Blame The Player

C H A P T E R | 07

I perk up, defensive.

" No, there is no boy involved--"

" Don't lie to me, Latina. I know you better than you know yourself. "

I scoff at that. No one knows me better than myself.

" Come on, " she moans and scoots herself against me, pleading me with her big eyes. 

Contemplating if I should or shouldn't, she continues to beg. See, I would have spilled my guts for her if I didn't know she'd be angry. She was the first one to warn me about Blake, so I just know she'll be the most upset if I were to confess these strange emotions suffocating every thought. 

I sigh and break eye contact. 

She's my best friend. Even if I'm afraid to tell her, she deserves to know.

" Promise me you won't be mad. "

Her face drops as she leans back, face blank and eyes serious.

" Why would I get mad? " she asked slowly.

I purse my lips and nibble on the dead skin.

" Just, promise, " I beg.

She crosses her arms.

" How could I promise if I don't know the context of it first? "

The times she could have been smart, it had to be now. My eyes dart all over, my mind running for ways to tell her while my heart anxiously beats inside my chest.

" It's Blake. " I confess timidly, unsure.

Her eyes widen and she gapes, stunned. And then there was the anger I was hoping to dodge. It darkens her eyes and face, sterning it with its intensity.

" You're not serious! " she hisses, glaring.

" I know, I'm sorry. "

She looks everywhere but at me. I wince. She's angry.

" You've only been here like for two weeks, Catalina, " she snaps, " Since when did you feel like this? "

" I caught on with a crush when I first saw him. "

She gapes, hurt in her eyes. My heart chips.

" You have had a crush on him and didn't tell me? "

My guilt crushes me.

" I'm sorry. I wasn't sure, so I had to clear my head before confessing such a thing to you. And to be honest, I'm still not sure. It's complicated. These emotions. Everyone warns me and life is disagreeing with me, but I can't help but want to like him. "

" He's an absolute dick, Catalina! What else do you expect people to do? Dazzle you with flowers and rainbows, and confess he's the coolest guy around campus? No! He's a player, Catalina. Listen to me, he'll hurt you. Don't let him indulge in anything with you. Even if it's a mere touch. Do. Not. "

Oh boy.

She stares at me long and hard.

" You didn't, " she curts.

" I'm not sure what you're thinking we did, but to clear the air he only tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "

She looks defeated.

" He targeted you, " she whispers.

I frown, a little troubled by her words. The way she says it sounds so terrible and frightening.

" What do you mean? "

She runs her hand through her hair and stares into a daze with panic.

" It's his signature move. The girls who were friends with me always fell for his charms and false words. And guess what, Catalina? It always started with a tuck of hair behind their ear. "

My world shatters, fear and hurt crushing my little heart.

" He's playing me? "

" Yes! But he never does this if there isn't a sign of interest from the girl... Catalina, what did you do? "

I swallow, shaking and cold sweat running down my spine.

" I kind of watched him kiss a girl at a party... "

She's concerned and no longer angry. Cupping my hands, she pleads.

" Please, Catalina, from now on don't allow him to touch you or even indulge in his silly flirty convos. Understand? "

I want to listen, my head is aching to obey but my heart is simply stubborn. But even with my heart's opinion screaming, I nod. This is the biggest sign yet for me not to do anything with him or to delve into these feelings he breathed to life.

" I understand. "

She nods, relieved, and lets my hands go.

" Good. I was really worried there for a second. "

Her laugh is a little broken and tight. I only responded with a pursed smile.

Well, I've disappeared for a few days. Sorry. Christmas and the Christmas After Effects got a hand on me.

Buuut, I apologize by giving you guys a longer chapter <3 

How do you feel about it?