Why Derek?

CHAPTER 007: Why Derek?

My finger trembled inside me, and a shiver ran through my spine as the image of Derek from earlier today flashed in my mind.

Maybe my mind was mixing up memories because I usually think about Hud at this particular time.

Why Derek?

Because he’s hot as hell, and the mere image of his thick, long and veiny manhood was visceral and stuck in my mind for eternity.

Or maybe it has been such a long time since a man last touched me.

I’ve been so busy loving Hud that I had forgotten what it felt like to want someone else.

It has been ages since I felt wanted by a man.

Or at least give them the chance to know the lengths I’d let them go with me.

My life was almost miserable.

The loud beep of my phone near the sink made me startle, and I slipped my finger out of myself immediately, shivering at the emptiness I now felt.

Ignoring the tighteness in my core, I technically limped to take up my phone.

On checking the screen, my chest tightened up in dread at the caller ID displayed on the screen.

Mom.

Wetting my lips, I let out a sigh as I picked it up.

“Hi Ma, I was going to call. How’s he doing?”

"Tiana", Mom sobbed, her voice shaking over the phone, and I held my breath as I asked,

“What happened?”

She sniffed, trying to make out words.

“Come on, tell me, did they stop his medication?”

“They said he wouldn’t be needing them because his heart was failing.”

Worse.

It was way worse than I thought.

Snatching my robe from the rack, I trapped my phone in between my shoulder and ear, wrapping myself in it.

Even with how my heart was thumping in dread, I still composed myself as I sat on my bed.

“Relax, Ma. Stay calm and tell me exactly what the doctor said.”

It took a minute before my mum gathered herself then she narrated the ordeal.

At the end of it, I got knocked off balance with how much I tried to blink back tears.

“I’m sorry to bother you with all of this, but we need all the help we can get."

“The surgery will save your dad’s life, and it’s the only available option.”

“How much is it? The surgery.”

I could sense Mom's hesitation over the phone as she stammered.

“A…um…100 grands. That’s only for the deposit.”

Digging my fingers into my hair, I gripped some of my hair strands in silent frustration.

Where on earth would I get that kind of money?

I was barely living by, with the scholarship fund and my multiple part-time jobs.

Unless I intend to sell my soul to the devil in exchange for some quick cash.

“I’ll see what I can do.” The moment the words left my mouth, I cursed myself silently.

There was nothing I could do.

"Ok, honey. Please don’t push yourself too hard. I’ll ask around and see if anyone can help us out."

My heart tightened in empathy because I knew how my parents were never the type to put me in a tough spot unless they badly need help.

And I meant when it’s near life and death.

“Ok, Ma, just tell them to keep him stable.”

“Are you coming to visit soon with Hudson?”

I bit my lips, keeping quiet.

She must have gotten over her nerves because now she was asking about the last person I wanted to think about.

“I’d be coming alone.”

“Why? Did you guys fight again?"

Yes mom. Thank you for figuring out that very secretive information.

“Bye, Mom. Love you.” I said.

“I love you more, honey.”

I was half expecting her to prod about Hud, but to my relief, she didn’t and just ended the call.

The next day, I spent most of my time at the school library because I needed to go over new part time jobs to add to my list.

Dr. Dalton, our economics professor wouldn’t let me concentrate in class.

He'd gone on and on about schumpeter's theory of innovation and how Elon Musk was the Sergey Korolev of the modern world,

Due to how much brainwork he put into the establishment of his Tesla company.

Weren’t we supposed to learn about the macroeconomics and the theories? So how did we go from

that to space science?

Well, I skipped his class before I punched him in the face out of frustration.

“Hey Tiana, my boyfriend is picking me up through the back door. He brought his convoy.” Hannah from my department pushed back her glasses as she blushed from the seat next to me.

His convoy? I thought they were his minions and he didn’t look any different from them either.

She was cocking her head through her own desk.

“Uh, ok?” I asked, my eyes roaming about, to figure out what this information had to do with me.

“So you can return my laptop at Brook’s class tomorrow.” She gestured at her laptop in front of me and I muttered an ‘Oh’

“I’m leaving.” She almost squealed in excitement as she got to her feet.

God forgive me, but wasn’t this excitement too much for a douchebag who walked around with Zapp Brannigan wannabes.

To top it off, he always had her following him around just because he had some fairly used Cybertruck.

She deserved better.

“Bye.” She called over her shoulder.

Then she suddenly stopped short and gasped, her eyes popping out of their sockets.

I wasn’t supposed to be interested in seeing her gawky-looking boyfriend, but I wanted to know if he had changed his hair color.

Again.

So I craned my neck, looking for him when my eyes fell on Hud, coming up to me as he gingerly walked past Hannah.

Geez, what was he doing here and how did he find me?

I tore my gaze away from him, returning my full attention to the screen.

“Hi, Tee. I thought I might find you here, so I brought you your coffee, just the way you like it."

He stretched out a Starbuck coffee, offering himself a seat in Hannah’s chair with a lopsided grin that threw me off track like every other time.

I could hear faint gasps and quick stares thrown at us from all angles, mostly from girls.

He always had their attention with that pretty face of his.

That makes me so annoyed because he’s so fine; even he can’t help it.

“I don’t want coffee, okay? Go back to wherever you're coming from.” I said in a low tone, turning away from him.

Regardless he dropped the coffee next to me.

Yet I stared ahead pretending not to notice his gesture.

His smile faded a bit as he leaned forward, checking the screen in front of me.

“Part time—“

He barely finished the sentence before I slammed the laptop close.

Maybe a little too aggressive.

He peered at me, his deep brown filled with curiosity.

"What were you looking up? Part-time jobs?”

I dug my nails into my palm, longing not to feel anything, especially shame.

“None of your business.”

Giving me the puppy eyes, he reached for my hands, pulling me to himself.

“Please don’t be mad. I’m sorry about yesterday. I shouldn’t have scolded you because Gwen was at fault.”

I kind of melted at his newfound consideration as I let him wrap his arms around me.

Hud was smart when he wanted to be.

Except for when Gwen infected him with her black magic.

I almost relaxed into his arms, missing the warmth of my best friend, when he says it.

“We’re having a pool party at the house to celebrate our reunion. I and Gwen. I need you to help me get mum out of the house.”