No escape

chapter three

I lay in bed pondering about everything. I knew there must be a very strong reason as to why she had told me that. I know I acted stubborn but I really wanted to know why she actually had to say that to me.  I must have stayed for hours before I slept off. I was woken up to the sound of an alarm. I looked at Lara's bed and she was not there. I got up and showered, I sauntered to college after that. I was terrified as I approached the main building. Lara had showed me around and I knew each place but walking alone suddenly made me forget my classroom. To my relief, I spotted Austin. He saw me trying to approach him but he quickened his steps and joined a group of guys. I wondered if I should go to join him but on second thought, I decided to go to class because he would have invited me if he really wanted me there. I took a seat near the window and stared out. I was the first person in class of course since other students were still having breakfast. I watched as different people hugged, laughed and caught up on what had taken place while they were away from college. I suddenly missed my only friend Leah. I wondered why she couldn't communicate to me. She knew my address and my parents contacts but there is no single day she ever called. I felt panicked at the thought that maybe something terrible happened to them. I continued staring out of the window till people started coming in. I faced the front and smiled at some guy who seemed to be coming to take the seat next to me.
I removed my bag from the seat  and he nodded. "Hey, I'm Ellie. Is this seat free?" He asked politely. I nodded and he took the seat. "I'm Harley," I said taking his hand. "Your name is as beautiful as you," he flirted. I blushed at that and we talked about the limited experience we have got since we arrived at college. I discovered that he is completely alone too so after the first class we had lunch together. The next class was not with him and I felt lonely once again. I did not see Austin anywhere for the rest of the day and I wondered where he was. I looked for Ellie after my first class but I failed to find him. I guessed he might have gone back to his dorm so I decided to go back to my room though that was the last place I wanted to go to.
I was relieved to find the room empty because I was afraid of facing Lara after our exchange. I showered and I lay on my bed thinking about home and how much I missed Callie my baby sister. I decided to call home and talking to everyone was the exact therapy I needed. I told them about my experience so far but I decided not tell them about Austin because something about him didn't add up though I insisted on defending him.
                       ***
I was awakened from a night mare by a light knock at my door. "I can't believe I slept off," I murmured. I was all sweaty and my heart was thudding so hard in my chest. I was still meditating about the dream when I had the locks turning and girls laughing. I knew Lara was back and I was not yet ready to deal with her more so if she was with other people. So I decided to pretend like I'm still sleeping. They were laughing loudly but when they discovered I was asleep, they lowered their voices. I hardly heard what they said but I knew they were talking about me. My phone vibrated from the night stand and I pretended like it woke me up. I checked it and I had just received a message from Austin asking me if he should come over. Of course I couldn't say no. I passed by the girls so I could go get some juice from the fridge and I discovered they were talking about Austin. They all kept quiet when I approached them. Lara introduced me as her new roommate. The two girls were almost identical and I guessed that they might be sisters or twins. They stood and hugged me whispering there names "Sherry and Skylar". I told them it was nice meeting them and I got to know that they were Lara's best friends. They seemed nice and I would have liked them if I hadn't caught them gossiping about me. I got my drink and went to put some light make up as I waited for Austin.
The girls left with Lara a couple of hours later. They invited me to join them but I told them I'm waiting for someone. I had decided to sleep again when Austin finally arrived. He had changed and he was now wearing sweatpants and a v-neck t-shirt. He looked like he had just taken a shower. I ushered him in and gave him some cookies and juice. "I love your hospitality," he said causing me to blush.
We talked about my first day at college. I asked him why he had not talked to me when he saw at school but he said he had not seen me. I didn't believe it but I decided to drop the topic. He also told me about his day and friends and I was too excited to meet them. They all seemed so interesting and fun people to be around. "I hope they like me," I chuckled. "You don't have to worry about that Harley, you so easy to like. I'm positive they will love you." he said. Austin promised me that he would introduced me to all of them tomorrow. I made a mental note that I should wear my best outfit tomorrow or maybe I could ask for help from Lara. Obviously that was not happening because we were not in good terms. I knew I should try and talk to her because there is no way we can stay in the same room and we are not talking.  It was getting late and Austin was still around. We ordered pizza and decided to watch a movie. It felt simple but I found it really romantic. Mid way the movie, Lara returned and joined in. I'm glad she made the first move to talk to me and I felt relieved that I didn't have to struggle with what I should say to her. She still looked at Austin like she could hit him anytime but I decided to drop it. Maybe there is a lot I need to know but I'll get to know it with time. At around eleven in the night, Austin held my hand and led me to the corridor. He cupped my face in his hands. They ware warm and I could feel my skin burn where his skin touched mine. He looked directly into my eyes and smiled. He then leaned forward and rested his forehead on mine. His breath quickened and kissed my noise. "I'm sorry but this is what I do," he mumbled. I lifted my head to ask him what that was about but he crushed his lips onto mine. This was my first kiss and it felt like fire. I felt my eyes roll back into my head. His tongue tasted of pizza as he sought entry and he massaged my tongue with his. I grabbed on his hair I couldn't get enough. He held my waist and pulled me closer deepening the kiss and biting on my lower lip.
