Beneath The Surface

Chapter 2

Trigger warning: Eating disorder

I decided to go home and just finish my assignment there.

I got out my art supplies and started working on my assignment.

I was fully focused and and concentrated before I could hear loud thuds from next door.

My neighbor. I huffed and angrily walked next door and knocked.

He opened the door.

"Problem?"

I rolled my eyes and scoffed.

"Yes, there is a problem. I'm working and you're being noisy,"

"Come in"

I walked in and was engulfed by the smell of books which led my to a book corner.

I felt a cool breeze and goose bumps formed on my skin.

"You live like a vampire,"

He smirks, though it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. "You’re one to talk. You always look like you haven’t slept in days."

I glare at him, feeling a mix of embarrassment and irritation. "I have assignments to finish, deadlines to meet. Not everyone can lounge around in their apartment all day."

His smirk fades instantly. "You don’t know anything about me."

There’s something in his voice that sends a shiver down my spine—cold, distant, but layered with something heavier. I almost feel like I should apologize, but instead, I straighten my shoulders, refusing to back down. "Fine. Whatever. Just keep the noise down. I have a life outside of your brooding drama."

I turn and head for the door, my heart pounding, but just as I reach the hallway, I hear him call after me. "I was moving some furniture around."

I stop for a second, but I don’t turn back. Instead, I walk back to my place, trying to shake off the weird feeling left by the conversation.

I went back into my house and continued with my assignment.

A couple hours later I fell asleep and woke up when I felt the buzz of my phone on my cheek.

"Hello?"

"Hey, it's Alyssa. Are you free right now? I'm going out with a couple of friends, do you want to join?"

"Okay, what time?"

"We'll pick you up in about 15 minutes,"

I wasn't planning on doing anything this weekend. But I guess I am now.

I got ready and wore a crop top with cargo pants

I walked down to the lobby and found Alyssa standing with another blond girl and a red head.

"Hey," I gave Alyssa a hug and she introduced me to her friends.

"Alyssa this is Flora and Jasmine. Flora and Jasmine this is Mae,"

They both waved at me and I waved back.

We walked outside into the car park where 3 guys were standing next to a grey G-Wagon.

"Mae, this is Connor, Jason and Quinn,"

Connor had dirty blonde hair with a cheeky smirk. Jason had jet black hair with striking blue eyes and Quinn had red hair. Jason was the tallest out of all of them.

"Mae as in, Mae Ridge?" I stared at Connor with a confused look.

"Uh yeah, how'd you know?" I asked.

"My parents work with yours,"