No escape

chapter two

Few students had reported back since the official classes started on Monday. Most of them preferred to waste their lives that weekend to staying idle at college. I looked at the empty bed opposite mine. My roommate had not yet reported and I wondered how she was. I hoped she was extra fabulous. I picked up my work plan and organised the room to perfection. I naturally like everything organised and clean. And I don't tolerate anything less than that, I hope my roommate is just as organised as I'm. By the time I was done organising, I really needed a nap so badly. I don't know how much I slept but I woke up to a loud bang at the door. I rushed to the mirror to get a quick peek at my sleepy face. I didn't want Austin to see me looking all messy. I pulled my hair into a messy ponytail and sauntered to the door. I had not brushed yet and I was afraid to talk to Austin. I did brush before sleeping but I didn't want to take any chances just in case I had morning breath. I decided that I would simply open the door with the best smile I can manage step a side and ask for a moment. That sounded satisfactory and I opened the door. To my dismay, I saw a tall chocolate skin standing with a large suitcase. She was dressed in golden timberland boots that went slightly above her ankles and a round black skimpy dress perfectly fitting her body. I felt my heart rip out. Not only because it was not Austin at the door but also the mere fact that this girl was breath taking. She looked like she had just stepped out of a magazine shoot. She had the pretty slanting eyes I had never seen. She had a dress sense too that I adored. I really hoped she liked me and above all she doesn't snatch my Austin. I know I'm pathetic.
                         ***
Lara making an effort to talk to me was like boiling an ocean because I pretended to be so much into painting my nails and in the end she had to relinquish. She enthusiastically pulled out her laptop and started a video chat with a hottie who I assumed was her boyfriend. It was a great relief to hear her whisper the I love you too. I couldn't help rolling my eyes at her though. Lara finally finished her charisma and went out long enough to collect our takeaway. She offered me lunch and I knew she was trying to reach out to me. I don't know why I have to act all mean to good people. I made a mental promise that I'm going to make an effort to be as friendly as I could be, who knows may be she may be my amiable friend someday. I suddenly felt bored and tried to call Austin, I was not being desperate but seriously he was the one who promised to show me around college. It's coming to two in the afternoon and he hasn't even made an effort to call me. I must have called like the ten thousandth time till I gave up. His phone just passed to a voice mail. I must have really been restless because Lara asked me if anything was wrong. I couldn't hold my disappointment anymore; I told Lara everything. She gave a witch's laugh and told me to dress up. "I'll you show you around. And by the way Harley, if your talking about the Austin I know, baby I think you should be extra careful," she warned.  I rolled my eyes at her, "whatever I'll just get changed," I said grabbing a dress from my closet.
We talked a lot like we knew each other long enough. At least for day one with a stranger I hoped I'm getting well with socialising. It doesn't hurt to try. I wonder why I found it had before to hang out more often. We found a bench to sit and got ice-cream. We stared at the setting sun. I stole a glance at Lara. She looked like she were lost in thoughts. "Lara if you keep pondering that way you're going to look like my granny soon" I teased. She laughed and said  "I don't know much about you but you seem to be really a nice girl."
We were startled by phone ringing. I stared at it and saw a text from Austin. I puzzled over reading it but Lara nodded implying I should read it. He wanted to be pardoned and Was ready to make it up to me. So he asked me out on a date. I was too elated and I even forgot that I had been so mad at him. It was my first date at college and most importantly in my life. I had to look elegant. Lara noticed my confusion and bumped her shoulder into mine. "Hey Harley, what's with that look? You just told me I'll become your granny but seems you made it before me. Come on tell me I'll help you out," she muttered. 
