Chapter 55: Awkward
Chapter 55: Awkward
Willow
“Like in werewolf books?” I ask in what I hope is a nonchalant manner.
“Yeah, you know I never read those, too much fantasy.” She says dismissively.
“You watch vampire and werewolf movies, Chloe.”
“Yes, to see the hot guys.”
I murmur in agreement, and we both end up giggling.
“So, he was doing this to imitate what he read in books? He is such a geek.” She rolls her eyes.
I let out an uncomfortable chuckle. “What did he say in return?”
“He said he accepted my rejection,” she says absent-mindedly. “That was when I felt the intense pain. The pain is gone, but I feel this sadness and emptiness.”
“Nnnno! It can’t be,” I mumble.
“Can’t be what?”
“Nothing.” I shake my head. “It’s just a stupid theory that I have.”
“You believe in werewolves?”
“Of course not,” I shake my head.
“Oh! No, you do,” she says in an accusatory tone. “You are a scientist, Willow. Even a five-year-old probably knows that it’s impossible.”
“I assure you, I don’t believe in that,” I say defensively. “I just believe in energies. I feel like when people reject each other, something happens in the energies that connect them, and a connection gets broken. That’s all.” I force a smile.
“That makes more sense,” she nods.
“I’m glad you chose yourself. As for me, I know that by tomorrow I will want to run back to Liam. The problem is, this time, I did something I can’t fix.”
“I knew that there was trouble in paradise. You don’t gush about him like you used to.”
“Trouble is an understatement,” I sigh.
“What do you want to do?”
“I want to break up with him, but it’s so hard. I miss him right now, and I don’t know why.”
“This is going to sound crazy, but I think you should try the rejection thing. It might work.”
“I was thinking the same thing,” I nod in agreement.
“What happened between you and Liam?”
“I’m not ready to talk about it.”
“That’s okay,” she takes my hand and holds it. “But if you think he is still worth holding on to...”
“No!” I interject.
“There’s your answer.”
I shift uncomfortably. I picture myself rejecting Liam and the possibility of him laughing at me. “Are you not going to ask what I cooked for you?”
“I hope it’s soul food.”
“You mean very greasy?” I raise my eyebrows.
“I’ve had it with healthy hospital food and Leo bought healthy food.”
“Mom said...”
“Mom is miles and miles away.”
“I’m sorry, I’m gonna be a mom until you get out of the hospital.”
I end up eating one of the takeaways sent by Leo, which is mostly vegetables, and I order a burger and fries for Chloe.
We spend the rest of the day talking until a nurse gets in and gives me a tight smile. “It’s almost the end of the second round of visiting hours.”
“Thank you. I was about to leave.”
We hug each other goodbye, and my heart stops the moment I turn around and face the door.
I swallow before forcing a smile. “Hi Leo, I was just leaving.”
I head to the door, and I look up at him, but he breaks eye contact. I try to step aside to let him pass, but we both move to the right and then to the left.
“Willow, you can stay till the end of visiting hours,” Chloe says enthusiastically. “Leo, come in and take a seat. We have food. I usually love Willow's healthy food, but I’ve had enough of being healthy. I want to tell you every humiliating childhood story about Willow. "
Leo's lips twitch at the sides.
"Willow, do you mind if I give Leo the lunch bag? He’ll give it to you when he is done.”
“I see what you are trying to do, and it won’t work. He can keep the lunch bag.”
“Willow?” He whispers.
“What?” I glare at him.
“I’m sorry.”
“I think you have said those words way too many times, and I don’t see them having an impact on my life in any way.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were here.” He breathes. “I thought perhaps I should come to check up on Chloe.”
“Thank you for checking up on her,” I purse my lips.
“Is everything okay between you two?” Chloe’s voice almost startles me. “I feel like you are gossiping about me.”
“Yep, everything is fine.” I glance at her, and then at Leo.
“I can feel the tension. Is this about the fight you said you had?” She asks.
“Chloe?”
“You're right,” she grins. “I’m going to let you kids figure it out.”
Leo grimaces, making me chuckle.
“Chloe, I think Leo wants to remind you he is older than you.”
His face relaxes, pulling at my heartstrings, making me want to hug him and take away all his worries. But I must hate him, I should always remind myself that he doesn’t deserve forgiveness.
“Well, I haven’t seen the ID of my fake boyfriend. So, I wouldn’t know.”
Leo winces, making me chuckle again. “She told me everything,” I say to him. He shifts uncomfortably, his face filled with questions. “And no, I didn’t tell her about you, I couldn’t tell her.” I whisper.
I turn to Chloe. “Then how did you draft the contract without an ID?”
After acting like we get along for twenty minutes. Leo and I walk to the parking lot in silence. He offers me a lift, which I politely decline.
The moment I get out of a cab when I arrive on campus, I fish for my ringing phone in my bag, and when I finally get hold of it, Chloe’s name pops on my screen, and three texts from Professor Malino.
Chloe: Leo is usually Leo, but today he seemed sad. What did you do to him?
Professor Malino: Willow, you may come and see Asclepius.
Professor Malino: Willow, I’m taking him away, he’s going back to the vet.
Professor Malino: I suppose you are busy. Let’s talk soon about your availability.
My reply to Chloe: When did you two become best friends?
My reply to Professor Malino: I’m so sorry, professor and thank you for taking care of him. May I see him ASAP? Please. He probably hates me for abandoning him.
I stare at my phone for two whole minutes, and I end up scrolling through my contacts to call Professor Malino.
I stop mid-scroll. My nostrils flare at the familiar scent, and then he wraps his arms around my shoulders.
“You managed to protect your little boyfriend?” I shiver as Liam’s warm breath slightly tickles my neck. “I underestimated you.”