How To Love An Actor

{V} Learning About the Past

My head was reeling as I walked out of the bathroom. Dee left after what he'd said, leaving me both curious and confused. Although nothing had even happened between Roman and me, I felt like that kiss was a betrayal. I hated it. I understand where Dee was coming from but I really wish he hadn't sprung it on me like that. I felt scared and alone and mega super duper confused. As luck would have it, the first bell had already rung and I was late to art.

If I'm already late, I might as well take my time. I passed a few other students in the hall, and although it was completely irrational, I felt like each and every one of them was whispering about me. As I got closer to the art room, I felt my heart beat faster and faster.

Dee just did that. I just got kissed. How would I tell Roman? Should I? Why am I treating him like we're dating?

I try to shake these thoughts out of my head. I get to just outside the art room and am preparing myself to make a lame excuse of why I'm late when I hear my name.

"Yo, Mrs. T, could I go to the bathroom? I can look for Virgil too," I heard Roman say.

"Virgil who?" the teacher said.

Wow, thanks.
"Brennan, y'know? The one who's supposed to be in your art class right now?"

"Oh, crap, I didn't mark him tardy! Go ahead on down to the bathroom, dear," the teacher groaned.

I heard fast footsteps and the door swung open, revealing Roman who looked very troubled. He looked around for a second before noticing me. His shoulders dropped with relief.

"What happened to you? You look like hell," Roman said softly as he took me by the hand.

"What are you doing?" I said angrily as I yanked my hand away.

What Dee did really scared me... Would Roman do the same?

Roman's eyes widened and he took a step back.

"I was just going to take you to the bathroom, so we could talk in private or something. I didn't think you'd mind," Roman muttered.

His smile was gone and his brows were furrowed. He held his abandoned hand at his side as he began walking back towards the class.

"Talk to you later, I guess," he said.

"Wait, Roman, stop," I pleaded. "I'm sorry, I'm not mad I swear it's just I'm really stressed out and I need space."

He turned around quickly with worry in his eyes so intense I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Roman wouldn't do that. Roman cares.

"I was waiting for you, in art," he said quietly. "I was worried, that's all. It's stupid."

"You were worried?" I asked in disbelief as we began walking down the hall.

"Yeah, you're my friend and all," He shrugged.

"Friend?" I asked before I could stop myself.

His calloused fingers brushed against mine and I felt myself begin to calm down.

"I need to tell you something," I blurted.

"Should we go somewhere private? We're gonna get detention or something if we're caught ditching."

"Can we not go to the bathroom?"

"I don't get why we can't but if you don't want to, we won't," he promised. "I know a place."

He looked at me carefully as his eyes drifted to my hands. I gave a slight nod, and he grabbed my hand again. This time, I didn't shrink back.

This was different.