Catch Me

Chapter Forty-Two: I Need You

Chapter Forty-Two: I Need You

WARNING: This chapter contains mature content

Haleigh made her way back to her dorm room. The day had come and gone, night time threatened to take over as the sky darkened around her. The campus was still and only a few lingering students walked about, making their way to their final classes of the day.

The dorm building was quiet. The heat touched Haleigh's face, instantly warming her. The stairs creaked beneath her as she walked slowly up them to the next floor. The only sound was the humming of the heating system. Haleigh sighed as she turned the key in the knob of her dorm room.

Sam was sitting on her bed, reading a book. Music hummed quietly in the background. A look of surprise washed over Sam's face as she noticed Haleigh enter the room. She kept silent, and focused her attention back on her reading material.

Haleigh removed her jacket and placed it on the back of her desk chair. She slipped out of her shoes and climbed into her bed, pulling out her phone. She texted Shane.

Haleigh: I miss you...

Shane: I miss you too buddy.

Haleigh: I can't wait until Christmas break. I need a best friend day.

Shane: About that...

Shane: My family is going to Florida for the holidays (without me... how rude!) and Bryan invited me to go to his family's.

Haleigh's heart dropped. After everything that had happened today, the only thing that had managed to calm her down, even the slightest bit was the thought that in just a couple weeks she would be able to see Shane.

Haleigh: Oh! That's great!

She lied, trying to be supportive of her friend.

Haleigh: I'm glad things are going well with Bryan. I hope you guys have a great holiday together.

Shane: Are you okay?

Haleigh had been too formal, she should have guessed Shane would suspect something. She could never get anything past the person who knew her best.

Haleigh: Yeah! I'm great!

Haleigh lied again.

Shane: Haleigh, I know you. Something's up.

Shane: Did something happen with Zander?

Haleigh: I'm fine, Shane.

Shane: Let me know when you want to talk about it.

Haleigh set her phone down on her bedside table, and sighed deeply as she reflected on the events of the day. She was embarrassed that she had let Alyssa get the best of her. She was embarrassed that she had left class early, and was regretting that decision. She should have stayed and continued to learn about The Great Gatsby. She was just so ashamed of the tears, and didn't want any of her classmates to see her cry. Most of all Haleigh regretted what had happened between her and Zander. A part of her wanted to text him and tell him that she was sorry, and that she had acted on impulse. The other part knew she had done the right thing. Without Zander in her life Alyssa would have no reason to ridicule her. Then again, why should care what Alyssa thought. She wished it was that easy, she wished she didn't care at all. The truth of the matter was that she did care, a lot.

"I heard about what happened today." Sam said, finally breaking the silence. Haleigh glanced at her roommate. Sam set her book down on her lap, and clicked off the music that was playing softly in the background. "Haleigh, listen." Sam sat up in her bed so that her feet were dangling over the side as she faced her roommate. "I get it, anxiety is a bitch." Haleigh furrowed her eyebrows. The only time she had ever expressed any concern or worry to Sam was right before the first Kappa Sigma party she had ever gone to. She never mentioned anything about her anxiety to Sam. "My mom and sisters have suffered with anxiety their whole lives, I know what it looks like..."Sam paused for a moment before continuing. "Hear me out, I don't like Zander, at all, but I can't stop you from being with him. I don't like the games, and the pettiness, and everything he has put you through in the last month, however, I can tell he makes you happy at least part of the time. If being with him is what you want, don't let that stupid, redheaded slut get in your way. Don't let her unintelligent, words rile you up. You are so much better than she is."