Chapter Nine

Waking up with a growling stomach, I look around my room and notice that it is still dark outside. My curtains are still open and the lights from billboards is seen outside. I get up from my bed and notice that the CD player is still there but it a soft melody is being played on it.

A smile creeps on my face, realizing that Everleigh did it. She did not bother to get her player back to her room and I really love her for being this soft in terms of my fragility. Since I a famished at this early hour because I did not bother to eat last night, I walk outside my room and notice that it is still 4:19 in the morning. I peek at Leigh’s room first and saw her sleeping soundly so I just smiled and went to the kitchen to make us a breakfast. It just took me maybe half na hour so I ate peacefully in the kitchen while scrolling on my social media account until realization dive down inside.

“Goodness, f*ck…” I whispered before I get up from my chair and ran back to my room, opening my MacBook to browse and study about my quiz removal later. “Damn, Woolf, damn Elric.” I murmured to myself as I try to relax myself for me to understand a thing on the notes that is posted on our Edmodo account.

I check for the time and it’s still five in the morning and my class will start at nine, like the usual. I still have few hours to study and maybe it would be enough for me to familiarize all the information that will be possible on the questions later.

Everleigh walk inside my room later and I just watch her grabbing her CD player then walk back out from my room again. I chuckle with a shaking head, thinking that she must had a long way of thinking last night if she’ll get that player back to her room or let it rest for me. Either way, she chose the latter—that was so sweet of her.

“I prepared our breakfast, you are welcome!” I exclaimed as soon as she closes my door.

There is a long silence in between us until she smash my door once. “Yeah, but could you at least put your socks in the hamper? You left it on the couch yesterday, we might stink!”

I groaned while moving my cursor. “I’ll fix my things later! You should go to class now, you have it on seven today!”

Everleigh did not answered me after that so I just continue reading some articles and few excerpts from her book. I promised myself yesterday that I should not cry over Elric again and I will take this as an opportunity to study my subjects for today. We will be having our Broadcasting Literacy later but today will just be the first time to meet with our Professor of that subject since he was out of town and just went back yesterday as per noticed by the school head.

It took another one hour and a half until I decided to fix myself, take a bath and pick the most comfortable outfit for today. My theme would be white and purple today so might as well wear a beanie to cover my top head. I would also commute to school today since Everleigh drove the car herself because of her first class. And I would not mind riding the bus anyway.

After a little prep, I took my golden belt to run it across my waist to add a little style. Upon watching myself in front of the mirror, I giggle in silent, appreciating my looks.

“A good smile looks really great on me.” I talked with myself.

I pick my white minimalist tote bag before I slid my MacBook inside it. I also make sure that I have my paper with me, not wanting to mess up my subjects once again. While riding the elevator going down, my phone beeps for the first time today and it’s Levi, sending me a message after that day when Elric and I broke up.

Best Dude Levi: where u at?

A little smile escape from my lips after reading his short message. I am about to type my reply for him when he messaged me again.

Best Dude Levi: saw Leigh entering their building, where are you?

Best Dude Levi; we got class, Rael is shitting on his pants, where are you?

I laugh because of his next messages.

Me: for real??

After a few seconds, Rael’s name popped up on top of my notification panel so I open our chat box.

Boss Rael: seriously, I did not, why are you so gullible?

I ignored his messages while laughing until the elevator’s door opens. I tap Levi’s name once again to type my reply to him.

Me: out now. I’m taking a bus, see you guys!

It’s a little bit of a struggle waiting for a vacant bus at this hour since it’s the usual time for workers going to their duty. There are also some university students waiting in the bus stop until another bus came so I immediately went inside. I took the seat next to the window to enjoy the highway. My bus ride only take twenty minutes before I reach the university gate. The clock outside says it’s eight thirty-eight already so I automatically went inside, walk straight to our building then went to sixth floor for our first subject. It has been three days since our second semester started but I look cramming at the moment.

Nah, it’s just because of my private exam session later with Mister Dawson, the hottest profess—hold on, what?

I shake my head desperately before entering the room. He is still not in the class, knowing that it is still eight forty-five but some of my classmates are already there and most of them are women, maybe simping over that Professor.

I scan for my friends and aw them playing on their phones. Levi raise his head when he felt my stare and tap once on his phone before putting it on top of his table.

The other guys groaned, giving Levi a sharp look. “What the hell, bro?” Rael exclaimed, spreading both of his arms mid-air.

Levi did not give him the attention and look at me instead. “Everleigh told us you did not eat dinner last night. You even left the university alone.”

I look at Levi and notice how worried he looks right now. I just carefully put my bag down since I have my MacBook with me before taking Alaric’s place for the mean time.

