The next morning I go for a run. I figure this will clear my head and get some exercise. Beefcake has been assigned to me, and I can’t help but laugh as he tries to keep up with my pace.
Last night things took a turn for the worse, and it’s my own fault. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m so confused right now.
“Erica? Is that you?” a male voice sounds behind me.
I turn around to find Jayden. He’s in one of my classes.
“Hey, Jayden. What’s up?” I stop and try and catch my breath. Beefcake practically collapses and I smile wide.
“So you and Jared Knox?” he questions.
“What about him?”
“Are you guys together? I mean, it looks like you are.” He sounds unsure of himself.
“Yeah, we’re together,” I respond.
“If you were my girl I would never let you out of my sight.” He laughs and I start to jog away from him, feeling awkward now.
“Technically, I’m not alone.” I point over to where a scary-looking Beefcake is eyeing Jayden up and down.
“I’m not even going to ask,” he stutters while jogging next to me.
“Don’t worry. As long as you don’t try to kill me you’re safe.” I laugh, and his expression changes to something I can’t understand.
We make it to my dorm. Jayden stops in the front of the building and turns towards me, placing his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. I shake my head and smile.
“Okay, this is me,” I tell him.
“Look, I would love to take you out sometime if you’re free.” His hopeful eyes stare back into mine.
“That’s really sweet of you but, like I said, I’m with Jared,” I repeat.
“Okay, fair enough. I can respect that. At least I tried.” He smiles.
“Okay, how about a study date for our project?” He smiles, knowing he’s got me there.
“Fine.” I smile and he joins me.
“How about tomorrow after my practice? I will pick you up around eleven.”
“Twelve is better for me, I have a class.”
“Twelve it is.” He grins triumphantly.
“See you tomorrow, Jayden,” I say as I walk away, feeling like maybe this wasn’t the smartest decision working on a project with someone who likes me.
Morning comes and goes. I just left my psychology class. I have aways been very interested in human behavior. The mind is a powerful tool. It fascinates me.
Our project is on the fundamental principles of the mind. I have an hour to kill so I go to the library to do some research.
I always could find comfort in books; it’s one of the few things that kept me going after my mom died. I would disappear into the pages and escape for an hour or two.
Reading has been a huge part of my life. When I find a nice quiet place to read I start to feel content.
It’s quiet over here except for the turning of the pages. A small chill runs down my spine and I get this feeling like I’m being watched.
Looking both left and right, I see no one.