him essentially wearing that super model on the front cover of that magazine.

Another buzz erupts from my phone. Ugh, he should at least know that I have things to do other than just sit around at home. I am actively avoiding stares and glares the other students in my lecture keep giving me because my phone doesn't stop vibrating. I finally give in and look at my phone. I sigh. His messages are no different than the ones he's been sending me for the past three days.

'Darling, what's wrong? I can tell you're upset.'

'I haven't heard from you since we met up last weekend. When can I see you again?'

'I've been contacting your lab. They said you haven't been to work this week? Is something wrong?'

'Carolina, I have half a mind to go to your campus right now.'

'At least respond to your messages!'

I highly doubt he's going to take the time out of his day to come and see me at school. For starters, he has a company to run. And besides, he doesn't need me to entertain him. There are plenty of other women he can use as his play things. It's not the first time a guy has made it clear that I can be easily replaced if I can't give him what he wants.

Through all the spam, I notice a text message from Jay, which brings a small smile to my face. Hearing from him so soon is a pleasant surprise. He writes:

'Hey, my friends and I are going to the movies this Friday night. Do you want to join us?'

Jay is a nice guy. I'm not looking to date him or anything. But it would be nice to just hang out with someone new for once. With all the craziness that's been going on, I need a distraction and a break. I would hang out with Tori, but she's been busy lately and our schedules rarely allow us to cross paths these days. I think back on when I decided I would be willing to get to know Jay better, and maybe make him a friend.

"Jay, thanks so much for helping me find these books," I said as I handed him the books I was checking out. Lucky for me, he was working at the front desk.

"It's no problem. It's the least I can do for my fellow tomb raider," he said jokingly.

I gave him a small smile. "Yeah, that trip was crazy. Everything has been crazy since then, actually."

He gave me a strange look. "Really?" He paused. "How have you been since then, actually? Are you doing okay?"

"I'm fine," I said warily. "I've just been stressed now that school has started. It will get better."

He gave me a nod in understanding. "You know, if you're ever looking for someone to hang out with uptown or at the very least looking for someone who can find you books on other mythology, I'm more than happy to help with that."

After that, Jay and I exchanged numbers. I'm sure once Tori finds out, she'll start to fangirl and get excited over nothing. I really just want, and honestly need, more friends. I'm not looking for another romance.