The Timing of Love

Chapter 16

I had successfully avoided Julian for the rest of the week. On Thursday, I made sure to disappear after practice. I told my friends that I had some shopping to do, which was pure bullshit. It was a pattern. Going out just before my class began so that I didn't have to meet any of them in the morning before class and coming home late. On Friday, Japan invaded my panties, so I took the day off to rest. The weekend proved to be tougher. Amelia was gone for two days to Leo's place and Jeffrey spent all his time with Melissa. Camilla and Austin insisted that I hung out with them. I was game until I heard that Julian and Skyler were tagging along. I suddenly had stomach cramps too unbearable to go out. I spent my weekend in front of Netflix, eating ice-cream and junk food, running back upstairs when the front door would open and that I heard multiple voices. I put out a sock on my doorknob so that they would not bother to knock and talk.

Now it was Monday and unfortunately, I felt as good and healthy as a new-born vampire. I had to go out to a class. A class I shared with Julian. A class I was late to, on purpose. Even the lecturer was shocked because I was a model student. Mumbling an apology and granting him a polite smile, I sat in one of the front seats. It was strategic. As soon as the class would be dismissed, I would be out of there like the Flash. I ignored Julian's eyes on me as I sat down. The class was long and boring. Saying that I understood what he had just explained would be a big fat lie.

"Okay, Class. You're dis-." I didn't hear the rest of his phrase, already out the double doors. I walked hastily, glad that I wore sneakers. I reached the end of the hallway when I heard footsteps running behind me. I picked up my pace, walking while running a little.

"Elle, wait up," he called. Nope. No way. I had on my earphones so I could easily pretend I didn't hear a thing. He grabbed my arms and whirled me around effortlessly.

"Elle," he said, panting slightly. Well, shit. I should definitely work out and jog often.

"Oh, hey Ryders," I fake-smiled before biting my lips nervously.

"It's been a long time."

"Not long enough," I said, taking a step back. I needed to bolt.

"Are you avoiding me?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nope," I said. I laughed, "Why would I?"

He rolled his eyes. "Right. Why would you?" He paused and stared at me with his stupid green eyes. "So, about that date?"

Shoot.

"Huh? Ryders?"

"Yes? I still want to go out with you," he said, running his tongue on his lips.

"Hold on, I am not quite hearing you well," I said, faking looking confused.

"What?"

"Can you hear me? Ryders?" I asked, looking around blankly.

"What the fuck? What are you doing?"

I took another step back and away from him.

"Oh, Ryders, I don't know. Seems like we have a bad connection, I can't really hear you well," I said. "Can you hear me now?"

"What? Yes, I can. What are you doing?"

I backed away while he looked utterly confused.

"I can't hear you man," I said, holding my ears. "Look I have to go. I'll call you back when I get a better signal."

Only when I walked away did I realise how stupid and immature I sounded. I blamed Shawn Mendes for that. It was funnier when he did the same to James Corden. How could I ever think of doing so in real life? Hopefully, Julian would think that I was stupid as well and keep away from me. Hopefully.