A Fiend as a Friend

Chapter 19

I glared at Michael the moment he stopped dragging me. I just didn't understand why he would punch someone to the point where the person bled.

"Don't look at me that way, love."

Suddenly, the nickname irritated me. "Why wouldn't I look at you that way? You almost broke Mike's nose."

"I'm sorry."

Guilt washed over me immediately. He looked so frustrated and tired that I almost reached out to him to comfort him. "I don't need you to be sorry to me. You should apologize to Mike."

He ran his fingers through his hair and then licked his lower lip. "I'll do that. Are we good?"

We? Did he just say we? When was there ever a we? It was then I realized that I had agreed to being his girlfriend. Even the thought made me sick. "I guess so."

He smiled weakly and nodded. "Thank you."

I looked at anywhere but him. I really wanted to break whatever he thought was going on between us. I looked at him and imagined the sorrow that would be in his eyes if I told him I couldn't reciprocate what he had for me. No, I could do it some other time. I wasn't ready for any drama again. "No problem."

He pulled me into his arms and hugged me. A gasp erupted from my throat. Again, I wasn't used to this. "We'll get better with time, I'm sure. You really don't know how glad you've made me today, baby."

I pulled away from him and forced a smile. I didn't deserve this at all. "Y-Yeah."

******
The next day, I woke up with a serious headache. I managed to get to the bathroom and have a bathe. Once I was done, I wore a sleeveless cotton blouse and a red pencil skirt. I packed my hair into a ponytail and headed outside. Breakfast was in thirty minutes and I needed some fresh air.

I went to the garden and sat on one of the metal chairs there. I closed my eyes and inhaled the scent of the flowers beside me. I could almost touch the wind. The ringing of my phone startled me. I checked the caller ID and smiled.

"Sharon! I have missed you."

"Yeah, so much that you can't even make a phone call."

"Look, I'm sorry. So many things have changed in my life and--"

"So, we aren't friends anymore? Has that changed too?" Her voice sounded hurt and had anger in it too.

"No. That can't change. We need to talk. I have so many things to talk about." I'd really missed her company. She was always there to talk to me, advise and encourage me.

"Okay. I'll let you know whenever I am free." After a little bit of random talk, I hung up. I sighed and looked up. I almost fainted when I saw Mike standing in front of me, with his hands on his hips. He was sweating profusely and the cotton shirt he wore stung to his body, accentuating every bulge of muscle. I gulped and looked at him. He was smirking at me.

"You're up early."

I nodded and looked away, fiddling with my fingers nervously. I liked the way his hair stuck to his face. What was wrong with me?

I saw him move closer to me from the corner of my eyes. He only stopped when my knees were almost touching his legs. "We have a meeting after breakfast, in my room. Remember?"

How could I forget such? I nodded and looked farther away from him.

"You should exercise to keep fit too. Do you mind joining me?"

I looked at him, shocked at his offer. "Really?"

"Yeah. You like the idea?"

"Yes, thanks", I said excitedly. He smiled at me and bent down on his knees. My heart fluttered seeing him so close.