The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die (GirlXGirl)

Chapter 25: Behind the Cold Eyes

The soft hum of Marie's house filled the air, mixing with the sound of pages turning and the occasional rustle of papers. I leaned back in my chair, stretching my arms overhead as the study session dragged on. The room was comfortably warm, the golden light from the lamps casting a cozy glow around us—like a damn Instagram filter, but in real life.

Marie had meticulously organized her study space, the large oak table at the center covered with books, notes, and an assortment of colored pens. Everything about the room screamed "organized," which was a little annoying if I was being honest. The walls were painted a calming light blue, adorned with framed photos of family trips and memories captured in laughter. Cute, I guess, but it felt a bit too... cheery for my taste.

"Ready to call it a night?" Marie asked, glancing up from her notes. Her brown hair fell softly around her shoulders, and there was a spark in her green eyes that made my heart skip. Ugh, why was she so damn disarming?

"Yeah, I suppose," I replied, my tone nonchalant as I tried to keep my walls intact. "I can only absorb so much information before my brain starts leaking out my ears. I'm not sure I can handle the prospect of another riveting chapter on how to find X when you've already found Y."

Marie chuckled, the sound light and genuine, filling the space between us. "You might want to get that checked out, then. You can't afford to lose any more brain cells."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. Despite the banter, there was an undercurrent of something deeper simmering between us, a connection I wasn't sure how to navigate without tripping over my own feet.

As we wrapped up, the mood shifted slightly, the easy laughter giving way to a more reflective silence. Marie glanced over at me, her gaze steady, as if she were gauging my thoughts. I felt the tension rise just a little, the air thickening as we shared the moment.

"So... about your past," Marie began, her voice softer now.

My stomach twisted. "It's riveting," I replied, my humor sharper than a knife. "I mean, who wouldn't want to hear about my endless collection of awkward moments? Spoiler alert: it's just as cringeworthy as you'd imagine."

Marie raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile still playing on her lips. "Okay, I'm all ears for your tales of awkwardness. But seriously, you don't have to share anything you're not comfortable with."

For a brief second, I met her gaze, and in that moment, I felt seen—truly seen—in a way that both thrilled and terrified me. It was like Marie could peel back the layers I worked so hard to maintain. "Awkward moments are just part of my charm," I said with a teasing grin, trying to maintain my facade.

"Charm, huh?" Marie leaned back, crossing her arms as if she were contemplating my words. "I think you might just be too hard on yourself."

"Or maybe I'm just too charming for my own good," I shot back, but the lightness in my voice didn't quite reach my eyes.

Marie watched me, a knowing look in her gaze. "You know, sometimes humor is just a way to cope. It doesn't have to be all bad, though. It can keep things from getting too heavy."

My heart raced, a mix of frustration and fear washing over me. I didn't want to delve into the emotional labyrinth that was my past. "I'd rather keep things light, thanks. My heart's not a fucking rollercoaster, you know?"

Marie nodded, her expression shifting to something more understanding, but there was still that hint of concern in her eyes. "That's fair. Just remember, you don't have to put on a show all the time. There's strength in being open, too."

I felt my defenses rising again, but I forced myself to hold on to the lightness of the moment. "Vulnerable? Please, it's much more fun to keep everyone guessing. Like a plot twist no one sees coming. I'm practically Shakespeare, but with more sarcasm and fewer tragic endings."