COMPLICATED.

CHAPTER 17

TOO LATE

I'm breathless.
I have been running for I don't know how long. The school corridors are deserted and I want to hide from everything and everyone.
But I can't, Leo keeps following me, shouting my name.
I run faster to sow him but despite this he manages to reach me, he stands in front of me and blocks the door of the exit so as to block my way.
I can't stand anyone anymore.
I can't stand anything anymore.
<< I won't repeat it again, let me pass. >> I say in a threatening tone.
Leo's scared, he's not used to hearing me talk like that.
He doesn't know how to react, I
see that.
<< No Emma, not this time. You must listen to me. >> he prays to me.
Yes, keep on hoping.
<< Do you want another slap? >> I reply exasperated.
Leo pales.
Good, now get out of here and let me go.
I try to turn the handle but his hand stops me from doing it.
His touch. I won't tolerate it.
It's disgusting.
<< Don't touch me. >>
<< You will not leave until you have heard what I have to say to you. >>
<< What else do you have to say to me? More lies, more insults? No thanks , I'm tired. You've already made a show before, isn't it enough?! >>
What a horrible scene! I would like to remove it from my head but my mind tortures me, as always.
The whispers, their expressions, everyone judged me, everyone felt pity for me.
Run Emma, run away.
<< She kissed me! I didn't do anything! She jumped me. I didn't even have time to react. I would never hurt you intentionally! >> he screams.
<< Well yeah, because sleeping with another girl for eight months while I was waiting for you isn't intentionally hurting! >> I say disgusted.
Is he kidding me?
He no longer connects the brain to his mouth.
<< You know I didn't mean that, I just...>>
I raise my hand to shut him up, I can't hear any more bullshit.
<< I hope at least that you are happy of all this mess. Because from now on you're done with me. I will leave and you will never see me again. No more calls, no more messages, no more nothing. For me you don't exist. >>
I'll find an emergency exit. I just need to get away from him.
<< N-no wait, what does it mean that you leave? From New York? No please don't do this to me, I love you, we can solve everything. >> he stutters and talks.
How naive.
He hasn't understood anything yet.
<< It's too late. >> I whisper and turn my back on him .
After less than a second he pushes me against the wall and blocks me with his strong arms.
<< Leo please, you're hurting me. Let me go! >>
The tears threaten to descend all over my face, I try to push them back, but I fail miserably.
His pupils dilate, he won't let go.
<< Don't you ever touch her or I'll beat you again! >> Nick threatens him by coming out from behind him.
He takes him away from me.
Finally.
I can't move, I'm paralyzed, like in my nightmares.
He stands shields me from that boy who is now a stranger to me.
Leo cries endlessly. He turns a last look at me and then he walks away.
Oh God, did it really happen?
I'm still leaning against the wall, I can't move from here.
<< Are you okay? >> Nick exclaims, stretching an arm to dry the tears from my face.
This gesture makes me react immediately.
I push him away from me.
<< I think that pushing people is becoming a bad habit of yours. >>
Here is his reply to all this but I won't stand for it.
<< ARE YOU OKAY?! ARE YOU OKAY?! You could have asked me this in these two days. But you weren't here! You disappeared! I called you so many times and you didn't answer, is it normal to behave like this?! >
I want answers.
<< I had nothing to say to you. >> he replies annoyed.
WHAT?! That's it?!
I spent two days wondering why of all this, blaming myself for being too impulsive and bitchy, and instead he didn't talk to me because "he had nothing to say to me".
Wow, well done Nick.
You pissed me even more.
<< What happened to you?! That's your explanation for everything?!
And I was also felt bad because I thought I offended you, but no! Nick, we need to talk about it, we can't go on like this. That kis...>>
<< That kiss was a mistake, it shouldn't have happened. I don't know what came over me, I didn't want to. I'm sorry.
We're friends, I made a mistake. >> he says interrupting me.
I stare him in the eyes, no emotion transpires.
Nothing.
Why does it hurt so much? Will it be for his unexpected sincerity?
I don't know.
I just know that his words hurt like hell.
I made a mistake.
We're friends.
I have to get out of here. Immediately.
<< Awesome. I'm glad we feel the same way. See you. >> I respond by getting further and further away from him.
<<Emma sorry, I didn't want to...>>
<< That's okay Nick. >> I can barely say. There's nothing more to say.
I turn around and walk away, but not before I hear him punch the wall.