My first crush (COMPLETED)√

PART 2: Chapter 53: Forgetting something?

"Won't you answer the call?" Jane asked, tilting her head as she studied my face.

My heart slammed hard against my ribs. I swallowed, my fingers trembling as I lifted the phone.
"Yeah... yeah." My voice shook despite my effort to sound calm. I cleared my throat and answered. "Hello? Who's this?" I paused, then forced a nervous laugh. "Oh—sorry, wrong number." I ended the call immediately, my chest tight, my pulse racing. This is crazy.

Jane shrugged lightly. "It happens." She stood up and picked up her bag. "Okay, I'll be leaving now."

"Wait—where are you staying?" I asked quickly. "Are you in college now?"

"Yeah," she smiled. "Yale University. I'm studying economics." Then she hesitated, pulling out her phone. "You know what? Take my number. You can call me when you finally get to see Eric."

My throat tightened. "Sure."
We exchanged numbers, my fingers lingering on the screen longer than necessary.

"Bye," she said softly before walking out.

I closed the door behind her and leaned against it for a second, then dragged myself to the bed and fell onto it with a long, shaky sigh. The room suddenly felt too quiet.

After a moment, I grabbed my phone and stared at the screen. I can't keep running. I dialed Eric's number.

"Hey, Eric," I said, my voice low and unsure. I honestly didn't know what else to say.

"Hey," he replied. "Why did you say it was a wrong number when it wasn't? You worried me."

"I'm sorry..." I hesitated. "Never mind."

"You're hiding something, aren't you?" he asked gently.

"So... how are you doing?" I changed the subject quickly.

"Hm." He chuckled softly. He knew exactly what I was doing. "I'm fine. What about you? You know, it's been a while since I called."

"Not really fine," I admitted. "I've been stressed lately."

"Oh," he said. "Should I come check on you?"

My heart skipped. "No—no, you don't have to," I said too fast. The image of Stephen seeing Eric again flashed in my mind, sharp and dangerous. "I'll be fine." I lowered my voice. "It might even make things worse." I murmured, but judging by his silence, I think he heard.

"Oh..." he paused. "Are you still with Stephen?"

"Yeah," I replied. "What about you? Are you seeing someone now?"

"No."

The word lingered between us.

I hesitated, my thoughts spiraling. Should I tell him I saw Jane today? Just tell him.
"No. I won't," I muttered under my breath.

"Is something wrong?" Eric asked, confused.

"Sorry," I said quickly. "I wasn't talking to you." If Allison were listening, she'd think I'd lost my mind—talking to myself like this. Whatever.

"Okay," he said calmly. "Don't you want to know why I called?"

"Yes," I replied. "Tell me."

"Alright. First—do you remember what's happening tomorrow?" he asked.

I frowned, staring at the ceiling. "Honestly, no. What could it be? Your birthday?" What the hell am I forgetting?

"You don't know?!" he exclaimed.

"I'm serious. I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Then think about it," he said teasingly.

"How will I remember if you don't tell me?"

"When you remember, you'll realize how dumb you are."

"What?!" I sat up. "Did you just call me dumb?"

He laughed softly. "I'm joking. Call me when you remember." Then the line went dead.

I stared at my phone, groaning as I fell back onto the bed.
"Gosh! What am I forgetting?" I muttered. "I hate suspense."