26: Just to prove something

Days go by and try as I might, I'm disturbed by Eric's silence. But even more disturbed by Mariam's presence. She's always with him: in the hall during classes, at the canteen, on the traders' ground. They're everywhere; however, her presence sort of makes it easier to also ignore Eric.

She's the girlfriend, not me. I'm that pathetic friend who will always be on the sidelines; the sooner I get this into my head, the better for me.

“What are you thinking of?” Caleb asks when he sees me staring ahead with my temple rested on my palm.

“Nothing really.” I sigh and sit straight. “Just wondering how I'll pass our tests.”

Since Eric is never around, my new company became Caleb. Aside from when he has other things to attend to, friends to talk to, he's basically wherever I am. I know it's wrong, but his company doesn't make me feel thr