Been You

Chapter 12: Wake Up With Me

JUSTIN'S POV:

I awaken to the sweet smell of coconut oil. I close my eyes, inhaling, letting her scent overcome me, listening to the soft hum of her sleeping. Waking up with Elysandra in my arms put the biggest smile on my face. I could stay like this forever. I pick up my phone, checking my notifications. I sigh, not wanting to face the aftermath of yesterday's hockey practice.

Christian: I usually don't like to let personal issues affect ice time, but after what happened yesterday, I can't let you play in the game on Friday. Sorry, man.

Shit.

Christian: You also missed practice so /: Come talk to me, man.

Definitely won't be doing that.

Chaz: Sick left hook, bro! Teach me that, yeah?

Definitely won't be doing that either.

Ryan: -

I sure as hell, definitely won't be doing that. I glance at the time and nearly have a heart attack. 9:25. Intro to Psych started 25 minutes ago! Shit. I jump out of bed - Ely's bed - to frantically search for my things. Shoes - check. Bag - check. Shirt - not check. Ely's sleeping in it, and I can't bring myself to wake her. So I grab my jacket, zip it up, and hope for the best. As I'm rushing for the door, I pull out my phone to send a text.

Me: Hey Ely, just letting you know I had to go to class. Sorry for leaving. I'll be back by 10, promise. Don't be mad. Please don't be mad.

I leave for class, filled with guilt. I told her I wouldn't leave. But here I am, letting her down again.

I get to class, and the professor gives me a lecture about how she doesn't give athletes special treatment, and that she finds my tardiness disrespectful. I roll my eyes as I take my seat in the back of the room. I was late, it's not like I asked her to fluff my grades.

"What a bitch, right?" the brunette sitting next to me whispers. I generally have a distaste for using that word to put down women, but it's 9 am on a Tuesday. I don't have the energy to argue this with a stranger. Especially since this girl seems to be on my side. I just shrug in noncommittal agreement. "I'm Selena," she introduces.

"Justin," I say, in a clipped tone, trying to follow along with the lecture. I do not need to give this professor any more reason to hate me. As distant as I try to be, this girl keeps talking to me, each time nearly getting me in trouble. Eventually, once I've had enough, I whisper, "I actually missed the first half of class, and really need to catch up, so if you don't mind..." hoping she'll get the hint to shut up. She doesn't.

"Oh, of course I'll give you my notes! I'll even explain them to you! All you had to do was ask," she says excitedly, in a hushed tone. I sigh. As annoying as she is, I do need the notes.

"Thanks," I let out, unenthusiastically. Thank god, class is finally over. I get up to leave, both happy to get away from Selena, and to see Ely. Unfortunately, Selena follows me out of the classroom. I try to cut in to say goodbye, but it's impossible. She's chattering at a million miles per minute. I don't even know what it is that she's going on about. I wait for her to go her separate way, but I reach Ely's building, and she's still with me. "Do you live in this building?" I ask, bluntly.

"No, silly. I'm coming with you to give you the notes, duh," she says with a piercing giggle. God why.

"Um, do you think we could do this another time? Like any time other than now?" I ask, grimacing.

"What's wrong with now?" She asks, making me groan internally. "Look, it'll be quick, I promise," she says. I can't bring myself to turn her away, so I bring her up. Ely's going to kill me. But I can't get on Selena's bad side just yet. At least not until I find someone else in this class to get notes from, and study with. Failing any class will get me suspended from all extra curricular activities, meaning hockey. I need a good grade, meaning I need Selena. We get to Ely's door, and I wince as I turn my key in the lock. I know this can't go well.