9

LUCIA

My heart sped up in my chest as a loud gasp escaped my lips. Why in the world did Jeremy have to show up now of all times when I was in the restaurant?

I lowered my head instantly, covering half of my face with my hair and hoping that he had not spotted me yet.

My eyes followed Jeremy and his friends, and I watched as they made their way to a table amidst laughter and chatter. I recognized two of his friends as students of my class, and it made my heart sink even lower.

I couldn’t be seen here. I didn’t want any unnecessary interactions. I ate the rest of my food in a hurry, paid for the meal, and quickly slipped out of the restaurant.

I thought I was in the clear, but to my utmost dismay, it had already begun raining outside, and unfortunately, I didn’t come with an umbrella.

“Oh shit!” I exclaimed, standing outside the restaurant and unable to step into the rain or go back into the restaurant because of Jeremy. I was stuck.

I let out a loud sigh, running my fingers through my hair as sheer agitation shot through my insides. What the hell was I supposed to do now?

I let out another sigh. I was left with no choice. I would have to go home in the rain. It seemed like the lesser of two devils at that point.

I braced myself, preparing to enter the rain when I suddenly heard movement behind me.

“Lucia.” I heard a familiar voice call, and at that moment, I knew I was done for. It was Jeremy. I could recognize his voice anywhere.

I let out another sigh, probably my hundredth that day as I slowly turned around to look at him, a huge frown settling on my face.

I was glad that he was alone. His friends were inside the building.

“What do you want, Jeremy?” I growled, making my voice as icy as I could.

His expression instantly turned downcast, and even though it tugged at my heart, I wasn’t going to back down now.

“Uhm–It’s raining.” He pointed out, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, and I couldn’t help but find the action cute and adorable, but of course, I couldn’t let it show.

“I can see that.” I answered curtly, looking towards which only got heavier by the second before my eyes darted back at him.

“You clearly don’t have an umbrella. Why don’t you come with me? I can take you home. My car is packed right over there.” He said, pointing at a black, sleek car parked at one of the parking spaces.

I almost whistled at the sight of the car. I couldn’t even imagine how much the car would cost. Jeremy would have to be extremely loaded to be able to afford a car like that.

“What is a college student doing, driving a car like this?” I blurted out without thinking before realizing that I probably had no business asking him that, but unfortunately, it was too late to take it back when he already heard me.

Thankfully, he did not take any offence and chuckled instead. “I have a very rich dad.”

“I understand,” I answered with a curt nod. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m good.” I attempted to go into the rain, and I wasn’t surprised when his hand wrapped around my arm, stopping me in my tracks.

He had done it so many times that at this point, it had become a daily routine. I had no choice but to turn with him with raised brows.

“Come on, Lucia. I just want to give you a ride. That’s all. I can’t just watch you enter the rain without an umbrella.”

“I said I’m good, Jeremy. Let go of me.” I said through gritted teeth, trying to pry his hand off me, but he didn’t budge.

His eyes turned pleading as intense sadness swirled in its depths, which made my heart tug. “You’re hurting me, Lucia. Please stop pushing me away.”

“You’re not making this easy. Just let go and stop pining after me. God! When will you stop acting like a child? Grow up. Get over this unreasonable crush you have on me!” I yelled, my voice filled with frustration as I tried to snatch my arm away, but the stubborn jerk still held on.

“Why are you making this seem like it's one-sided? I know you and I know that it's not! You feel something for me, and it terrifies you, so you decided to create this facade that you hate me and you keep trying to push me away. When will you stop letting your fears control you? When will you stop being a coward?!” He yelled, his eyes flashing with pure, unadulterated rage.

A loud gasp escaped my lips as my eyes went wide with disbelief. I raised my hand, landing a resounding slap on his face.

He blinked, and I almost regretted doing it as I saw the look of disbelief flash across his features.

“I’m not a coward.” I spat through gritted teeth, and the last thing I saw was his pained expression as I yanked my arm free and stormed away in the rain.

“Fine! You want me to leave you alone?! Then so be it!” I heard him yell behind me.

“Good!” I yelled back without turning to look at him as I felt the rain beat down on my entire body.

My eyes filled with tears as I kept running, and by the time I got back to my apartment, my clothes had gotten so wet that water dripped on the floor.

I instantly took them off and dried my body and hair before changing into some warmer clothes.

I wasted no time settling in bed, and once I did, different thoughts invaded my mind, and they were all thoughts of Jeremy.

I let out a loud sigh, still upset about the argument which we had earlier. How dare Jeremy call me a coward? Who the hell did he think he was?

I rolled around my bed, feeling my chest tighten with annoyance and hurt. Who was he to call me a coward? How was I a coward for trying to protect my career and my future?

It was great that he decided to finally leave me alone. That was what we both needed. I tried to tell myself that, but the more I tried to convince myself, the more I could really feel my heart sink.

Would he really leave me alone? Was he going to stay away from me for real? Most importantly, would my heart be able to handle it?

I let out a sigh, slowly shaking my head. It was what I wanted. I had no choice. Staying away from each other was best for both of us.

I was enveloped with sadness as I kept tossing and turning, and finally, after a few hours, I drifted off to sleep.

The weekend went in a blur, and soon, it was monday morning again. My heart thumped loudly in my chest as I got dressed for work.

I was scheduled to teach Jeremy’s class that morning, and I had no idea how to face him after the argument we had.

I slowly got dressed in a pristine white shirt and wide dark blue pants, my heart feeling tight in my chest.

I put on some gold jewelry, tied my hair into a low bun, did some minimal make up and put on my signature red lipstick before putting on a pair of black shoes and spraying a bit of perfume all over my body.

When I was done dressing, I made my way out of my apartment and wasted no time calling a cab, which took me straight to the university.

I headed to my first class, and the students were already seated, Jeremy included. He looked as handsome as ever, and I was momentarily left speechless.

I managed to collect myself as I dropped my bag and began the class. I snuck, glanced at him, and noticed that he did not stare at me like he usually did in the past, and whenever our expressions met, his was always blank.

His expression was no longer filled with longing and wanted that was usually clear on his face. It took me aback for a moment, but I managed to take it in stride as I finished the class.

Usually, he would have asked a question or made a silly comment by now to get in trouble which would in turn get us some alone time together, but this time, he was completely silent and I wouldn’t lie, it was a bit unnerving.

It was clear that he was upset. I managed to push my worries to the back of my mind. This was for the best. It was great that things were going this way.

“Class dismissed.” I finally said. As I tucked my laptop in my bag, I couldn’t help but glance at Jeremy, who left with his friends without looking back.