“I am fine! I was just maybe tired from the last few days so I thought, I might need to chill down and feel the ned to be alone for the moment. But I am a fine as$ now!” I stated, peeking on Nathan’s phone who is closer to me. “You guys are playing?”

“Yeah but Levi exited the arena while the war is ongoing, this dumbas$, hold on, wait a sec, talk with Levi. I am still busy.”

“Come on, we cannot do this anymore. Levi got all the stocks with him but he exited.”

Levi groan this time “Why do you always throw the blame at me? You guys can absolutely finish the game without me, these gays.”

I laugh while watching them showing their phone at Levi. The latter looks frustrated right now but there is a hint of smile being plastered on his face and that alone makes me smile myself.

Thank God, I have a friend like them.

“Bull’s eye!” Mansrael exclaimed, raising his phone.

“No, idiot, there are still soldiers on the way don’t be stupid.”

“Wow, bow down to our King Levi!” Rael exclaimed sarcastically, making Nathan laugh.

He show me his phone but I could not understand a thing there but he seems happy. “Dude, we are winning.”

I just shook my head a little before looking around the room. Nicolette and her friends, like the usual, are on the same place while fixing their make ups. I look at Levi and lean to their side even though Nathan is the first one on my side.

 "Are they always like that?" I whispered.

Nathan look at me with curiosity and Levi seems to understand what I mean. Rael, on the other hand who is sitting next to Levi, looks at me with a furrowing brows. "You mean those girls from the other side?" Nathan asked back, not on his game anymore.

I nod my head.

"Most of the girls inside this room probably has a huge crush over Mister Dawson. It's a known issue here, why are you so surprised?" Levi asked, while playing with his lower lip. I nod my head a little before I lean back on the chair.

"He's hot, yes, but he is a professor and he is probably with a girlfriend now. He's old perhaps."

Rael chuckle this time while he is now back to his phone. "He's just twenty-nine, bijj!"

My brows furrowed even more. "That's already old."

Levi and Nathan chuckle this time until Nathan put down his phone before he hug me on my nape, pulling me closer to him. "That age has a potential to be Prince Charming just so you know."

I gasp, pulling away from his hold. Levi is now chuckling while watching the both of us until Rael suddenly screamed in victory.

"Chicken dinner!" Levi shake his head before he return back his attention at Nathan and I.

"He's going thirty. Old men is serious on dating, why not try looking for an old man?"

"What?!" I screamed in front of his face. "You seriously can give me to someone old? I hate you." I murmured.

The guys just laugh at me until the door opens, showing the Professor we are talking about. He fixed his last button of his suite first before looking at the class. Like the usual, he just discussed about the same Author but in the middle of the discussion, the topic shifted then follows by another person who is also a modern writer. He even wrote on the board his relevance, his books and his contribution to the world literature. Everything was like that until our time ended, so with a giggle, down girls from our class automatically ran outside where the Professor went out, probably wanting to ride the elevator with him. I shake my head.

"Some of them are from third year, right?"

Nathan look at me. "Yeah."

We walk down to the third floor for our second class which is broadcasting. It's the first time we met our Professor who looks pretty and expensive on her dress. She was the one I meant who we have our first meeting just today. She introduced herself and that's when we knew that she was from Paris, studying media and theatre there for three years. I admire how she speak in front of us with elegance and she seems cool to everyone.

"You guys must have known that broadcasting literacy is very important for students like you. Before we step outside the pillars of this University— to maybe for some, to pursue theatre, or journalist, and maybe Author and publish books, and in most cases, study in foreign countries. As a literature students, one must know how media works."

It goes well until twelve so we ate our lunch with Everleigh. The latter is throwing rants at me about Elric and Mhaureen because she saw them in the field while she was in the way to the cafeteria. Levi is silent about it except for Rael who is always alert and active when it comes to these kind of things. Even though I am hurt hearing her say those things to me.

I just smiled at her, putting a piece of meat on her plate. "Do not think about it, I am fine."

“Of course you are fine, he don’t deserve someone like you, that cheater!” Everleigh exclaimed.

I chose to just chuckle out of her rants until Rael seems intrigued and excited as soon as he put down his fork on his plate.

“Damn, speaking of the evil.”

We all look at where he was looking and I do not exactly know what to feel upon seeing Elric with Mhaureen on his side. They both look happy walking side by side and his arm is around the latter’s waist—and I do not know but my jealousy went higher even though I have to stop myself from doing so.

I just can’t help it. I thought inside.

I chose to look away and continue eating my food until Levi stands up. My heart started to race seeing him walk way and iw as thinking that he might throw a fist to Elric once again but good thing he walks the other way, leaving the place.

Everleigh, Nathan, Rael and I look at each other.

“What’s with that dude?” Rael asked curiously.

