The Soulmate Guide

Chapter-17

A sense of exasperation hit me as I gripped Leah's wrist firmly.
"I want answers. Tell me Leah, is it because of Fiona?," I couldn't control my sudden wave of emotions.

"Blake. I felt that emotionally. Not because Fiona commented on my attitude towards exams. I just feel that sometimes, it is okay to let go. There are so many more things in this world to worry about rather than some petty school exam which won't even matter after a month." She inhaled deeply and her gaze lowered, carefully avoiding mine.

I grabbed her by both of her shoulders.

"You're not telling the truth. You knew how badly I wanted the top position, right? You also knew that after Charlie passed away, I couldn't focus on my studies. You left three questions unattempted Leah. Don't think I am a fool," I let out a breath which I didn't know I had been holding all this while.

" It doesn't matter Blake... Some things are just hard to explain. "

There was a brief pause.

" Anyway, I am getting late and I really gotta go..., " She shrugged and started making her way out of the hall without even glancing back once.

I waited for another ten minutes in the hall itself. My mouth ached after repeatedly saying 'Thank You' to each and every person who made an effort to wish me on my achievement. Fiona wished me too. She had managed to pass the class with an additional piece of advice from all professors to take studies seriously.

I started heading towards the exit when I saw Leah standing near the gate. Her phone was pressed hard againt her ear and her brows were ready to collide anytime.

I looked at her with a quizzical expression.

She ended the call and rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"The cab driver isn't showing up. I've been waiting here from the past ten minutes. How will I get home now?" She spoke in an extremely frustrated tone.

"Relax Leah. Calm down. I'll drop you home, is that okay?"

"No Blake. It's perfectly alright. I'll go on foot," She replied.

"Are you crazy? Your house is too far. Now please don't start your typical philosophy.
I don't need anyone to support me. I can look after myself blah blah," I imitated her in a pathetic, high-pitched voice.

She rolled her eyes at me. "I don't speak like that."

"Ladies first."

I opened the car door and motioned her to sit.

I accelerated my Mercedes and drove to her house. It was a drive of about five to seven minutes. Leah didn't speak the whole time except when I asked her for the directions. She kept scrolling through her social media, seeming way disinterested in starting a conversation
These girls are so hard to understand.

I stopped my car in front of her house.
"Thank you for the ride Blake," She smiled at me.

"Anytime loser," I chuckled.

"Umm... Blake."

"Yes?"

"Come inside at least. I can't let you go like that," she insisted.

I wanted to refuse but deep down, I was too curious to know more about her house and family.

"Alright."

"Great. Come this way."

I made my way through the main door which was painted cyan. The house looked extremely well-maintained. The yellow lights cast a beautiful effect on the pale pink walls. A gigantic glossy-white  flower vase stood by the side of a little wooden cupboard. The choice of colours was elegant and modern.

"Remove your shoes Blake," Leah instructed me politely.

"Oh sorry!" I exclaimed as I copied her actions and kept my shoes right beside her burgundy sandals.

I carefully walked on the absolutely stainless marble floor, fearing my feet would dirty them.

The sound of laughter from the main hall distracted both of us.

" Are there any guests at your place? Why didn't you tell me?" I asked her.

"I don't know either, Blake. Let's see," She whispered curiously.

We crept in stealthily, unnoticed by the people sitting in the main hall.

Leah's parents were sitting on the couch facing a young boy sitting in front of them. The boy's countenance could not be seen. Leah's mother quickly stood up at the sight of her daughter.

"Leah. Look who's here."

The boy turned towards us. He was tall and extremely fair. His eyes were dark black, just like his hair. He wore a checkered shirt with sky-blue trousers and wore a sports wristwatch.

" Oh My God Leah. Is that you?" He stared at her with sparkle in his eyes.

"Marc."  Leah ran towards him and hugged him.

"How are you here in NYC? I thought I could never meet you again," Leah cheered excitedly.

They started conversing with each other, completely unbothered by my presence.

"Who is he Leah?" Leah's mother finally asked her.

"Mom. This is Blake. My friend from school." Leah announced

"Blake Anderson. I've heard so much about you. It's really nice to meet you." She shook hands with me.

"Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Harlow."

"Blake meet Marc. Marc meet Blake." Leah introduced me to the stranger.

"Hi, I am Blake Anderson," I greeted him with a smile.

"I'm Marc Williams. I am Leah's friend from..."

Leah's squeezed his fists tightly signaling him to stop speaking.

"Ch..childhood." Leah stuttered with a nervous giggle.

"What's up with your clothing style man?" He chuckled mockingly at me.

"I don't care about my clothes. I believe it's your personality that can make a difference," I replied sarcastically.

I knew he was trouble.

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