Obsession

Chapter 48

Leo

I sit down at our usual table in the cafeteria, aware of Rue and Anna's eyes piercing through me, but unwilling to look up and acknowledge them.

When I don't say anything, Rue finally scoffs. "What's with you lately?"

"What's with me?" I ask incredulously, looking up to meet her eyes. "I've been through hell trying to be there for Mara and all she's done is try to break up with me over and over."

"What do you mean tried to?" Rue asks, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.

"In the past four days, she's told me to leave or told me she can't do this anymore at least twenty times. I know she's going through a lot, but I just don't..." I trail off and look down. "I don't know what to do anymore. Maybe I should just give her what she wants."

"Don't you dare," Anna snaps, causing me to look up. "She's having a hard time dealing with everything. If she loses you, I know she'll regret it later. You're honestly the best thing that's ever happened to her."

"You really are," Rue agrees.

I smile to myself. It makes me feel better to hear that, especially after the way Mara's been treating me lately.

"I wish more than anything I could find someone who takes care of me the way you take care of Mara," Anna says. "One day, she's going to realize what she has. Once all this...chaos isn't the only thing on her mind..."

"Don't give up on her," Rue says. "I know it must be hard. Especially if she's trying to push you away. But you know the real Mara. You fell in love with the real Mara."

"Like, the day you met her," Anna smirks.

My heart flutters when I think back to our first days together. It was only a few months ago, but it feels like it's been a lot longer than that. She had me hooked right from the beginning. I've never felt this way about anyone else, ever. She's all I think about, and she has been since the moment we met.

I had to fight for her attention and as soon as I got it, everything went to crap. She lost her mom, Kai began stalking her and threatening her to the point it drove her crazy; and now, nothing is like it used to be.

I don't want to lose her. I want to get the old Mara back. I want her to be happy again. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure that happens.

After a long, boring day of classes, I go home to my own apartment for the first time in days. I have a ton of work to catch up on and I suppose I need to start making time for it if I want to pass my classes.

I sent Mara a text, but not surprisingly, I still haven't heard anything back from her. I've decided to give her some space; let her figure things out on her own without me shadowing her every move. If she needs me, she knows I'll be here. Until then, I just have to be patient. No matter how much this is killing me.

I get deep into my European Literature book when suddenly, I'm startled by the sound of footsteps. I get up and go to my bedroom door, peeking out to see where it's coming from. Not seeing anything, I close the door back. I'm on the second floor, so it's possible it's just a neighbor.

I get back to work, but I hear the same thing again just minutes later, only much closer and louder. I stand up to go check it out, but I come face to face with Kai.

My whole body freezes.

He smirks at me. "You're smart to stay away from her. Perhaps you'll stay alive if you keep doing that."

"I'm not afraid of you, Kai," I spit.

He chuckles. "Of course not. You don't even think I'm real. Do you."