I followed him with my gaze until he reach the exit, not looking back anymore.

“He must have chosen to exit the place than see that guy here, his patience is going to a new level.” Leigh muttered before she take another spoon of food inside her mouth.

I worriedly look at where Levi is but then my attention shifted back at Elric and Mhaureen who greeted few acquaintances to their table.

“And look at this man, enjoying all the attention as if he did not hurt someone.” Leigh rants again. “And how could this people immediately disregard you as his girlfriend when in fact they know you guys were dating? I mean, that fast?!”

“Yeah, people moved on so fast.” Nathan added while chewing his apple. “And you guys also should.” He then added.

Everleigh and I look at each other before she yelp, going abck to her foods on her plate. I take a deep sigh before I continue eating mine as well until Rael chuckle from my side.

“Who wants to go to arcade later?”

Nathan groaned this time. “I got class at six.”

Rael make face right after Nathan said that. “Then you stay here. What about you girls?” Rael excitedly look at Everleigh and I and I could not help but to smile as soon as I saw him getting excited. I nod my head in agreement knowing that my schedules this semester is not that hectic like the previous one. Rael then look at Leigh this time, hoping.

“You?”

Everleigh seriously tilt her head as she look at Rael and later point his fork towards him. “Your treat?”

***

Now that it is almost three in the afternoon already, I walk alone towards the faculty area and notice how the place is always silent. I am biting my lower lip as I continue walking towards Mister Dawson’s office while holding the strap of my tote bag. I stand close to the door, facing the nameplate before childishly make a face.

Gosh, I look like a kid right no—

“Damian, you know I am not going to love longer why do you keep on fooling yourself?!”

I jump out of surprised upon hearing that. I look around to find where that voice was coming from I just tilt my head knowing that the man mentioned Mister Dawson’s name. So it muts be inside his office? And who was that man screaming?

My curiosity digs deeper so I slowly walk closer to the door and pressed my ears on it, making sure that I can hear the conversation. I know, I know! This is rude but something pushes me to listen and ignore what will happen next if someone will find out about me—being nosy.

“Dad, I can’t give what you wish. You also know that I am not interested about having i—“

“Please, my son…”

My heart races when I heard the man say that. Son? So this must be Mister Dawson and his father? I am about to move away, giving them the privacy they deserve but what his Father said next made me stop.

“I wanted to leave this world with a smiling face—seeing you being finally happy with someone I can entrust you with. I would be so happier seeing you getting married and have a child before I leave this place.” The man’s voice cracked. “I love this world, you know that. But I won’t live long, son. I wanted to see you happy and if that happens, I will be leaving this world without regrets. I don’t want you to be alone..”

 My feet found its way to walk away from that place. My heart is beating so fast, can’t understand what I am feeling right now. Hearing that hopeless yet smiling voice from that man makes me want to cry myself. I can see how he love Mister Dawson. I can feel the sincerity he has for his son but what is wrong with that Professor?! He’s old enough to marry and have a child why can’t he give the old man a favour?

While sitting back on one of the benches, I wipe the tears falling.

“Gosh, everything is making me emotional.” I whispered to myself.

I sniff while wiping my nose but two people caught my attention in front.

Standing from the other side of the field is Elric again, running for Mhaureen who seems happy being chase by him. I can see how both of them are happy together—and they both look so pure on that laughter. I watch them still until Elric caught her. He tug her arm before pulling her close to him and kiss Mhaureen in front of the crowd—in front of me.

My tears began to double when I can feel how my heart still broke to pieces, seeing the man I loved loving someone else. The crowd, including his football teammates, cheered for them and that added a batch of pain inside my chest.

To protect myself from these pain, I stand up and decided to walk back on where the faculty building is. Lie earlier, I am walking alone on the hallway, lifeless. My shoulders are down, facing the ground and the promised I told myself has now been broken because of what I saw. I stop mid-way, wiping the tears on my cheeks.

Right. I promised myself not to cry anymore over that guy. I deserve better and Dionne is not like this before. I have to pick myself and show them I am not crying over them—that they are the reason why I am almost giving in.

No. They don’t deserve my attention, my love and my tears.

Sniffing one more time, I took a deep breath and making sure that my tears are not visible on my face anymore. I take a step forward until I reach Mister Dawson’s office, knock thrice before turning the knob for me to get in.

I hope his Father is not here anymore. I thought to myself.

True to what I expected, he is alone already. Mister Dawson raise his head and saw me walking confidently towards his table. He raise his right brow as he put down his pen on top of the table, watching me curiously.

Finally, I stand a meter away from him across where he is sitting. I did not cut my gaze to him and with full conviction and pressed lips, I muttered:

“I am willing to be your woman.”