Hardly had I told her when Lara dragged me back to our dorm. She was actually more charmed than I was. She did my makeup and helped with my cloth selection. She was so disappointed in my closet. I mean I didn't always bother to look fancy I had my own style and I really never felt bothered by it before. My mum used to complain a lot about how I have to look fashionable but its now that I see the reason. But fate always favored me, Lara was my size mate. She got about ten dresses asked me to try them on. She was taller than me so all her skimpy dresses were just the perfect height for me. She groaned in disappointment. "Come on Harley, you can't dress like a nun for your first date," she railed. I laughed at her and deep inside I felt really triumphant because I'm not used to show casing my legs. We finally settled on the red dress it was slightly above the knee and it hugged me just in the right places. I walked to the mirror and I just couldn't believe my eyes. I was too smart and hot. I never believed I could pull a look of a heroine before but I guess that's what you get when you sleep with a goddess of fashion. Now I knew why girls could spend hours staring at themselves in mirrors. I now know why many guys chased after me all those years. I looked like a succubus. I just wonder why it took me eighteen years to notice that. I smiled when Lara walked up to me and hugged me from behind. It was a breath taking scene. Seeing two goddesses in a mirror, I knew I had found my ride or die. I smiled and whispered, "thank you." I fought the tears that wanted to roll down my eyes. Lara noticed and she smiled caressing my cheek, "come on baby you have always been beautiful you don't have to thank me with tears," she said.
"You're so hot Harley, always remember that. Whoever that lucky guy is, I'm more than sure that he will catch a fly just staring at you. Enjoy your first date. A little advice though, don't let him go so far, and don't do anything I can't do," she teased.
I smiled at Lara and nodded approvingly, I couldn't help falling in love with how sweet she is. I even hated myself for feeling envious and judgemental earlier when I first saw her. I was lost in my own world when Lara scolded me, "hey you can't tell me your day dreaming already. You must mark your boundaries and don't let that guy lay even a single finger on you. You should first work him," She winked at that and continued, "by the way you should go for shopping with me more often."
Someone knocked at the door and I screeched, "he is hear, I bet you want me to be late for my first day or keep mr. Lucky waiting." "Oh hurry get your heels and the highest you have. Trust me men will eye you the whole evening. I'll go get him," she said cheerfully.
I saw Lara's surprised face and I knew she knew that guy. I just hope she is not the ex. The last thing I want is to date my friend's ex. I kissed Lara's forehead and gave her a reassuring smile. She stepped aside so that Austin could hand over the flowers, they were red roses that smelled really amazing. Lara stepped in between us and threatened to have his manhood for dinner if he dared to lay a finger on me. Austin laughed it off sarcastically. Lara hugged me and whispered, "I'll protect you don't worry." I nodded pretending to understand what she meant. Before getting away, Austin winked at Lara, "hey Lara relax a bit I'll bring her back early big sister," he teased. I was too excited to think about why Lara had frightened Austin or how they got to know each other. We had the door slamming behind us as we stepped into the chilly evening air. We got into Austin's rental car and drove in silence. Austin had a sports car but he had just met an accident and his "baby" as he calls it was in the garage hence he rented one. We stopped at a fine eatery, Austin rushed and opened the door for me. I was taken a back because I really didn't expect him to be such a gentleman. A waiter helped us around and took our orders. Austin insisted I should take some wine but I declined settling for a cocktail.
The meal was as perfect as the place looked, we headed to a quiet place after. It looked like a park and it was the most romantic set up I had ever seen, I didn't know there could be such a real romantic scene outside the movies. It had a view of the waters reflecting lights in the city, there was fireworks at the far East. The stars were shining bright, lights forming hearts in the surrounding trees. It was a place to fall in love. And I knew that it's so easy to fall in love in such a place. We lay down and stared up at the stars, we were close and Austin sought my hand. Our fingers locked, I tilted my head and looked at him. He looked so cute and innocent in that position. Austin finally told me about his past, he had many unsuccessful relationships and he made me believe that he has not dated for at least twelve months now. He promised that ever since he moved to college he had not dated anyone and was not planning to until he met me.
He sat up and pulled me into his chest, I felt so protected in his embrace. I couldnt help squatting closer despite Lara's warnings. I was carried away and I didn't notice when our faces got closer until I felt a finger touch my lips. I felt the ache in my chest. I felt so embarrassed, I had been rejected. I wish I had listened to Lara, I wouldn't have to be pitied by Austin. I'm sure he thinks I'm a little desperate girl, damn him. I stood up to go, there was no way on earth I could stay after that embarrassment but Austin pulled me back. I stood and looked at him. He stood up and cupped my face in his hands, he wiped away my tears that I hadn't noticed I was shedding. "Don't you dare think that I've rejected you Harley, I'll never do that to you. You know I'm attracted to you and I know how much I would want to have you but let's not rush I don't want to hurt you," he said his voice so calm and soft. I wanted to scream but I couldn't, I wanted to tell him I don't care if we rush. I don't care if I get hurt but I had to save the little dignity I had left so I let him change the topic. "Tell me about your past relationships Harley," He said kissing my cheek. "I can't get cosy with you until I know about your life before me," he added.
