Baby

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Six: Embracing Uncertainty

unedited

Two days following our heart-to-heart girls' night, I was feeling significantly better about the circumstances. The tension and unease had waned, replaced by a sense of clarity. However, the lingering thought of Sarah still loomed over me, and her presence in town, particularly her involvement in my life, left me feeling increasingly on edge. A sinking feeling deep in my gut told me it all had something to do with me, and I suspected that I would soon find out the truth.

It was about three in the afternoon, and my second class had just wrapped up for the day. With a chill in the air and rain expected in about an hour, I took the opportunity to explore the campus on my own. The beauty of autumn in Seattle was on full display – the trees had transformed into a stunning array of red hues, providing a stark contrast against the grey, overcast sky above. With a light breeze whistling in the air, I savored the crisp air before heading to my final class of the day.

I was making my way to my class, which was held in Elektra Hall, when my phone gave a gentle buzz in my pocket. I quickly fished it out and glanced at the screen, pausing before stepping into the classroom.

S: Are you available today? To talk?

My heartrate instantly quickened at the sight, my chest contracting as I took a sharp breath. I had completely forgotten about the upcoming conversation we had planned, and my mind raced with possibilities about the direction it could take - particularly in regards to the nature of our undefined relationship. If you can even call it a relationship. A situationship? Is that even a thing?

As I held my phone in my hand, I hesitantly brought my finger to the screen, preparing to type out a reply.

Going to my last class now. Do you want to meet after?

I hadn't even had a chance to put my phone in my pocket before it vibrated in my hand once again.

S: I'll pick you up when you're done.

I felt a smile twitching at the corners of my mouth, but I quickly tried to suppress it, my natural instinct to avoid social interaction warring with a sudden eagerness. If I was still the same person I had been a few weeks prior, I would have made every excuse to turn Silas down, to keep my distance. But the way he talked to me in the hospital, and perhaps even before that, had stirred something inside me. I knew deep down that there was no way I could refuse him.

Every passing week, I found myself transforming into the person I was always meant to be. It was like coming home after a long journey. I couldn't help but wonder if my mother was watching, if she was proud of the progress I was making.

As the class progressed, I attempted to focus on the materials presented by the professor, but my mind was consumed by the impending conversation. My thoughts kept returning to the talk that was about to happen, wondering what we were going to discuss and what would unfold once it was over.

The minute the class was over, I put my things into my bag as slowly as possible, half out of it half trying to delay the inevitable.

Even the slight knock at the door couldn't shake me out of my trance. It was only the voice of the professor that made jolt out of my thoughts.

"Oh, Mr. Petrova! What a wonderful surprise. What can I do for you?" Professor Trenton's gaze fell behind me towards the door.

My eyes widen and my neck snapped behind me.

Silas casually leaned against the doorframe, his tall silhouette nearly brushing against the top. Wearing a well-fitted white button-down shirt, he looked effortlessly sophisticated. I couldn't tear my gaze away from him - the shirt hugged his frame perfectly, accentuating every contour. His dressy pants completing the look, as if he had just stepped out of an elegant evening. And there, on his fingers, the familiar array of rings glinted in the light.

I shivered involuntarily as the memory of his cold rings against my torso, that night of the party, flickered through my mind. The sensation had left a lasting impression, and the thought of it alone was enough to send a chill up my spine.

Silas's gaze shifted to me, a smug smile playing on his lips as he observed my obvious admiration. "Good afternoon Bernard," he addressed the professor, "I'm here to escort Ms. Sinclair back to her dorm." His eyes remained fixed on me as he uttered the last word, making his intentions clear everyone.

I quickly looked away and cleared my throat, hurriedly stuffing my belongings into my bag, feeling a bit flustered under the watchful eyes of both Silas and the professor.

As I was about to turn and leave, I smiled at my professor, expressing my appreciation for the knowledge he had imparted. "Thank you for the wonderful lecture today, sir," I said gratefully. "I'll see you on Wednesday."

Professor Trenton didn't respond verbally, but he graced me with a warm smile and a nod of acknowledgment.

I walked over to Silas, the intensity of his gaze unwavering, igniting a swarm of butterflies in my stomach. We silently made our way out of the room and hall, stepping onto the campus grounds. Silas's towering presence beside me sent a thrill through my body.

I shifted nervously, fidgeting with the straps of my bag as I began, "So, um... Are we talking at my dorm?"

"No."

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. "No? But you just said-"

He cut me off with a sly smile. "I didn't want the professor knowing I was taking you out on a date."

My heart stuttered momentarily, almost ceasing its beat as the weight of his words sank in. My mouth gaped open, and my eyes widened in surprise once again.

"A... date?" I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper, my mind struggling to grasp the revelation.

He suddenly halted, causing me to stop as well. I slowly turned to face him, my heart skipping a few beats as I saw his smile.

"Don't be nervous," he said softly, closing the distance between us.

My heart was in my throat, and I fumbled for a response. "I-I'm not," I managed to stammer, though my racing pulse betrayed my words.

Silas moved even closer to me, standing just inches away. He smiled at my stuttering nervousness.

"Your stuttering tells me otherwise."

I tried to deny it, quickly looking around to see if anyone was watching us. A few pairs of eyes were, but I ignored them. I nervously took a half step back, trying to maintain a sense of composure.

Silas's disappointment was evident in his gaze, but he didn't move to close the distance between us again.

I looked down at my casual school outfit, feeling a bit self-conscious. "I'm not even dressed for a date," I pointed out.

Silas chuckled, shaking his head. "It's not that kind of date," he reassured me. He then stretched his hand out, a silent invitation.

"Come on, I'll show you," he smiled, gesturing for me to take his hand.

My mind was racing as Silas extended his hand, offering it to me. I was keenly aware of the eyes of other people around us, watching our interaction. Don't think about them, Baby.

I hesitated for a moment, but eventually, I took him up on his offer and interlocked our fingers together.

As our fingers intertwined, a small electric shock seemed to pass between us, sending a jolt up my arm. I fought the urge to flinch, not wanting Silas to think I was repulsed by his touch. In fact, the truth was quite the opposite - my body craved his touch.

Inhaling a deep breath, I slowly came to the realization. That resisting Silas any longer, seemed to be futile.