Why Me?

Chapter Twenty-two

The Wrath of Sue

I felt like I was waiting for a bomb to go off. Delilah hadn't spoken to me in days, or even looked at me. Whenever I saw her around campus, she would awkwardly look the other way and rush off again.

I didn't know what could have happened. She seemed so set in her opinions of Wyatt and what he was, so I wasn't sure why the true story about his past relationship affected her in this way.

But her lack of presence was relaxing at the same time. I had so much more freedom, and silence, in which I could do what I actually wanted to again. That included talking to Wyatt on the phone.

It was too risky to meet in person on campus, but as long as we were still talking I was happy. It was that wonderful turn of events that occupied my mind as I walked through the sunny paths of the university.

We were finally into full on Spring, and the air was getting progressively warmer and the sun brighter. I was wearing my skirts again, the yellow knee length one I was wearing right now flowing like it was alive itself as I moved. I wondered about the future with excitement.

Maybe Wyatt and I would have a chance now that Delilah so suddenly and inexplicably backed off, but I had to be cautious too. She's stricken with force before, so who's to say she wouldn't again.

"Noelle?" a familiar voice called out. I felt my insides freeze up as I slowed to a stop, my head turning to look at Sue. Wyatt's mother. I thought she was back in China. They left two months or so ago, didn't they?

She ventured closer to me, her brow furrowed slightly. "I thought that you and Wyatt broke up. He told me over the phone. He was so distraught. Have you guys made up?"

I didn't really have much time to answer. Her eyes slid to the books in my arms, the bag on my shoulder.

Her brow wrinkled, confusion clouding her face for a moment before she put it together. Shock flashed over her features before anger grew, red and hot. She looked at me with fury.

"You are his student, aren't you?" she asked through her teeth. My eyes bugging out of my head, I stepped towards her in desperation.

"I'm not anymore. Listen, Sue, it's not-"o! You shush! I'm glad you told me the truth right now, but both you and my son lied to my face. You didn't even think of telling me all those months you knew me, when you ate dinners with me or sat with me in his living room? You didn't even think to tell me? You could get my son in so much trouble!" she yelled at me. I gulped, my heart racing and sweat on my brow.

"Sue, I didn't mean for any of this to ha-"

"No. I don't want to hear anymore of your lies. You are just like that Rita girl. I heard about that rumour that was circulating about my son, and I came back to be here for him because I saw how torn apart and embarrassed he was when she did what she did. I had no idea those rumours were about you. I should have known... those big soft eyes of yours and the sweet smiles. No girl your age dates a man more than a few years older than her without a motive. You disgust me," she bit before turning and marching in the direction of Wyatt's classroom.

I was frozen in shock, staring after her. I couldn't let this blow up. I had to do something. I started after her, but someone stopped me by grabbing my arm. I turned around to come face to face with Delilah, her own eyes wide and her face broken down. She looked like she was going to cry. That put me into an even more catatonic state of shock. 

"I... I need to talk to you, Noelle. I need to explain-"

"Delilah. I would be happy to listen, but I need to do something," I said, glancing desperately after Sue. She wasn't anywhere in sight. My stomach stirred sickly. She gripped my wrist harder, shaking her head. 

"This can't wait, Noelle. Please," she begged. Sighing, I turned back to her and nodded. We walked to a bench, sitting down together.