003

Coleen

I slammed the door to the apartment as soon as I arrived. Heavy breaths left me. It felt like I had just run a marathon.

But nothing, absolutely nothing could get rid of the image in my head.

How on earth did Hayden Michaels in the same college.

That wasn't hard to find an answer to. This was a private prestigious college his family could afford after all. In some twisted coincidence, he had also chosen the same college.

This was my Dream college, my hope out of those memories and he was here with them.

“I can see you had some fun,” I flinched as a voice came out of nowhere.

Looking up, I tensed as I found Mark staring at me from his doorway, a knowing smirk on his face.

“How was the party?” I asked

“It wasn't anything.” I said, trying to keep my expression from giving anything away.

“Sure, I believe you. Coleen, all grown up,” he teased,

To my relief, he didn't push the matter further, moving towards our living room as he rambled about his day in college. As he told me how he met up with a girl in his classes he was interested in I couldn't help but smile, genuinely happy for him.

I was going to forget about that night. Whatever Hayden was doing in the same damn college wasn't my business. I was never going to cross paths with him ever again. Not if I could help it.

…

After recovering from the leftover hangover, I went to college for my current classes, set on moving forward with the day. In the midst of the classes and the familiar feeling of work, everything else faded from my mind.

I was fine. Great, even.

By the end of my final class for the day I stepped out only to be called by the Lecturer to see him. Anxiety filled me as soon as I was alone with him.

Why was he calling me? Had something happened?

“I'm sorry for the inconvenience Miss Miane. This should have been addressed earlier, but because you received a scholarship in this college due to your high grades, you have the offer if joining in an after school study group alongside other full scholarship students. Not everyone is present but they are actually having a meeting now if you'd like to join in.” Mr Morrison said.

In an instant, the anxiety was replaced with pure excitement.

“Thank you for this opportunity sir ,” I smiled, heart racing as he nodded.

It took everything in me to not jump as he led me towards the ‘Scholarship study group’. Less than a minute after learning of it I was already excited to meet them and make new friends.

I stepped inside and my smile froze in place, a chill filling me.

A group of people were sitting in a group and among them…

Hayden sat on one of the tables, eyes trailing towards me.

“Ah, I suppose you've met Hayden Michaels, he was in the same highschool as you, I believe?” Mr Morrison smiled, seemingly noticing my stare.

“He's also here on a full sports scholarship if I'm correct. He's also in several of your classes. Since you two are familiar I'm sure you'll get along,” he patted my shoulder before leaving me.

How wrong he was.

My heart sank into pure dread as I met the faces of the other people waiting for me. Their stares bored into me, expecting me to move but I couldn't, frozen in place.

This had to be some sort of mistake.

The Michaels family owned one of the biggest companies in the whole damn city. Everyone knew his name. How could he of all people need a scholarship?

There were others, more deserving people who needed it. Not him.

Bitterness filled my insides. No matter how unfair it felt , I couldn't find the words. It didn't change the fact that I was face to face with him once again.

The one who I hated most, who for some twisted reasons I had slept with last night.

Did he recognize it was me? Had he done it on purpose? Was he mocking me?

Panic filled me, and I felt my belly roil when I met his gaze. His sea green eyes seemed to taunt me from here.

And slowly, s smirk grew on his lips m

I recognized that smirk. The same look he had given me after that day of our graduation. It brought me back to the humiliating prank after graduation.

Bile filled my throat. I couldn't stay here anymore.

I spun around, rushing out the door and ignoring Mr Morrisson’s calls.

Blinking back tears, I ran out of the hallway and entered the nearest bathroom. Thankfully I realized it was empty just as the first sob crawled up my throat.

“You can't cry now Coleen. You're stronger than this” I told myself, forcing the choked tears down.

The entire day had been a rollercoaster of emotions by itself. First the one night stand and now this? What kind of sick joke was this?

He was the last person

“You're overthinking it,” I shook my head frantically.

This was just a mistake. One that could easily be resolved. Thinking back to that signature smile of his anger welled up inside me. How could I let him singlehandedly intimidate me with only a single gesture?

I was stronger than before, but I knew how to pick my battles, and he wasn't worth it.

The place was big enough for both of us, and I would make sure that I never saw him. Ever.