The Crazy American

Chapter 13

Breakfast went by quietly, to my relief. Elliot ate without saying one word to me and left for class before I could talk to him. Don't let him get you down. Enjoy class. I cheer myself on. Sighing, I pack my bag and head to class. The rain taps onto the window lightly as I grab my umbrella and head out the door.

My feet carry me to my class absent mindedly. Math, I groan, my least favorite subject. Plopping into my seat, I pull out my notebook and set out all my things. Whispers behind my back makes me turn to see a group of girls giggling and looking at me.

"Hey, you are the girl that is with Elliot, right?" One asks smiling at me with condescending tone.

"Um. No. We aren't dating." I shrug. They all look at the girl as she pulls out a glossy magazine and points at the front cover. Across the front was pictures of Elliot and I at the club with the title Rambunctious Girlfriend? Fight Between Another Lover and Elliot? Find out inside! I laugh and shake my head. "No, we are just friends. He and I would never work out. We are just good friends that's all. Don't believe everything you read."

"I knew they weren't dating! She's an American. Not his type at all." The girl next to her chirps up. I smile half heartedly and return to the lecture.

After my classes, I wander back to the dorm. The rain gradually picks up on the way back. My mind lingering on the girl's words. The air is still warm with the September air, yet the rain stayed cool. At the porch of the dorms, I tilt back the umbrella and let the rain hit my face. The cool air all but sizzled as it touched my flushed skin. A small shiver runs down my spine as the water tickles my nerves. I stare up into the grey skies. I drop my umbrella and close my eyes. For a moment in time, I allow the feelings for him to release, the feeling of sadness and love whirled around me. My breathing hitched with every inhale.

The door swung open, making me jump. I look down into Allie's eyes, she laughs at me and holds up a finger. She turns and hustles up stairs and returns with towel. I smile at her and giggle. Stepping into the foyer, I wrap up in the towel and drop my bookbag.

"You have an umbrella in your hand," she laughs and puts her hands on her hips.

"Sometimes you have to feel the rain," I shrug and laugh. "It was nice."

"First time I've heard someone in England call the rain nice," she snickers and walks off laughing. I gather my belongings and make my way upstairs. Elliot walks out of his room as I reach my door. He looks at me with a weird, unplacable look and starts towards me. I look down and open my door.

"Rose." His voice hits me like always. I step into my room without looking at him and shut the door. Sighing, I lean against the wooden frame. A knock rings loudly through my silent room. I drop my backpack onto my floor and start stripping my wet clothes. Knock. I slip out of my shirt. Knock. Unhooking my bra. Knock, as I slip off my jeans. "Rose, I know you are in there. Don't be like this." His voice low. I slip out of my panties.

"Being like what exactly?" I ask with fake sweetness. Looking into the mirror, I look at my bruises. All dark purple and fresh, the sight makes me shiver.

"You are avoiding me."

"Oh am I?" I ask with fake surprise and I wander around my room naked.

"Can I come in?" He asks, his voice almost pleading.

"No." My voice clear as a bell as I grab my robe.

"Please?"

"Elliot, no. I can't do this. Please just stop." I say quietly. Before I hear more, I go into the bathroom and take a shower.