Waves, Sunsets, & Coffee

Chapter 3.0

I'm currently in my biochemistry class with professor Edwin. He's one of the cool professors that allows his students to eat and sleep in class, as long as we don't get a failing mark.
   Since I was able to pass the requirements for his class, I'm trying my hardest to sleep, if it isn't for Chad who keeps bothering me. He keeps asking me if I'm okay and I assure him that I am.
     Easier said than done though. Ever since Andrew, I wasn't able to function properly. I lost all interest in what I used to love doing.
     I didn't want to read my books, nor do art. For fuck's sake he broke me so much that even coffee tastes bad now.
     Just joking. Coffee is something he can never take away from me. It's just that the barista from earlier messed up my order.
     I thought I was over him, but I wasn't. How could I even do that? I love him. Present tense. Yes, I still love him and I hate it. I hate feeling like this, feeling vulnerable, not knowing what to do or what to feel. I never felt this ever since...
     I felt a tear escape my eye and so I wiped it away and asked the professor if I could go to the ladies' room.
     Luckily, no one was inside and as soon as I reached it, all the tears I've been holding back, fell. I can't hold it back anymore that I just burst into tears, right there as I fell to the ground.
     Crying and thinking of him makes my head spin as my heart clenches at the pain.
     I wanted to scream. To destroy something. To punch someone. But I can't and that's fucking frustrating.
     I was about to go back to class when I heard footsteps and voices nearby, and so I ran to one of the stalls and locked myself in, not wanting anyone to see me like this.
     Two girls went in, talking about their own classes, but I drowned their voices out.
     Sitting on top of the toilet with the cover down, I brought my knees closer and placed my head in between, silently crying to myself until the girls went out.
     "Hey so You know Andrew right?" A girl said.
     "Andrew Simpson?" Asked the second girl, and hearing his name just made me cry harder.
     "What about him?"
     "I heard he cheated on that girl Alex the other day."
     "No way! But they were the school's star couple!"
     "I know right! He's one of the best soccer players and Alex is currently an mma champion at our school."
     "Eh, never liked that girl anyway. Only reason I talk to her is to get to Andrew."
     I sigh, drying my tears as they continue to gossip, and a few minutes later, they finally went out.
     Going out the stall, my reflection stares at me, and it shows how shitty I looked.
     Hair's a little messy and my face is full of tears. I sigh to myself, going to the sink and washing my face, removing the trace that I cried.
     One of my talents is looking like nothing happened after a session of crying. You learn that when you had a rough past or a traumatic event that can change your life, and it did. For me at least.
     I heard the bell rang, signifying the end of classes so with a couple deep breaths, I went back to the room to get my stuff and finally go home.
     Walking along these corridors full of students, I notice their stares and whispers at the girl who got cheated on.
     I don't know what they're thinking, and I couldn't care less, but I didn't want them to think I was weak. So I held my head high, ignoring all their comments and soon, I reached the room.
     It was empty besides Chad who was on his phone.
     "Hey. I got training. But I waited for you to come back. Make sure you're still walking." He says and I chuckle. I'm glad he's here. I'm also glad that he isn't one of those best friends that tolerate cheaters and bad behaviour.
     I know that Andrew's his best friend and it was hard for him to know what he did and what he became. As his friend, he still talks to him, and I understand that. 
     I may hate Andrew for what he did, but he still deserves to have friends and I'm happy Chad is still there for him.
     "Thanks Chad. I'm still walking I guess." I say, gesturing to my fully functional limbs and he laughs.
     "Good to know you can still kick asses. Hey, anyways, I gotta leave for training. Take care Lex." He says, giving me a bro hug before he leaves the room.
     "Another day Alex. You survived another day at Uni." I say to myself, gathering my stuff and going to my car.
     I was close to getting out of this place when coach Matt stopped me.
          "Alex! Can I have a moment to talk with you?" He says and I nod, walking towards him.
     "There's a change in schedule. The tournament was moved by the end of the week next week." Oh no.
     "Coach, my flight's next week. I can't compete."
     "I know Alex, but this is the biggest tournament this year. You'd be competing against the biggest international schools. The team needs you." He says, but I really can't miss my flight.
     "But coach, I talked to you about this already and you agreed..." I tried to plead but I know he'd refuse anyway.
     "Yes, I did. Even the schedule of this tournament I can't control. You're the best player this school has. Plus you'll be representing the whole city of Adelaide. Okay how 'bout this. Just tell me you're going to attend, and I'm giving you a high mark for your final grade. Win or lose, you have my word. So what do you say?"
     I hesitate, debating on whether I should accept his offer or not. I mean, if I did, I won't have to take extra training sessions. But then, my grades are already looking fine. Ugh, why now. This just makes things more complicated.
     I really want to go back to my friends, back home in Canada, but I guess that just have to wait as school is more important for now.
     "Fine. I don't have a choice, do I coach?" I say, not really wanting to do this but I just have to.
     "Thanks Alex. Training starts tomorrow." He says and I groan and he laughs at me as he walks away.