Chapter 36: I’ll Be Watching You
Everyone applauded after the ending speech. They all left to check out the booths, while we officers stayed behind in the auditorium for a mini-celebration of the successful launch of freshmen week. "Why does it always have to be him?" Evangeline asked in frustration, pointing at Tanner, who was walking towards us.
"Stop acting like that. I don't want to be with you either," Tanner replied, pausing briefly before adjusting his glasses.
Tanner was the studious type, partly due to his glasses and hairstyle, but he was hot. Many girls at the school liked him even though he wasn't as wealthy as Mason. Evangeline's face twisted in annoyance at what Tanner said. She was about to retort, but Tanner walked out of the auditorium, waving at her as he turned his back.
Evangeline was so talented. Besides being the project manager, she was also entrusted with hosting because she could maintain the audience's attention for long periods. She could also fake her emotions and pretend to be happy even when she wasn't.
People outside the department don't know how bitchy she is, though. The Evangeline they see on stage, the Evangeline they see in the classroom, and the Evangeline we interact with in the student council are all different. "Let's eat and celebrate for a while," Evangeline said before laying down the huge pizza she bought for everyone. "We'll be busy after this, so take advantage of the break while you can."
The previous day flew by so fast, and I was sitting at the park where I had seen Ash before.
I was glad Ash wasn't here, so I could really reflect.
All I had were questions and no answers. I was thinking about Mason's words, the picture I saw when I was in primary school, and those strange memories...
That day, I hoped I would remember more, but after that, no other memories came to mind. It made me wonder if it was real or just a dream.
Everyone had their tasks and responsibilities at the booths and other things for today, except me. This is the first time I have nothing to do. Evangeline didn't assign me anything.
I went to the library, not to do my duty but to read a book. It had been a long time since I last read a fictional book.
But I never expected to see Ash here.
"What are you doing?" I asked him in a soft voice because he was just staring at the spot where we got trapped before because of the bookshelves.
There are quite a few people here on the first floor of the library now, cooling off. Almost all the girls were staring at Ash.
Maybe, like me, they were also wondering why this guy was just standing there, staring at one part of the library.
"This is where I almost fucked you, Sapphire," he said casually, pointing at the spot where we made out that night. "I'm glad that I was able to control myself that time."
I averted my gaze from him. My cheeks flushed as I remembered that day. If he hadn't pushed me away then, I don't know what would have happened.
But, what the heck? Why is he thinking about that?
"You really have a dirty mind and mouth, don't you?" I asked him, raising an eyebrow.
He winked at me. "Only for you."
I shook my head. He'll never change. He'll always be a playboy because that's just how he is.
Why did I even approach him when I could have just avoided him?
He sat down in the empty seat near the bookshelf, and I sat a little farther from him. I wanted to ask him about something.
"Do you like me now?" he asked, licking his lower lip. "I'm not complaining, though. I like the way you follow me around, baby. He playfully smirked.
There's one vacant seat between us, so what is he saying about me following him? Is he hallucinating? What has he been up to that I haven't seen him in a while?
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"How's Haze?" I asked as I stared at him.
I was worried about him. Now I truly feel guilty for dislocating his shoulder. I just hope he recovers quickly.
He's missed a lot of exams and activities because he had to stay in the hospital. I only found out about all of that from Evangeline.
Aside from that, Evangeline told me that Haze wouldn't file a case against me. He told his parents that it was a misunderstanding and that students here shouldn't bully me.
But of course, my reputation at school is already damaged because of what happened. I've gotten used to the nasty looks from the students here.
I know it will get worse after freshman week, so I'm preparing myself for that.
"He's better now but still lazy to attend classes," he briefly answered with a frown.
He wasn't looking at me, but his mood had clearly soured.
"What about Mason?"
"He's busy handling the company." This time, he looked at me with confusion. "Why are you asking about them when I'm the one in front of you? Are you trying to make me jealous, Sapphire? It's fucking effective, so stop that." His voice became authoritative and intense. I suddenly felt a sense of fear, so I forced myself to think of something I could ask him.
"Do you really have claustrophobia? Or did you just use that to make a move on me?" I wasn't even sure about my second sentence. "Are you happy now? It's about you."
"I was glad you still remember that," he said, smirking. "I do have it. I just convert my fear into pleasure every time I'm in a bad situation."
"If that's what you do, you're crazy." I didn't hesitate to say that to him. "It's impossible. You don't need to convert it. You should overcome it."
"It's easy to say but hard to do," he explained.
To be honest, that's what I always hear from everyone.
"Everything is hard to do. You just need to choose your battles."
Ash raised both of his hands as a sign of surrender. "Fine, Sapphire. You won this time."
"I always win when it's against you. I don't accept defeat."
I had asked him enough questions, so I stood up. I was so bored, yet I couldn't go home. I still had to take care of some seminars later this afternoon. "Do you know where Mason is?" I asked him.
Maybe I should ask Mason about his father. I don't like the feeling of being lost in information.
"I know, but I won't tell you." Ash stood up and walked in front of me. "If you want to ask him about something, tell me instead."
"And why would I do that?"
"Because you're mine, Sapphire."
He placed his hand on my chin as he pulled me close to him.
"Don't try to flirt with someone while I'm gone. I'll be watching you." Ash gave me a peck on my lips before walking away from me.