Falling Hard

Chapter 7

(Vanessa's POV)

I can't believe her! Why would she do such a thing to me? Running off in the opposite direction, I search for the closest restroom and dash for it. Locking myself in one of the stalls, I just start bawling my eyes out. I'm not even sure why I'm this upset. For two reasons, I haven't even known Katie for a week, so how well do we actually know each other? Not well at all. Second, Tyler and I are not a thing, so there's no reason for me to hurt. But why do I feel like I've just been stabbed in the heart?

Glancing at my phone quick, I notice what time it is. My next class begins in ten minutes. Do I want to show my bloodshot, red eyes? Nope! Am I going to go? Nope! Just sitting there thinking about the whole situation made it ten times worse. Gathering my composure, along with my belongings, a.k.a. my bag, I leave the stall and head out. I'm not sure where my feet are taking me, but I just let them lead the way.

Eventually, I make it to this little secluded area of campus that's on the very edge. There's a small pond with some trees surrounding it with a wooden, bench swing hanging from one of the trees. I toss my bag on the ground and make myself at home on the swing by pulling my legs up there where I'm now hugging them. At this point, I just relax and listen to the silence. It's so peaceful and I can finally free my mind of my overwhelming thoughts. Before I know it, I'm drifting off into an unconscious state of paralysis, also known as sleep.

(Katie's POV)

After class, I rush out hoping that Vanessa will be back at her dorm, so I can try explaining the whole situation to her. Unfortunately, when I reach her room and knock on it, I realize the person there isn't who I need. Opening the door, I come to see Ashley, not Vanessa. Crap!

"Hey, have you seen Vanessa?" I ask her, showing some hope in my voice.

"No, I haven't. Actually, I haven't seen her all day. Why is something wrong?" She follows up concerned.

I explain, "Well it's a long story. Can I come in?"

"Yeah, sure," she accepts my request and backs away from the door to welcome me in.

I take the time to explain all what happened, which included the whole scene in the hallway between Tyler and me. She understood my point of view completely, but she did say that if she was in Vanessa's shoes, she probably would have felt the same way. Vanessa had no clue what was going on between us too, so she would have easily been able to see and comprehend our actions as flirting. So, crap! I really need to find her and explain everything, otherwise I might have already lost one of my friends before my first week even ended.

(Vanessa's POV)

I had this really weird feeling. I thought that I was in the middle of a dream, but it felt like something was shaking me. Where was I? It doesn't feel like I'm in my bed and I remember, specifically, not going to my last class of the day. Slowly, opening my eyes, I look up and see this guy. Wait, let me rewind. This very attractive guy, who was shaking me awake. He has deep blue eyes with chocolate brown hair that was gelled up in the front.

"Hey, are you alright?" He asked and shot me a smile. His smile made me weak and lost with words. Wait, how? I've never had this issue before. Idiot say something. I'm making a fool out of myself.

"Umm. Ah. Yeah, I'm alright. I just, ah, was taking a rest before I went back to my dorm," I stumbled through my words. Smooth Vanessa, smooth. I can't even talk normal around this guy.

He giggled at me and continued, "Okay, I'm Derrick by the way. Are you a freshman this year?"

Smiling back, I responded, "I'm Vanessa. And yes, I am a freshman. How about you?"