Baby

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen: Life Saver

unedited

The weekend passed by, marked by a lack of events and excitement. On Sunday, I managed to complete all my homework just in time for Monday's classes. Throughout the entire weekend, Beverly was plagued by a stubborn hangover that she couldn't shake off. As a result, she spent the rest of her time eating, sleeping, and studying, which she found rather dull. 

I smiled to myself as I awoke at 9 am feeling unusually rejuvenated. Glancing over to my right, I noticed that Beverly had already left the room. I knew I should hurry; my first class began in just thirty minutes.

I rushed to gather my belongings, hurriedly stuffing my bag with my work. Then, I clipped my hair back and hastened out the door.

In the lobby, I passed Penelope conversing with her mate, though their expressions revealed they were engaged in a heated argument. Deciding not to intrude, I simply offered them a smile before quickly heading towards my first class.

The sky was cloudy with a hint of rain in the air. I cursed inwardly, realizing I had forgotten my umbrella. It was too late to do anything about it now, so I hoped the rain wouldn't get too heavy.

As I continued walking around the campus, I finally reached the hall for my first class. To my relief, only a few people were inside the room, indicating that I had arrived early.

A few minutes later, the English professor entered the room, taking their place at the front and scanning the students. 

"Good morning, everyone," the professor greeted. "Sorry I wasn't here last Monday to remind you about the essay due today, but I emailed you all, so there should be no excuses! In about five to ten minutes, I'll ask those who have it to place it in the bin on my desk."

I cheerfully unzipped my bag, which was filled with books and binders. As I reached in to pull out my English binder, my heart skipped a beat when I couldn't find it in any of the pockets. Confusion washed over me as I thought I had put it right there. 

Doubt crept into my mind as I continued my search. After two minutes of fruitless looking, I sat there in disbelief, realizing I had indeed left my essay in my dorm. Maybe the professor would understand if I explained the situation.

I raised my hand, seeking her attention, and she looked over. "Yes?" she asked.

"Hi," I began, "I think I left my essay on my desk in my dorm. Would it be okay if I hurried to get it? It's only a five-minute walk, I promise."

My heart sank a little as the professor responded, refusing to allow me to leave. She explained that leaving would result in points being deducted from my grade. "Is there anyone you can call to bring it to you?"

Dejectedly, I nodded and answered, "Sure, I can try."

Who the hell would I call? I guess... the girls? 

I start off with texting Beverly. 

Hey, where are you?

A few moments passed before my phone made a dinging noise, signaling that she messaged me back.

Bev: Uh headed to another class rn, why what's up?

Forgot my English essay in the room, are you near Quinley?

Bev: Sadly no *sad emoji*, but I think I saw Selina pop through near there a bit ago. Try her.

Crap. I quickly pull up Selina's information on my phone and texted her. 

Hey Selina. Beverly told me she saw you near Quinley? Are you still there?

Selina: Damn, I just left to go to class. I'm sorry! 

My stomach tied itself into knots as I frantically thought through my options. Losing points for a stupid mistake wasn't an option I wanted to entertain. Penelope was already in a lousy mood from our brief interaction earlier, so I didn't want to pester her with my problem.

There was only one other person in my list of contacts whose name hadn't been saved - Silas Petrova. He wasn't the first person I wanted to call for a favor, but right now, it felt like my only choice.

With a deep breath, I quickly pulled myself together as time was running out. I clicked on the number I still haven't saved and began to explain my predicament to him.

Hi. I know this might be a lot to ask, and you don't have to do it if you don't want to. Or if you're busy. But I forgot my English essay on my desk at Quinley. Is there anyway you could grab it?

My heart pounded in my chest as a whole minute ticked by without a response. I figured he was probably swamped with other things and had no time to respond.

Ding.

Unknown: I'll be there in ten.

I stared at the text message in disbelief, reading it over and over to make sure I wasn't imagining it. Clearly, he was close by, that must be why he agreed.

I looked over at my professor, gave her a thumbs-up, and sighed in relief as she granted an extra five minutes, a small smile of gratitude on her lips

Time passed on with me sitting in my seat, twiddling my thumbs, wondering when he was going to arrive. Suddenly, a knock on the door made my head shot up. 

I watched as Silas appeared in the doorway, a smile gracing his face. It struck me as odd because he usually sported a grumpy expression.

"Ah, Mr. Petrova! What a pleasant surprise!" The professor greeted him, clearly taken aback by his unexpected presence.

The professor looked surprised for a moment before her expression turned into one of confusion, but she nodded in acceptance.

Silas advanced towards me, the essay in his hand. I turned to him, expressing my gratitude. "Thank you so much. You're a lifesaver," I smiled as he handed me my essay.

"No problem, anytime," he casually replied, his head bobbing slightly. After a moment of him standing there silently, he nodded once more before turning around and walking off.

I could sense that people were watching us, but I resisted the urge to look around or acknowledge the attention, hoping to avoid any further scrutiny.

Silas turned around once more, mouthing a final "bye" before disappearing from sight. I found myself smiling involuntarily, which I quickly tried to suppress.

Confusion and irritation washed over me. I was becoming increasingly irritated by his strange ability to affect me in these small ways.