Even when I slept, I couldn't escape him.
He plagued my dreams like a virus, and the irony of that in our current situation was almost funny. I'd avoided the new filovirus but been infected with a strain of Maddoxitis.
Ugh, I'm such a dork.
I covered my eyes with my forearm trying to steel my resolve to go out of my room for a coffee and food run. My stomach was protesting yesterday's not even remotely nutritious meal of four sandwiches. The problem was that I just felt tired. Even though I'd slept for 9 hours, it was like I didn't get any rest at all. Or maybe it was the thought of having to avoid him again that instantly drained me of any energy I'd accumulated.
You don't have to avoid him...
Oh, but I did. There was no other option for me. Knowing him before quarantine, I just couldn't see him being happy with one person in the long run. I'd grown to trust him as a person, even as a friend, but trusting him with my heart? That was a whole other thing entirely.
Just a little longer and then things will go back to normal....
As soon as I thought that, I felt a strong wave of nausea pass through me. What did normal even mean? Was normal him bringing girls home every night, and me having to studying while listening to the soundtrack of him having sex? The mere thought of that made my chest clench and filled me with an unusual anger that burned through my veins like fire.
No, that wasn't anger. It was the emotion I felt when I was younger and saw everyone playing with their best friends, talking about first boyfriends, having sleepovers.
It was jealousy, envy. Only now it was a hundred times worse.
Yeah, there was no way I could still live here after the quarantine. But, at the same time the thought of leaving and never seeing him again filled me with equally strong sadness.
I let out a bitter chuckle, reminded of a popular saying.
Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
********
As soon as I heard the shower turn on, I scurried out of my room like a frightened mouse. I knew I should have at least ten to fifteen minutes before he was done so I had to be fast.
Only I forgot about the fact that if I was a mouse, then Maddox was surely a cat, and cats were smart. Very smart.
When I'd reached the kitchen, the shower abruptly turned off and I instantly went into a panic.
How would he have showered in 30 seconds? Okay, whatever, at least he'd need to get dressed—
Within four seconds, Maddox was out of the bathroom, fully clothed and dry. That's when I realized I'd been tricked.
Did he know I was avoiding him? No, there was no way he would know that. As far as he knows I was just busy studying, right?
I poured myself a cup of coffee and, considering my plans of making some actual food were now ruined, resolved myself to another sandwich day. My hands shook as I spread butter onto the bread, extremely aware that his eyes were intently focused on me.
"Hey," he said, and a shiver ran through me at the sound of his voice. Ah, I missed him. "What are you doing?"
Despite how amused and upbeat his voice usually sounded, now it was cold, strict, resolute.
"Making a sandwich." I stated without looking at him, afraid of what his face would look considering how he sounded.
"That's not what I'm asking," he said, slowly.
I cleared my throat, trying to keep my emotions from showing in my voice, "I'm studying. We'll have exams as soon as this lockdown is over and I've been slacking."
Believable, right? Only Maddox didn't seem to think so because he let out a frustrated sigh.
"H-How's your grandma doing?" I asked, wanting to change the subject but also because I genuinely wanted to know. The only problem with avoiding him was that I couldn't talk to him, so I figured I could at least make the best of this moment.
His voice was gentler when he replied, "Her fever is dropping so they think she should be in the clear soon. They said she's a fighter, not a lot of people her age are pulling through..."
There was a tinge of guilt in his words; he was no doubt feeling regretful for taking the virus so casually at the start but at the same time, most people had been like that.
"I'm really glad, Maddox. I'm sure she'll be back to her old self in no time." It was how I truly felt. The relief in me was just additional proof of how much everything surrounding Maddox now affected my emotions. I really cared about this boy.
"Aimee...." Maddox said, gently, and from the corner of my eyes I could see him moving closer toward me.
Sucking in a breath, I felt my legs buckle at how soft my name sounded when it left his lips. The word danger flashed through my mind instantly; I needed to get out of there now. Deciding to just abandon my sandwich — I'd find a different moment to sneak back and get it — I clutched my coffee cup and looked down at the floor.
"A-Anyway, I have to get back to studying."
Just as I'd started walking back to my room, he moved to stand in front of me, blocking my path. His brows were furrowed in a deep frown and he clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"You're avoiding me." Maddox said, his voice tinged with distaste.
Busted.
"Why would I be avoiding you?" My voice sounded anything but innocent. I was horrible at this.
"Because you like me." He stated with certainty, eyes boring into me.
My head snapped up to look at him when he said that, only partially shocked. His eyes bore into me with such intensity, I quickly looked away.
I swallowed hard, not willing to admit he was right, "That's a very bold claim."
Was I really becoming that obvious? Or had he just gotten to know me that well?
"You do." He said slowly for emphasis, before moving closer to me. He stopped, inches away from me and gently took the cup I was holding, placing it on the counter. Then he took both of my hands in his.
I frowned, unsure of what he was doing, until he put one of my hands on his chest and the other one on my own.
An erratic and unnatural heartbeat thrummed under my palm. Under both of my palms. Excited. Anxious. Anything but steady. Two heartbeats, out of sync but equally fast.
"See, it's the same." He said, lowering his head so that he was eye level with me. "You like me."
"Those are just hormones," I countered, sticking to my usual defence but knowing full well I was lying. It was definitely not just hormones anymore. Even I couldn't actually believe that weak excuse.
He chuckled, amusement clear in his tone. Letting go of my hands, he placed his palms on each side of my face.
"Yeah, hormones that tell you: you like me, Aims." Maddox leaned his head against mine, letting out a shaky breath. His forehead felt warm pressed against mine, almost feverish — or maybe I was the one who had started burning up inside.
When he was this close, my mind lost all sense of coherent thought. All I could hear was the thrumming of my heart. It felt almost as if my brain was pulsing as well.
Ah, I just can't think anymore.
"I'm going to kiss you now." He whispered, giving me enough time to push him away if I didn't want it. The thing was, as much as I wished I didn't, there was nothing I wanted more.
And so, he kissed me.
Hi lovelies! ❤️
So sorry for no update yesterday! I had some unexpected family stuff...
BUT, to make up for it, I'm gonna try and finish chapter thirteen today and post it up later tonight as well. 🤞
Also, how did you like this chapter????
Maddox is definitely being more proactive, and Aimee is like 5 seconds away from losing her sanity, lmfao.
Heh, I'm keeping this short because I'm really eager to go reply to all the comments on the previous chapter, since I failed to do that yesterday as well. *huge sob* Replying to your comments is like one of my favorite things to do, hehe. I just love fangirling with readers, don't judge me. 😂
But yeah, I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Lots of love from meee. ❤️
Stay strong and stay safe!