5

Restless sleep was an understatement to what I was currently feeling, I couldn't get him off my mind. No matter how hard I try. It was late already and I needed to sleep so I can get by tomorrow. God I hate Mondays.

I pick one of the pillows out of frustration and throw it out the bed. It landed noiselessly, I mentally cursed at myself for being dramatic. I've seen lots of really hot guys!, why can't I get this one out of my head.

Maybe because he looks ethereal?

I mentally roll my eyes at my thoughts. My body was telling things I couldn't understand, my thoughts were clouded, clouded with thoughts I couldn't figure out.

I toss around for some more and sit up.

I walk to the window and shift the curtains. I open the window and I shivered as the chilling breeze blew at me.

My curiosity got the better of me, and I sat down by the window with my eyes fixed on Theo's house..

There's quite some distance between our houses but I can see some details from my room. His lights were still on. I wonder what he's doing now, I mentally cringe at myself, why I'm I acting this way, stalking him.

One by one the light in his house begins to go out. I sat quietly and watch as the light go out from the windows in his house . Except one, I'm guessing that's his room. I was getting a perfect view of the window, compared to the others from my room.

Suddenly the light goes dim but I can tell the lamp is on. His shadow very prominent on his window curtains. I could tell he was topless, he's muscles popping out at the right places and his waist slim. So yeah, either he's topless or wearing a very tight top.

I'd prefer the first option tho.

He's been occupied with something and it appears he's finished as he starts walking towards the window. The thought of him seeing me makes my heart beat fast. I contemplated weather to hide or just stay.

Fuck it

His shadow gets smaller as he approaches his window, I'm cut unaware when he suddenly opens his curtain and looks like he's in deep thoughts. He's topless,He leans on the window frame and sighs and closes his eye. For a brief moment, I could sense the unfathomable sadness he feels.

I study him for some time. Suddenly curious and eager to find out why he's sad. I shifted my position to avoid looking directly at him and then began picking my nails. I'm usually never interested in anyone. But I'm willing to go beyond my boundaries to get to know him.

I look back at his window and find him staring at me.my heart skips a beat and I look down quickly.

Kill me, oh my gosh, this is embarrassing.

I look back at him and he's still staring. Intensely, like he was trying to read me. To ease the tension I wave a him shyly and smile. He eyes me from my face to the robe I'm clutching on. I couldn't tell the expression on his face. He ignores my gesture and adjusts himself. He closes his curtain and seconds later he's room went dark.

I put my hands back down awkwardly and think of what next to do. I can't sleep that's obvious and it's late so I can't go out. I stand up and close the curtains.

The incident from this morning suddenly coming back to my mind, maybe I was just hallucinating and nothing really happened. I've done nothing but embarrass myself throughout today. I fall on my bed mentally cringing from all that has happened today. I'm so stupid.

I close my eyes and try to think of as many calming scenarios as I could.

"Shh, I won't hurt you or touch you" the voice replayed in head.

You've finally lost your sense Marie.

"Roses and tulips" I whispered, "roses and tulips" I keep repeating it and attempting to picture it in my mind.

Slowly, I feel peace and close my eyes.

***

"What do you mean you couldn't call me!" I'm awakened by Elijah's voice thundering in the entire house. Shit

"What do you even care, go back home keep having your fun" Elle's voice equally as loud.

I stay in bed for some while listening to their loud conversations. I yawn and walk to the bathroom to brush my teeth.

"Someone broke into your apartment and you didn't even think to call me. Did you even think about Marie or you choose to remain self centered even in situations like that" Elijah yells.

I pause, the house fell silent.

"Fuck you Elijah, get out!" Elle's voice cracks

I quickly rinse my mouth and rush so I can intervene

"Elijah" I walk into the living room

They were face to face like they were about to blow each other's brain off.

"Everyone calm down, everything happened so fast, there is no need to blame anyone" I walk to them and push Elle back gently.

"I was close by and you didn't even call Marie, that's not fair, what if something worse could have happened" His demeanor changes and he hugs me. "Are you ok?, we're you hurt?" He checks my face and eyes me up and down.

Elle begins to walk away. Her face looks way better than yesterday, I could tell. Though she's cake up her face to cover every evidence that what had happened.

"She broke up with Luke, and they had a fight, he slapped her. He was drunk" Elijah's frowns.

He looks at Elle who's walking away and I nod at him telling him it's ok to go and meet her.

"Elle wait" He runs after her.

"Leave me alone Elijah" she walks faster

I smile at their love language. When will they ever accept their feelings for each other.

Emelda has left already as I told her to yesterday, we didn't need her services here. I walk to the kitchen to make something. It was still early so I had enough time before going to the campus.

I set the table and yell Elle's and Elijah's name from the kitchen.

"Breakfast is ready" I sit down and begin to serve myself. Moments later they come out and sit with me. I could tell the tension isn't there anymore, both are stealing glances from each other.

"So" Elijah starts. "Y'all living here for the main time right?"

"Yeah, we'll until we're sure what really happened at home" Elle response.

I stay silent, not wanting to say much, as I'm equally not sure if I was seeing things or not.

"Marie, Elle it's ok. I can stay over for some days if you want me to"

"No" me and Elle replies in unison.

Elijah looks from me to Elle, he furrow his eyebrows and frown " Okay, got it". He takes a bite of his breakfast.

The room fell silent and we continue eating without any conversation.

I finish mine first and stand up to keep my dishes

"I just wish you'd contact me when stuffs like this happen, doesn't matter how small or big. I'll be more at ease know you two are okay" Elijah drops his fork.

"Everything happened fast, I should have called earlier but I got carried away, sorry" I gave him a small smile.

He smiles at me too.

I take my dish and left the both of them to finish up

Preparing for school didn't take long and in less than an hour both me and Elle was done and ready to leave the house.

"Your mom's called this morning" Elle starts " your birthday party is on Thursday, how are you goin to go about it"

I sigh and start walking to the door "I don't know Elle, I'm tired of Mom. She's trying to sell me off to the highest bidder"

"I wouldn't put it that way, she only wants someone that's capable to take care of you. She wants the best for you" Elijah joins the conversation.

"She wants what's best for the company" I roll my eyes

"The company would be yours tho. It's all for the best" He says. I turn and glare at him.

"I want to get married on my terms, not because he's good for the company, it's my future we're talking about" I look at him seriously.

"Nobody's forcing you Marie" Elle cuts in.

Elle decided to go with Elijah so he can bring her back to, he insisted on staying the night. She enters his car. I entered mine.

I remain silent and begin to check and reply some messages on my phone for a while before getting my key out of my purse.

Elijah begins to drive away with Elle after they must have had a mini argument like they usually do. And I Do so too, The whole ride to campus was silent. I find a parking space and park my car.

I come out and begin to walk to the lecture hall. Well I didn't have a class this morning. I need to meet professor Chadwick for more inquiries on my project. I was almost done already. I want to get it done before I leave for my birthday party.

I walk to his office to his office and knock slightly

"Come in"

I push in the door and walk to his desk. The meeting with him didn't take long and he was kind enough to guide me. Not every lecturer or Professor would.

I thank him when we were done and made my way out

"Marie?, long time no see!"