We were interrupted by someone coughing and we pulled away breathlessly. Austin winked at me and brushed his lips briefly on mine before turning to leave. Leaving me gaping, panting and hot. I grinned like an idiot and went back to my room. I knew I was going to sleep in heaven.
I entered the room and I found Lara waiting for me. She smiled and teased me about taking so long and coming back with a better mood. I blushed at the memory of my first kiss. I wanted to tell her about it but I couldn't because I didn't know the mystery story behind her cold glares at Austin. I decided to just laugh it off and tell her we were just talking and I went to bed.
I woke up to an alarm the next day and I looked over to the bed opposite mine but still Lara was gone. I wondered where she goes since classes don't start until the next two hours. I mentally slapped myself for not telling her to help me out with my outfit so I had to take an hour trying out different stuff. I settled for a button down v-neck dress and boots. I didn't look as glamourous as Lara but I felt contented.
I was swift on my way to college anticipating that I'm going to meet Austin's friends. I assumed they would be where I saw them yesterday but to my dismay, they were not there. I tried to search around campus but I failed to locate them. I tried to call Austin but his phone was switched off. I decided to call Lara to ask her if she knew where he used to hang out from. She told me she is sure he is off campus and not going to attend college for like two weeks.
I was astonished, who can practically skip class for two damn consecutive weeks. I was defeated anyway and went to class. I found Ellie seated alone and looking through the window like I did yesterday. I didn't want to disrupt him so I stood there and watched him till other students started coming in. He turned and greeted me. We talked about random things. I kept checking my phone but I still I had no text from Austin. After the last period I decided to call again but still I couldn't reach him. I was really feeling terrible and bored. I had nothing to do that evening and I was elated when Ellie asked me out for a walk. He took me to his dorm and served me ice cream. We did our homework before I left to go back to my dorm.
I found Lara on a call so I decided to go take a shower and by the time I was done she was done making dinner for us. I decided to ask her about Austin. She looked like she was waiting for me to ask about him. "Are you sure about this?" She asked. I nodded and she motioned me to sit across her. We munched our fries and liver as she told me about Austin. Everything she said seemed contrary to the Austin I knew. She told me how he was one of most popular college play boys and that he always just picks on an innocent girl each year and screws her for fun as his tradition. She told me he skips school almost every two weeks and they go to a camp with his circle where they use all sorts of drugs. She also told me that they have a certain group of girls who always join them and their queen or leader is called Tirzah. She also told me that she is a bitch and allegedly Austin's girlfriend.
I kept playing with my food until I completely lost my appetite. I felt angry because I thought Lara was making up all this. I thanked her for the information and said goodnight to her. I was conflicted, I didn't know whether to believe her or not. I hardly slept that night wondering if what she said was true. "What if she was right? Was I ready to let go of Austin," I pondered. He is the only guy I let myself get attracted to. And I know very soon I'll be so much in love with him. But if that's all true, was I ready to take it because I knew I couldn't turn back. I was so attracted him and I could only move forward to loving him.
I woke up so early the next day for the first time, I left Lara sleeping. I decided to take a walk around campus since a few students had arrived. I also thought about going to check on Austin's apartment to see if he was there but I decided it was not a good idea. If he wanted me, he knew where to find me. I ran into Sherry and Skylar who invited me to breakfast. They were really sweet as they treated me like their own friend. They talked about random things in campus but they made sure they involved me in their conversations by teasing me about Austin and a few guys who stared at me while we ate. Lara joined us after a few minutes and I wondered how she knew where we were. She must have noticed my confusion so she smiled and said that was their usual spot for all meals. I smiled and hugged her when she told me that I could always join them. She left early though murmuring something about her assignment. I was left with Sherry and Skylar. There was some silence till Skylar asked, "so you and Austin ?" I even didn't have an answer so I just blushed. I decided to settle for the truth. I told them about what Lara told me and everything we have done with Austin. I checked the time and I was going to be late so I excused myself but before I could disappear, Skylar called me and warned me about Austin. I rolled my eyes and said thanks.