I forced the most beautiful smile I could manage. I wanted to hide the pain he had caused by rejecting me. I nodded to him and and spoke lightly, "Your right, you need to know that your dealing with a virgin at everything," I blurted. "One who cared about what makes her happy and not what others think. One who has been hiding. One who had spent her life lonely and pushing away everyone. One who is being rejected on her first date in her life and one who thought she has met a guy who will finally penetrate the walls she has built," I ranted. Every word was like a knife through my heart. I hadn't planned to sound so hateful of myself but I couldn't control the rage that ran through my body. I was too pissed and hurt. If this is how rejection hurt, I'm glad I had been alone all my life to feel rejected. I buried my face in my hands and weeped my sorrow out. I suddenly looked up and asked Austin if that's what he wanted. "You must be happy now huh! You wanted to know how I'm the most fake and stupid girl the world has ever known? Right? go on tell me. Laugh as much as you want," I sobbed as I walked away. I know I sounded pathetic and foolish but I didn't care. I couldn't imagine my first date would end up like this. I felt large shoulders covering mine. "I'm sorry Harley I was not not planning to insult or hurt you. I was not rejecting you. I only hoped that may be I would learn how to treat you from your story," He said kissed my hair. He held me tighter and my sobbing eventually stopped. He held my face in his large hands, "let's not rush Harley," he whispered. I nodded and he smiled, just like that I was happy again. I would give up the world just to see him smile. I now know why people laugh and cry at the same time. I remembered Lara's warnings but if loving Austin is suicide, I'll buy myself a rope then. No one can save me now I know because here in Austin's chest I feel safe. I stared up at Austin's white watery eyes, I didn't know guys could have such beautiful pure eyes. I drowned myself into them and I poured all the love I felt for him through his eyes. Austin carried me to the car, we drove in silence. He escorted me to the door. I heard noises in the room and I knew Lara was awake. I felt agitated, the last thing I wanted was to talk about my first date but the moment I found Lara awake, all hopes were shattered.
Lara opened the door as we approached and pulled me inside slamming the door behind us not giving Austin a chance to say goodnight. I rolled my eyes, picked my towel and got a shower. I sat on my bed and stared at Lara. She looked very angry but I was angry too. We hardly knew each other and she is already bugging in my life, who does she think she is. I cleared my voice, "Lara, I'm sorry if you and Austin had a rough time together but just don't try to ruin my day. If I'm really your friend, you should be happy for me," I remarked. Lara laughed sarcastically, "Harley, I'm being a very nice friend here. I don't want that Dutch bag to hurt you. You don't know anything about him. I know we have only been friends for hours but I already love you. I can't just watch you getting played at. That guy doesn't love you, he is just taking your innocence for granted. It's not yet too late, you can still move on. I'm not saying that you're  insane but Harley you have only been to college for only three days and your trusting that guy more than you should," she stated.
"Cut it right there Lara," I yelled. "I know I'm not sane enough, how can I trust a roommate I've met only hours back. Thank you for rubbing it in my face, I know my insanity levels," I yelped.  "Harley, you know I didn't mean  that and I didn't say you should trust me. If you don't want to then don't plus I don't want trust from people who don't want to be helped. By the way, if this will make you feel better Austin is not my ex. I was just concerned about you but if you don't want to know about that guy then I think we are done here," Lara yelled back.
"Lara enough of this, please. If Austin hurt you that's pretty bad but he changed, he has not dated for a year and I'm sure he reformed now," I cried out. Lara gave her best smile and a little giggle, I know her face was flashing with anger but I didn't care. I hoped we could be very good friends but this was too much and the least I could do was to defend Austin. Lara slowly moved forward and knelt in front of my bed. "Harley, believe me when I say he is not my ex, by the way congratulations upon winning yourself an Austin who has not dated for a year, I really wish that guy deserves your trust. I can't force you to choose who you trust but remember this; I've warned you or I've tried to but when that time comes, come to me. I'll give you a shoulder to cry on. I don't blame you Harley, your innocent and just like any other new girls, they fall for his charms. Good night Harley," she sighed.

 

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