Chapter 65 CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE

Chapter 65 CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE
 EVA’S POV

The following morning came far too quickly.

I was out of bed earlier than normal and did not hesitate to quickly get into the shower before I could change my mind and crawl right back under the covers.

By the time I came downstairs, I was still in a suspiciously good mood.

“Hey, sweetie.”

I looked up to find Mum standing in the hallway, already dressed for the day, and smiled at her as I walked toward the kitchen.

“Hi, mum. Good morning!”

She gave me a long look, her eyes narrowing slightly as though she had noticed something I had not. “What?”

“Nothing,” my lips couldn’t stop stretching even if I tried. “What do you mean what?”

“You seem to be in a good mood.”

Dad glanced over from where he was sitting at the kitchen island, a cup of coffee in his hand, and I caught the small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you are,” Mum shook her head, reaching for something in the cupboard. “An even better mood than one than your birthday’s.”

I shrugged, trying not to smile too much as I pulled out a chair and sat down.

“Maybe I woke up in a good mood. I had a fancy dinner last night so there’s that too.”

“That’s good then,” she turned towards me. “Considering the fact that your exams start tomorrow. You should be in a good mood so you can study and ace it all.”

My smile faltered for just a second. My exams were indeed starting tomorrow but for the past twenty-four hours, it hadn’t been on my mind at all.

I rolled my eyes, but I could not stop the smile from returning to my face. Maybe I was giddy. But of course, I had every reason to be.

Before either of them could question me again, my phone vibrated against the table. My eyes immediately dropped to the screen and for one second, my heart jumped.

Josh.

The thought came so quickly that I almost couldn’t believe myself. I reached for my phone, already expecting to see his name, only to find Lily's message waiting for me instead.

Lily: Should I come over? We can do some last-minute revision.

I stared at the message for a moment before replying.

Eva: How about I come over instead?

There was a pause before the three little dots appeared. I bit my lip, wondering if she’d see through my suggestion and consider it weird.

Lily: No, that won’t work.

Lily: Josh came back earlier than expected and I don't think he has any plans on leaving the house today.

Lily: It’s going to be distracting having him around.

My stomach flipped. I quickly locked my phone and slipped it onto my lap before Mum could notice anything.

“Everything okay?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah,” I repeated, taking another bite of toast.

I glanced back down at my phone.

Eva: Okay you come over then.

Lily responded with a thumbs-up almost immediately.

I finished breakfast a little faster than I normally would, ignoring the little disappointment I felt at the fact that I wouldn’t be able to go over to their place. I wanted to see Josh one more time. I wanted to talk to him again.

I glanced at my phone again, no messages from him still coming up. It didn't change after I stared at it a dozen more times and by noon, I’d concluded it was probably for the better.

I needed to study anyways and didn't really need any distractions.

The next time my phone vibrated, it was another text from Lily with her informing me she was already behind the door. I grabbed my books, raced downstairs, and before she could knock twice, opened the door.  

“That was quick.”

“Was it?”

“Mhm mhm,” She closed the door behind me and followed me into the living room, where I had already spread our books across the table. She dropped my bag onto the floor and sat down. “Were you expecting someone else?”

“Who could I possibly be expecting,” I joined her on the floor.

“Peter?”

I grabbed a textbook and flipped a page. “He isn’t back yet.”

“I wonder why Josh returned earlier,” she continued. “Why didn't he just come back with the rest of the guys.”

My gaze on the book intensified. “I don't know? Something came up?”

“Yeah, probably. And he’s not admitting it to anyone.”

I swallowed, the discomfort from the whole conversation now getting to me. For the first time, it didn't feel like I was just hiding something from Lily. It felt like I was actually lying to her.

Lying to her about everything.

“Did you ask him?” I dared to ask. “The reason he came home a day earlier?”

“Yup,” she nodded. “He didn't answer me. His response was vague and it just felt like he was lying to me.”

“Oh.”

Before my stomach could twist into an even tighter knot, she quickly changed the topic. “I don't know why I’m telling you this anyways. It’s not like it has anything to do with you.”

She didn't glance at me as she pulled out a book from her bag. “Where do we start? Maths?”

Normally, I’d have groaned at the mention of maths or at least insisted we started with another subject but this time, I didn't object. I just nodded, glad for an opportunity to busy ourselves with something that didn't involve Josh.

For the next hour, we actually managed to study. There were several moments where Lily would ask me a question and I would stare at her blankly, only for both of us to dissolve into laughter, finally easing the tension that had managed to creep between us after she mentioned Josh. Things went smoothly for a good while and the only thing that filled my mind was numbers and alphabets until the front door suddenly squeaked, followed by the sound of it opening.

Our heads both snapped up towards the entrance and before we could speak, Peter appeared in the doorway.

“Well, hello,” his arms were spread wide and an exaggerated expression on his face. “I’m back.”

“Peter,” I rose to my feet, actually surprised to see him. “You didn't tell me you were on your way.”

He feigned an offended look. “Wow, Eva. That’s all you get to say. Didn't you miss me?”

I stared at him. “Not particularly.”

“Ouch,” he pressed a hand dramatically against his chest. “That hurts. Lily tell me at least you missed me.”

I rolled my eyes as I walked over to him, his arms widening like he was still expecting a hug from me. With a scoff, I gave in and wrapped my arms around him, Lily laughing at us in the background.

He hugged me back, squeezing me tightly before I pulled away.

“See?” he said smugly. “Someone missed me.”

“Whatever, Peter,” I rolled my eyes and was about to turn towards the table when my steps were suddenly interrupted by a familiar voice from behind me.

“No hug for me?”

I immediately froze.

For a moment, I did not move. I did not even need to turn around to know who it was.

My heart gave one hard, traitorous beat. Then I slowly looked over my shoulder to meet Josh was standing in the doorway, looking directly at me.