Burned By The Pages

Chapter three: Denial

‘I waited outside your room yesterday because you said you wanted to have the papers already.’

Tristan said while wiping the sweat off from his forehead. A lot of students, mostly freshmen, were continuously piling up since 7 A.M. to join the Slam poetry club.

That was unexpected but Tristan thought these people were only sticking their noses to know the whole story about the dreadful issue that had caused a commotion in the creative writing club last year.

No one knew what was going on back then.

His shoulder muscle was evident under his white T-shirt.

‘I did say that, except the wait outside my room part, Tristan.’

Megan was doing a quotation mark sign with her fingers as she said it. Then she folded her arms and looked at Tristan straight in the eye as if convincing him to say something she wanted to hear. The typical Megan Steele.

Everybody knew Megan had been acting like she had been diagnosed with a Multiple Personality Disorder.

She was moody, sometimes unsympathetic, light-hearted, and every so often, rebellious.

Tristan smirked. He was showing that manly expression that swept off Megan’s strict composure.

Megan giggled. ‘What? You weren’t only there to give me the papers. Were you?’

Her usual firm voice sounded softer. She flipped her bleached wavy hair.

Tristan ignored Megan’s change of mood. His eyes wandered off to the bunch of freshmen who just walked out of the conference hall.

‘Ahem! Am I talking to a stone?’ Megan’s stern expression was back.

She turned to where Tristan was looking and saw Danielle who seemed irascibly walking towards the main door.

‘Elle! Wait!’ She called. Danielle turned around and met Tristan’s eyes.

Tristan looked away towards Megan.

‘Look, here it is. I’ve done my part and just tell me if there’s a need for clarifications.’

He said briskly while handing her their report papers for psychology.

‘Okay whatever, you’re boring but at least you’re useful.’

Megan took the papers and winked.

Tristan was stunned.

‘What? Seriously? I’m just kidding, really appreciate your effort Mr. Slater. I’ll call you.’

Megan said mischievously and ran after Danielle who was starting to walk away.

*******

‘Jake?’ Danielle said. Her feet were unconsciously taking a step back. Jake noticed it.

‘Danielle what’s wrong?’ He said as he attempted to grab Danielle’s right arm.

‘Stop right there Jake. What do you want?’ Danielle said, almost stuttering.

*******

Just as soon as Megan left, Tristan’s phone chimed.

He read the text message.

Jake is back. Saw him outside the Literature Hall.

He turned towards the main door and saw Megan and Danielle seemed to be arguing outside. After seconds, he noticed Danielle froze as if she saw a ghost before she went running away, leaving Megan behind.

Tristan hastily went to the officer’s table and told them he’s got an urgent matter to take care of. As soon as he was already outside the hall, Megan was already gone.

He ran towards where Danielle went off to, headed to the Main Library.
He slowed down his paces and took cover when he reached the building next to the library.

Another text message chimed in and he read it.

Tristan looked around to see anyone wearing a cap and a grey T-shirt just like what was shown in the photo he just received.

He was relieved when he saw Jake rounded the corner of the Library building, and then replied to the message.

Just saw him

Just as he decided to face Jake, he was alarmed when he caught a sight of Danielle standing outside the Library’s main door, frozen as Jake started walking closer to her.
Jake stopped when Danielle started saying something.

Tristan suddenly found himself running towards them.

‘Jake!’ He yelled when he saw Jake clenched his fists.

Danielle turned around; her eyes were conveying roiling mixture of feelings. She seemed like she was half-thankful and half-annoyed upon seeing Tristan.

Tristan’s concerned expression unwarily turned into a smirk.

He ignored Danielle and walked past her.

‘When did you get here? What the hell happened to you?’

Tristan said as he slid his phone in his pocket.

Jake was left speechless. It was never in his intention to meet anybody else; he only wanted to see Danielle again with whatever reason he had. Before he could say a word, Tristan glanced at Danielle who then rushed to the library.

‘I’m back and…’

Jake said with an exasperated tone. His eyes were still fixed to Danielle.

He grinned and looked at Tristan.

‘…you know what happened to me Tristan. Don’t act like you don’t know anything about what happened that night last year at Danielle’s birthday party…’

‘Shut up Jake!’
Tristan almost yelled.

He was about to lose his patience. Even last year, when things were still going normal, he tried his best to suppress the grudge he had towards Jake. They were best of friends but not until one of them made the wrong choice.

‘Whoa! You’ve changed…’
Jake said, sounding dissatisfied and drained.

‘You are the one who have changed! It’s all your fault, Jake! After what happened to Tracy you’re running back to Danielle as if you haven’t caused anything?’

Jake’s brown eyes seemed to have turned reddish after hearing those words. He grabbed Tristan’s shirt by the collar.

‘Don’t ever bring up Tracy in this!’

Tristan pushed him and he fell on the ground. He stood up and smirked again.

‘You played a part too Tristan. Remember that.’ He said then walked away.

Those words just hit Tristan. Jake was right, it was his fault too. He did not do anything to stop what he knew would happen that night of April 25th.  

*******

Author's note:

Here's the third chapter! I updated after many many days which seemed like a very long time. I apologise for that, really.
Anyways, thank you for ur patience. Your feedbacks are what inspire me the most to write better. ❤❤

I hope u enjoyed reading this chapter! Don't forget to vote and comment. 😉

The book cover is made by @Aurora_Sinclair ❤❤

Book Trailer by loyallyric 😉❤