I reached class and Ellie was seated in our usual spot. He looked lonely and I felt guilty for leaving him alone. I decided that maybe I should introduce him to Lara and the twins. Harldy had I sat when the professor entered so I had no time to tell him about my plan. At lunch I just dragged him to Lara's spot and they welcomed him warmly. He seemed comfortable with them and I felt warm inside knowing that for the first time I'm not going to be lonely and this is going to be my little family far from home.
After classes, I decided to swallow the pin and go check on Austin's apartment but to my dismay, it was locked. I asked one of his neighbours where I could find him. He informed me that Austin had been away and he is not expected to be back soon. I remembered what Lara told me, "could she be right?" I wondered. But there is no way she could be right. I had interacted with a few more people in class and in my dorm but none of them mentioned Austin and Tirzah. I tried calling him again and his phone was still off. I decided to just leave a text. I was really bored and I felt like so terrible. I really missed Austin so much.
The rest of the week was smooth apart from the times when I felt that I'm really aching for Austin. I had stopped asking about him because I didn't like any of the stories I heard about him. That Saturday morning, I was awakened by my phone ringing. I was very angry as I searched for it my eyes still sleepy and heavy. I really hated people who call early on a weekend. I picked it up only to find Austin's name flashing on the screen. I felt like jumping up and down while screaming but I knew better than to do that. I coughed to clear my voice and whispered hello. "Hello baby," he said his voice husky and low. I felt like it was caressing my whole body. I closed my eyes at the sensation. I wished he was here to kiss me passionately like he had done.
"Harley, answer my question!" "Aah ahh..yes," I stammered. I got lost in my fantasy world that I didn't hear him ask. I just answered yes though I had no idea what the question was about. He laughed and I knew I had messed up. "Wait, were you drooling over me even when I'm away." He teased. I blushed and felt like the world's greatest idiot. I couldn't deny and I had to just admit. I could feel him smirk from this side. "Cocky bastard" I thought. "So tell me why you had to hide the whole week only to wake me up so early on a weekend," I grumbled. He laughed and I wondered what was so funny. I rolled my eyes at that. I listened as he told me how he had something really important to do. He will not be back until next week and that this is the only time he had to talk to me. After that he said he missed me and couldn't wait to kiss me again. I blushed once again and told him I miss him so much.
I slept off and woke up a couple of hours later. I checked my phone and I had a couple of invites to parties or clubs. I didn't know what to choose and I couldn't stay indoors. I needed something to destruct me from Austin. I went and had my breakfast where I was joined by Lara and the twins. They decided that we should go to a club because most parties have a similar theme which is now boring to them. I texted Ellie asking him if he could join us but he had a date somewhere.
Later that evening, Lara was doing our makeup and choosing our outfits getting ready for club when I received a text from Austin telling me that I should behave. I rolled my eyes and smiled. The girls gave me a knowing look and left it at that. As usual I look awesome with Lara's touch. I felt sexier and this time I was more confident. I wished Austin was here to see me.
By midnight I was already feeling tipsy and all the girls had run off with some random guys in the club. I spotted Sherry on the dance floor wiggling her ass while some guy grabbed on it. I couldn't grab on any random guy because I felt like I would be cheating on Austin. I decided to just drink while I scanned the dance floor laughing at the funny moves from some drunken couples. I got bored of scanning the dance floor so I went out to get some flesh air. Staring at the stars, I felt a hand grab me. I tried to pull out of the hold and see who it was but the man's was so strong. He smelled like sweat and ardent spirits. The combination made me want to puke. I let out a scream while I continued to pull myself out of his grip but he just squeezed me to him. I suddenly felt sick and started puking. Vomit landed on his hands and he cursed while pulling my hair and making me wince in pain. I felt someone pull the guy from me and punching him hard in the face. The stranger looked so bitter and beat him up till the bouncers pulled them apart.
The stranger who had saved me came back with water and helped me wash up. This is the time I got to take a close look at him. He had dark emerald eyes, thick dark hair and a tantalizing smile. The way his lips curved was very sexy and this made me smile and blush.

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