Rose: ...then he said he wants me 'n he's gonna have me 'n he doesn't want me to make him wait too long!
Aela: Really?! OMG! *shivers*
Rose: Yes! OMG! I'm freaking out. FREAKING. OUT!
Aela: In a good way or a bad way?
Rose: That's the thing. I don't know. I don't know anything about this guy. He could be psycho for all I know.
Aela: I mean, he could be. But...I doubt it.
Rose: How can u be so sure?
Aela: I'm not. It's just a hunch.
Rose: Wait til my bestie hears all about this. She's not home right now.
Aela: What do you think she'll say?
Rose: Kiki will probably tell me to go for it. She only likes him 'cuz he buys her art.
Aela: Lol. Yeah, but she's probably a good judge of character?
Rose: She is.
Aela: Then I'd just go along with whatever she tells you if you want to. I mean, do you like this guy?
Rose: I'm starting to. He stuck up for me at the restaurant and showed me a really nice time. He's different.
Aela: And you're attracted to him, so there's a plus.
Rose: OMG. I'm like PMSing so hard rn. I just wanted to jump on him tonight. I don't know what's wrong with me lately.
Aela: Lol. Don't beat yourself up for being horny. You're only human.
Rose: My mother would be so disappointed to hear I had such thoughts.
Aela: Strict parents?
Rose: Very. It's hard sometimes u know? I wanna be able to have girl talk with my mom, but she would never go for that.
Aela: I'm in the same boat. My parents haven't really been in my life like I've needed them to.
Rose: Aww. That sucks. People need to take parenting class or something.
Aela: For real.
Rose: Hey, thanks for listening to me go on and on. I know this is an anime app, but you've been a really good friend to me.
Aela: Of course. It's nice to have anonymity in talking with someone.
Rose: Well, not really. U know what I look like. U gotta send me a pic now.
A few minutes tick by. She's doing the disappearing thing again. Maybe she's away from her keyboard or something. Dang it. We were having so much fun chatting. I'll give it some more time.
Rose: Aela?
Aela: Sorry. I was afk. Um...yeah, I know. It's just...I'm really ugly. You aren't missing anything. Lol.
Rose: Nonsense. Also, how cool would it be to meet someday?
Aela: Yeah.
Rose: Anyway, I should go. I have school tomorrow. Boo!
Aela: Keep me updated about Shy!
Rose: I told u his name already? I don't remember doing that?
Aela: Yes, you did silly. How else would I know it? You're too funny.
Rose: Oh yeah. Duh. Lol! Good night!
Aela: Night.
That is so weird. I really don't remember telling Aela Shy's name. But maybe I did. Oh well. I'm losing my mind. That's okay. It's Shy's fault. He turned my brain into mush tonight. I wish Kiki were home. I need to go over everything that's happened. Except my goodnight kiss. Thinking about it makes my stomach flip.
The car ride home had been made in silence. I've never felt more uncomfortable until we reached the door. He tucked my hair behind my ears, took my face in his hands and pressed the softest, sweetest kiss to my lips, only lingering for the briefest of moments, before he dropped his hands and walked away leaving me standing there watching after him.
Never has my heart beat so fast. It took everything in me not to stop him from leaving. If I had done that, I would have lost my v card tonight. I know that for a fact. He wants me. He said so. How do I feel about that? I'm not sure. I'm not sure because I want him just as much. I think it's safe to say I want him more than he wants me. This is going to be a restless night.
-#-
I was happy when the sun shone through my window. A new day. A fresh start. The day is always brighter when the sun shines and problems don't feel so big. At least that's what I tell myself.
Kiki never came home last night, so it's a safe bet she stayed over at Alex's place. Hopefully, I see her in class this morning. If not, I'm going to be seriously ticked off at that girl for lecturing me about texting her.
What to wear? Sometimes, I wish we just had uniforms to eliminate the headache of fashion. It's a little chilly outside today despite the sun, so a pair of black leggings and a long pink thermal sweater it is. And, away I go.
Fridays on campus are always a restless atmosphere. It's probably the anticipation of the night and weekend. I'm happy to stay in, thank you very much. I really need to get caught up on Dr. Stone, and recently, I checked out an older anime called Prison School which is really inappropriate but so hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing at the first few episodes. I kinda want to see how it plays out. There's only twelve episodes. I also have some Webtoons to catch up on. There's a new episode of Midnight Poppy Land I've been looking forward to. Yeah, my night is definitely full. I'm sure Kiki will be out, so I'll order some Domino's and binge watch and read. Ooh. Maybe I'll stop at Walmart for some soda and candy for midnight snacks.
