Good at Games, Bad at Love (18+)

Chapter 38 - Encounter

I'm finally taking classes at Zernike Campus. Last semester all of my friends had class there except for me. The only problem is that it's quite a bit further from my dorm so I have to wake up earlier.

I'm feeling a little down because of the hangover. I park my bike by the building I'm about to have class in.

As I walk, I see Peter distracted walking in my direction, with his backpack. He'll probably also have classes around here.

Although, my heart is jumping out of my chest, I was lucky enough to see him first, and put on a neutral facial expression.

He sees me and his eyebrows go up and his eyes go wide. I keep my poker face walking towards my building's door. He hesitates, clearly, he doesn't know how to react, but also keeps walking towards me. 

I make the decision for us and ignore him, as if he doesn't exist. I go in through the spinning doors. Relief. I managed to dodge this uncomfortable situation.

I'm about to reach my classroom, when I feel someone pulling me.

"So is this how it's gonna be from now on?" It's Peter.

"What?" I try to remain expressionless.

"Are we treating each other as if we didn't exist now? As if we've never met? As if nothing happened between us? We're strangers now, is that it?"

"I've got nothing to say to you. I have to get to class."

"Not even a hello? A greeting?"

"I don't have time for this." I turn my back on him and go to class.

I spend the entire class thinking about the nerve on this guy. If he doesn't want me, why doesn't he just leave me alone? I push these thoughts away because I don't want to spiral down again, and I try to focus on what the teacher's saying.

***

Thanks to Peter, this class was not very productive. I leave the building and head to my bike, when I see Peter sitting on a bench. Has he been here the whole time waiting for me?

Here we go again. I roll my eyes as he gets up to walk towards me, but I go towards him faster.

"This has to end. You need to get out of my life. For good. Or stop meddling in it. If you still have some respect for me, please don't talk to me again, and don't come after me," I shout at him.

"I'm sorry, but I can't. I need to know one thing: are you having sex with Hardin again?"

"See, this is what I'm talking about. What kinda question is that? It's my private life. I'm asking for respect."

"You uploaded that photo with him on Instagram, and you were really close at the club yesterday," he says slowly, like he's short of breath. I can see through the t-shirt he has under his bomber jacket that his chest goes up and down quickly.

"Who told you this?" I'm getting more and more angry.

"Are you together?" he asks again.

I keep my mouth shut, looking at him with a warning face. Why does he continue to test my limits?

 "Did you or did you not sleep with Hardin?" I feel the despair in his voice, as if he is begging for an answer.

I sigh, also in despair. I just want him to leave me alone, stop messing with my head.

"Peter... are you listening to anything that I'm asking?"

"Please. Tell me. Did you?"

He won't give up.

"You and me are no more. Get that through your head. And to answer your question: yes. I did. Now please, stop being so pathetic."

I can see for a few seconds the agony in his eyes, but I turn around as fast as I can. I don't want to see his reaction to the lie I just told him.

I grab my bike and go through a larger route so as not to cross him. I reach my studio quickly, because I pedaled fast in fear that he'd follow me.

I get inside and Hardin's on my bed, not wearing his shirt and rolling up a joint.

"Hey." I put my purse down.

"Hey. How was class?" he asks, and I wonder if I should say anything, but decide not to. I don't feel comfortable enough to vent with him.

I take my shoes off, remove my jacket, and lie next to him.

"It was fine. Normal. No class for you today?" I say to him as he lights it up.

"No. Are we having dinner at Júlia's tonight?"

"Yeah... I had forgotten about that."

Will Peter be there? Is he gonna have some sort of reaction once he sees Hardin, or ask him something?

"I still have to go to my place for a shower and a change of clothes."

"Want me to come with you?"

"No need."

What are Hardin and I these days? Friends who make out once in a while? Should I have some conversation with him about where we stand? And why did I lie to Peter? Why am I constantly feeling lost in this world?