After Effects

Chapter 35

Mavis grabbed my hand, and I felt Biana's gaze boring into us. I felt a twinge of guilt, but immediately shook it off. She chose reputation over me, and I shouldn't feel guilty about moving on.

"So what do you plan on doing for the final semester project?" She asked looking up at me.

My heart raced a little, "It's a surprise."

"Oh really?" She asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yep!" I said popping the 'p' with a big grin.

"Okay Mr. Secrative," she giggled. "I got to get to class, see you at lunch?"

I hesitated, "Actually I was planning to sit--you know what? Never mind. Yes, I'd love to see you at lunch."

I didn't want her to sit with Sophie and all of them. Might as well spare the drama, and save Biana a breath.

It's time for me to change and meet people who'll actually appreciate me for me.

~~~

Biana POV:

I skipped the last few minutes of my last class, in order to sit down first at our table. I had to talk to Dex, had to apologize. It hurt so much seeing him smile at Mavis, he had that little twinkle in his eye he got when his brain was solving a problem or planning something special.

I kept raking my fingers through my hair, and I bit my lip nervously when he entered the room. I gave him a weak, shy wave that diffused when I saw him laughing with Mavis. He looked so happy, and I didn't want to ruin that.

So I didn't wave him over, and felt my heart shatter when he sat down next to Mavis; not giving me a second glance.

"Hey! You're hear early, where's Dex?" Sophie asked searching the cafeteria.

"Sitting with Mavis, his new friend. He seems to be enjoying himself," I said stabbing the plant salad on my plate viciously.

"You okay?" She asked softly, resting a hand on my shoulder.

"Does it look like I'm okay Sophie?" I snapped, throwing my fork onto my plate.

"Bi--"

"I've got to go, some paper I forgot to do or something," I said standing up and rushing out of the room.

I ran outside into the courtyard and leaned my body against the railing, shuddering at the cold breeze. I let out a shaky breath as I felt a few tears fall down my face, but didn't care enough to wipe them.

"Hey? You okay?" A voice called out.

I tensed, and wiped the tears, turning around to face Tam.

"Oh yeah, I'm fine. Just needed some fresh air," I lied with an easy, well practiced, fake smile.

He gave me a look, and said, "Come here."

"What?"

"Come here, I'm not asking again," he said ushering me closer with his hands.

I stepped forward, and he gave me a tiny hug. However, it was very awkward and not so much comforting.

"Feel better?" He asked.

Surprisingly, I did.

"Yeah," I sighed sinking deeper into his arms.

"Okay, that's enough," he laughed shakily, pushing me away gently.

I frowned.

"Well, I used shadows to manipulate the sun and give off a warm heat that makes people happier. And warm and fuzzy, that kind of thing. Too much makes you giggle and laugh at everything. Tried it out on Linh once," he shuddered.