This will be great. I can relax drama free. No nonsense with Shy to deal with, no Kiki to try and get me to come out of my shell and no other random people to contend with. Just me, myself and I. This plan is...final! I'm actually excited to have a date with myself. Yay!
"Luna! Luuuunnnnaaaa!"
Great. I know that voice. It's Angel. What does he want? Maybe if I ignore him, he'll think I can't hear him and give up. Increasing my speed, I can see the social sciences building up ahead. I just need to make it to the door and then I'm in. Don't run, don't run, don't run. So far I've managed to fool other people into thinking I'm older than a first year. If I break out into a run, the illusion will be shattered. I'll fast walk instead. I am being pursued after all.
"Luna!"
Carter sounds like a cow mooing, but he's not mooing. He's yelling my name across campus like a lunatic. I glance around to see if people are looking at me. Chances are no one knows me. So if I act like I'm not the person being pursued, I'll make a clean get away.
A little glance over my shoulder and...eeek! Okay. He's running. Holy crumb cakes, he's fast. He's gaining on me. Time to amp up my speed. Come on legs, don't fail me now. I should be faster than Carter. I'm way lighter and my legs are super skinny. I should be flying like the wind. How is this kid gaining on me? Son of a beehive.
"Luna!"
Carter's big hand lands heavily on my shoulder trapping my hair, causing me to wince.
"Tag. You're it," Carter laughs out of breath.
"Ha ha. You caught me."
"You're pretty fast for being so small. You should try out for track."
"I'm not into playing sports. I only like to watch. So what's up?"
"Shy's in your first class, right?"
"Yeah."
"Can you tell him to pick me up for the party tonight?"
"No."
"No? Why not?" his face falls.
"Um...he's not my boyfriend, and I'm no messenger. Why can't you text him?"
"I lost my phone," he whines.
"Too bad so sad, angel boy. I gotta go."
Just as I turn to leave I notice a gorgeous brunette lingering behind Carter. Is that his girlfriend? Why can't he use her phone? Actually, if that's his girlfriend I'll be shocked. It's not that Carter isn't good looking enough, because he is. It's just that this girl is like drop-dead gorgeous with a curvy body, big boobs, perfect hair and face. Pretty much perfect everything, and looks a bit on the serious side. Carter is far from serious. They look mismatched. I suppose opposites attract. Who am I to judge?
"I can tell him for you, Carter. Who are you?" she braces her hands on her hips, eyes narrowed.
Yup. She's talking to me. From the look of her expression, she's not exactly friendly. At least she isn't too friendly in my direction. Actually, she looks kinda mean.
"My name is Luna. Nice to meet you. Are you Carter's girlfriend?"
Carter starts to laugh and the girl just sneers.
"Hell no. I'm not this doofus' girl. My name is Cassie. I'm Shy's girlfriend. So who the fuck are you?"
What the H. E. Double Hockey Sticks?! Shy has a girlfriend?! Why hasn't he told me this?! And why did he kiss me twice?! I feel sick.
"Ex-girlfriend, Cassie. He told you not to forget to say the ex part. Yet, here we are with you forgetting again. Silly girl." Carter shakes his head.
Ah. Ex-girlfriend. Thank God. I really didn't want to be a part of any scandal.
"Shut up, Carter. I'm going to get him back. Sooner or later. He can never stay away from me for too long. You'll see."
"Yeah, keep wishin'. In the meantime, I don't mind sloppy seconds. You are pretty hot, and I don't think Shy would mind. So whattaya say?"
"Fuck you. And, you, stay away from him or else."
Whoa. This girl has issues. And who does she think she is ordering me around? I might be small and quiet, and I might not swear, but it doesn't mean I'm going to be a doormat. No way.
"You're not the boss of me, Ms. Cassie. I suggest you stick to your own business and stay out of mine."
Cassie eyes me for a brief second before stomping off into the sunset. Actually, sunrise since it's morning. Still. I'm glad she's gone. Kind of. I can still see her. That's it. Keep stepping, lady. Jeeze.
"You're pretty brave talking to Cassie like that. She's a major bitch who can make your life hell."
"I have no intention of letting anyone bully me, Carter. No matter what. If she wants to try to make my life hell, that's her business. Besides, she doesn't even have anything to worry about. I'm not after her boyfriend."
"Ex-boyfriend."
"Whatever. Listen, I gotta go. Find a way to get your own message to Shy. I'm not a pigeon."
"Sorry 'bout that. Are you gonna come tonight?"
"Nope. I have a hot date."
"A hot date?" Carter whines disappointed.
"Yup. See ya 'round, angel boy."
