Beneath The Mask

21. A Lot Can Happen Over Coffee.

"I can't solve all your problems but I promise to make you feel better."
                                       - Coffee.

                   ***********

Cath's POV:

BAAAM!!

The blaring noise of the truck horn echoed in my ears. But the sound of my heartbeats became louder than that. By the time I opened my eyes, the truck had already passed by me and headed to the other end of the road. I wasn't standing in the middle of the road anymore but on the pavement. How did I get here? A quick reminder of someone pulling me back when I was just an inch away from being run over, flashed in front of my eyes. I turned around to find Michael standing behind me.

My heart fluttered in happiness that he had come here. He had saved me yet again. That meant that he wasn't so angry with me anymore right? But that thought vanished as I took in his state. He clenched his fists and tightened his jaw. His red eyes were fixed on the pavement. He lifted his head to meet my eyes.

"What the hell is wrong with you? Can't you see where you're going? Do you expect me to save you whenever you go about being careless?" He shouted and shook me by my shoulder.

That struck a cord. I didn't want anybody to 'clean up my mess' or 'save me from my carelessness.' I swatted his hands away and shoved his chest in frustration. He stumbled back a little but balanced himself. Amusement replaced the anger in his eyes.

"Don't save me!" I shoved him again but he wouldn't budge. I did it again with more force. "I never asked you to!" He jerked back a little but it wasn't even a feet. The triumphant smirk on his lips infuriated me even more. "If it's so hard for you, why don't you just let me die!" I kept pushing him till he was pressed against the wall near the sidewalk.

He caught hold of my wrist and twisted it behind my back. In a swift motion he turned me around and slammed me against the red brick wall. He stood too close to me with only a few inches between us. Maybe about a feet, but still he was in my personal bubble. For some odd reason, my body didn't ring the siren bells and alert the warning signs. It felt strange not to be filled with fear. Was it because my anger overrided my fight or flight hormone? Or was it because at the back of mind, I just knew that he wouldn't hurt me? After all, he was the one who saved me right?

A hint of sadness and hurt filled his eyes. "Does it look like I want you to die?" His voice broke a little as his eyes bore into mine. The intense gaze was too much to bear and I looked away. With his free hand, he held my cheeks and made me look at him. "Saving you was the best feeling ever."

I looked down at the ground. "Then why do you act like you regret it?"

He tilted my chin up so that the back of my head was rested on the wall. "Trust me, I don't." The sincerity in his eyes made me believe him.

"You are the most confusing person I've ever met", I said.

He chuckled and I groaned. "Don't laugh, I'm completely serious. Do you know how frustrating it is? I don't even know why you are acting this way towards me!"

He sighed and dropped his hand down from my face. "I wish I could tell you too."

"Then tell me", I insisted.

He shook his head. "I can't."

I ran out of patience. He never answered my questions . Even if it was something concerning me and it frustrated me. I dropped my gaze to the ground. "Move, I need to go home." I made sure my annoyance was clear in my voice.

"Cathe-" He began but I cut him off. "Don't. Just let me go."

He let go of my hand and stepped back. I stomped past him without even bidding farewell. I stopped after a few steps. I didn't know where I was right? How the hell am I going to get home? I gave an exasperated sigh and turned around on my heel. Michael watched me with confusion. I've got to do this. I didn't have a choice anyway.