SOLACE

nine

I didn't know what to do after I just walked home that day. Dacre just left a message saying sorry and I didn't bother to reply anymore. I felt like shit but not my loss anymore.

For the past week that came, I just distracted myself by hanging out with Cali and Franco. Which consisted of a lot of eating and watching a bunch of movies. Of course, Franco laughed at me for what happened between me and Dacre.

Well, he didn't tell me Dacre was like that. That all the things he did for me weren't really special, he did it to every girl he's been with.

I wasn't really anticipating anything this week other than going to another party at Mave's that Cali forced me to go to.

Until then, I'm here reading Lolita at the school library after I finished my last class. One of the places I go to for some peace of mind.

It was comforting for me to be surrounded by a thousand books.

The quietness inside with the occasional shuffling and moving of chairs. It's the little things that bring comfort to me.

I was cautious about the time because I didn't want to go home late again whether she's at home or not, it's better to be safe than sorry.

I stood up from my seat, closing the book in my hand and placing it inside my tote bag. As I walked outside the library, at the end of the hall was the gym. I heard laughter echoing the hall.

I looked back to see that it was the whole basketball team again, it looks like they just finished their training today.

I turned back and walked straight, before I could turn a corner someone called out my name, "Hey, Roberts!"

I looked back again to see it was one of the guys from my class, Owen waving at me with a playful smile.

I gave a small wave back. My eyes glanced at Henry for a moment, his lips pursed and his head bowed down.

Getting no reaction from him, I continued to walk until I was already out the school. I heard someone walking behind my back, my eyebrows shot up from seeing him. He was alone now.

"Hey there," the side of my lips rose as I greeted Henry. He catches up to walk beside me.

"Hey, thought you were avoiding me," he slowly says, my brows furrowed in confusion.

"Why would you think that?" I asked.

"I always see you outside the gym and whenever I see you, you go away." He arched his brow at me and chuckles. I looked away while I find the words to say.

"I was just passing through," I chuckled awkwardly.

"Why are you still here though?" He licks his lower lip as he asks, I don't know but he's like nervous when around me. Sometimes.

"I was reading in the library." I chuckled as I answered his question.

"Oh, do you always go there?" I looked at his curious eyes.

I bit my lower lip as I looked at him. Strands of his hair hanging from his forehead, almost reaching his brows.

"Yeah, pretty much," I shrugged as we walked outside the school together but then he halts from his steps.

"You going home? I can give you a ride." He offered, I could see him biting the insides of his cheeks as his fingers played with the hem of his shirt.