When I get to class I'm surprised to see Shy isn't in attendance; however, I'm not surprised to see Kiki and Alex missing. Alex isn't even in this class for one, and I know Kiki spent the night with him. So I'm on my own. Actually, this is kind of nice. I can work on my project in peace. No one is pulling my chair or whispering in my ear. This is great. Maybe I can ask Mrs. Minty if I can go to the library. That way, I can really catch up to where I need to be. Yeah. This day keeps getting better and better.
"Mrs. Minty, I'm going to head over to the library to work."
"Okay, dear. Oh, sweetie, where's your boyfriend?"
I pull my neck back with a frown. Why is everyone assuming me and Shy are together?
"Shy isn't my boyfriend, Mrs. Minty. I don't know where he is."
"Ah, sorry. I assumed. He seems very fond of you."
"He's a lot of things. See you Monday."
I need to get out of this classroom before all the eyes looking at me burn me into a puddle of melted goo. Jeeze. What is wrong with Mrs. Minty putting me on the spot like that? How embarrassing! I'm going to have to have a private word with her. I'll wait til after I turn in the project. I wouldn't want her to down grade me for telling her off.
Thankfully, the library isn't too far from the social sciences building. I make it there in record time and find a nice table to work at. Looking around, I'm lucky to have spotted the chair. This place is packed! What gives? Oh well. It's fine. I have my area claimed, so no big deal. Having a table is great. Now I can spread my notes out and get to work for the next hour.
"Excuse me. Would you mind if I share your table?"
Son of a biscuits. Who dares to ask me such a thing? I don't want to...holy crap. This guy is a demon rating. Not a Satan or a devil, but still. Demons are hot. His hair is a short, curly light brown with soft brown eyes to match. They almost look amber. And, bonus, he's tall. I love tall dudes. He smiles at me, waiting on my answer. Of course, he needs an answer. Duh. Silly me.
"Sure," I whisper. I always whisper when I'm nervous and this demon is definitely making me nervous. Wait, since when am I nervous around a demon? Have I mis-rated him? Is he actually a devil?
He slings his backpack off, setting it onto the table and sits down. This is my chance to reassess as he digs his materials out of his bag. Hmm. Where is his flaw that keeps him in demon territory and not devil territory? That's when I spot it. My gut reaction wasn't wrong. My eyes needed time to catch up with my gut. I see this now. He is definitely no devil. He must remain a demon for the simple fact that his muscles...are not that great.
The boy is wearing a black Disturbed concert t-shirt, and his arms definitely do not fill up the arm holes. Bummer. On the plus side, however, is that he has some great taste in music. I love Disturbed. This reminds me, I'm mad at Kiki. She went to a Disturbed concert without me last summer and keeps sharing footage she recorded of the first thirty seconds of each song. She's the worst!
Pulling myself away from assessing the boy, I direct my attention back to my studies. I have got to ace this or else Shy is going to kick my butt. So much pressure! I hate working in groups.
"You in Mrs. Minty's class?"
I blink up at the demon, "Yeah. Are you?"
"Nah. I took it my first year. I only guessed right because you have Tudor notes spread out all over," he chuckles.
"Ugh. Yeah. She has us in groups, and my partner finished all his work. So now I'm playing catch up."
"That's a shitty thing to do to you. Let me guess, you're working with an older student?"
"Yup," I answer popping the p. "What year are you?"
"Senior. I'm a history major. If you need any help, let me know."
"Is that a serious offer?"
Demon leans back in his chair with a pen in his mouth. The tables have clearly turned on me. He's checking me out. Great. I've forgotten what I'm wearing and want to look down so bad, but alas! All I have to do is look at my arms because I am wearing...a long-sleeved, pink thermal sweater. I immediately want to groan. Why did I wear this thing? It's clingy and, while I'm a very small person, my boobs didn't get the memo to grow in symmetry with my body. This sweater only pronounces said flaw. Pursing my lips, I wait for his eyes to drag away from my ample chest. That's right, big boy, eyes up here.
He rubs the back of his neck embarrassed for having been caught staring and lightly blushes. Jeeze. Guys are all the same. Whatever. I'm used to it.
"It's a serious offer. I'm Eric," he reaches over to shake my hand.
"Luna."
"Luna? That's a different name. It's really pretty."
"Thank you."
Surprisingly, the remainder of the hour goes great! Eric is a huge help and really sets me on track. Unlike Shy who hasn't even offered to help. What a jerk!
Eric offers to meet with me again on Monday to look over my outline, and I'm definitely going to take him up on the offer.
I just know...my A is in the bag!