Your Man IS NOT My Mate

“I know it doesn’t apply in every setting, but I take your silence as consent.”

“Huh?” I am shaken from my daze and pulled from my thoughts as I turn beside me and see Adrian’s smiling face.

“I asked if it was ok to sit with you, but you seemed to have zoned me out.” He chuckles, the vibration of his laughter making me very aware that his hand is still around me.

“I-I mm-” my eyes dance between him and the three guys in front of me. “I guess you could stay.”

“Great” he grins, turning his attention from me to those I would deem his friends. He sure makes friends quickly, unlike me. I’ve been at this school far longer than him, and yet I still eat alone... Until now, I guess.

Their conversation carries on but though I can hear them speaking, my thoughts are elsewhere, leaving me to wonder if my mind is playing tricks on me or if my eyes have just deceived me.

The bell rings and I’m startled, I didn’t even get a chance to finish eating. I sigh as I turn to Adrian who is still deep in conversation.

“Amm, the bell has rung.” I quietly whisper, lightly tapping his leg.

He looks over at me, his smile still intact, then his eyes dart to my plate. “But you haven’t even eaten anything.”

He states the obvious, but I’m not too keen on eating in the presence of, or in front of others. “It’s fine, I’m not hungry.” I lie in a chirpy voice to cover my tracks.

“Are you sure?” There’s worry in his voice and it warms my heart.

“Yes, I’m sure.” I reassuringly reply, making my smile broader in hopes of being more convincing.

“Ok, if you say so.” He doesn’t seem too convinced though yet he doesn’t press the matter any further, instead, he stands and helps me to my feet, and together, side by side, we walk to class with the other three guys tailing us.

“I guess this is where we part way.” He waves, nodding towards the door for me to enter. The three other guys take their places beside him, watching me as I walk to my seat before walking off.

About ten minutes into class, there is a knock at the door and all eyes turn from the teacher to the intruder. “Sorry, I’m here to give something to Liyah Lee.” The person says, holding up the plastic bag for reference.

“Hurry make it snappy.” The teacher impatiently remarks.

The person quickly rushes in, drops the parcel on my desk, and bolts out. I slowly open the bag and inside is a chocolate bar. A smile breaks out on my face and I can’t help it.

“Open presents on your own time Miss. Parker.” The teacher snaps, tapping on the board with her chalk to regain everyone’s attention.

“Yes ma’am.” I quickly put it away but my heart can’t be bothered with her right now. Oh my gosh, I’m blushing at Adrian's thoughtfulness. I guess he knew I’d be hungry so he got me something to snack on in the meantime. He’s so sweet.

I have no idea what transpired for the rest of the class or the other three periods for that matter because all I could think about was how sweet and thoughtful and kind and adorable Adrian was, and each time, I felt my heart beat in approval.

‘Ugh, your heart is going to beat, regardless of if it approves or not.’ Stella mumbles, rolling her eyes.

‘I don’t care what you say, I know what I know.’

‘Sure... It’s called delusional.’

“Hey.” A hand slams on my desk and I jump, blinking rapidly until my eyes focus on the figure in front of me. Adrian? I then scan the room only to find that I’m the only one here. When did the last bell even ring?

“Seems like you are always lost in thought.” He smiles, leaning over my desk so that his face is positioned directly in front of mine. “Need me to help with that?” He drops his voice to a whisper, his minty breath fanning my face in an oh-so-delicate way. I bite my lip, fighting to steady my racing heart. My eyes unconsciously flick to his lips and a playful smirk lines them.

‘Damn, I don’t like the guy, but that sure is sexy.’ Stella purrs, batting her lashes.

‘Mine’ I growl internally at her.

‘Sis, ain’t nobody want your man. I was simply pointing out the only good quality I could find in him.’

“So, what’s it going to be?” I could feel him getting closer and my eyes close in anticipation.

“Adri-”

My eyes fly open and the chair scrapes the tiled floor as I abruptly stand.

“Sorry I didn’t know you were... You know.” The guy holds up his hand, mouthing a sorry to Adrian.

“It’s ok, Marcus” Adrian sighs. “Did you want something?”

I scurry out with my bag strapped to my back as I head out of the school gates. I can’t believe I nearly kissed my dream guy. My cheeks are burning from all the blushing and smiling yet I can’t seem to stop.

My phone rings. Instinctively, I answer but before I could even say hello-

“Miss. Parker, where are you? Don’t forget tutoring starts today.”

Ughh, I totally forgot about that. I sorrowfully turn around and drag my feet back through the school gates. I climb the step towards the library.

“Liyah?” Adrian’s voice floats from down the hallway and instantly my smile is back. Who knew it was possible to change emotions like a gear stick?

“What brings you back?” I open my mouth to speak but my words are caught in my throat as soon as I stare into those ocean eyes. “Aww, you miss me already” He teases, slinging an arm around my shoulder. The comfort of his embrace warms my soul and I wish time would just freeze, but ah las, he soon removes his hand, his eyes apologizing before his lips. “Sorry, got to go. Practice is in 5 minutes.” He bids me farewell but before he can run off I call behind him.

“Hey, Adrian... Thanks for the chocolate.”

He briefly pauses, confusion on his face. “Hmmm, I didn’t send anything.”

Now it was my turn to be confused... Then who could it be?

“Maybe it was either Marcus, Rick, or Delton” he adds.

I shrug at his words. Maybe. “Oh ok... Well, have a great practice session.”

He nods with a smile of acknowledgment then he’s gone.

I slowly turn back to the big oak door that shuts the library off from the noise all around. I gingerly turn the nob and push the door open unsure of if the door creaks. It’s my first time here, which comes as no surprise. Yes, it’s quiet, perfect, but as my grades would tell you, I hate to study.

I scan the room, not even sure where to go.

“Can I assist you with anything?” An elderly lady comes up to me and whispers. I think it’s only right to reply with the same volume.

“I’m here to meet my Tutor.”

“Ah, right this way.” She leads and I follow, down the aisle and to the back of the library behind several bookshelves. She finally comes to a stop and there at the table is, no one.

“Hmm, maybe he got up to come back.” She says thoughtfully. “Anyway, I guess you could have a seat, in the meantime. He should be back shortly.” Her kindness makes me feel welcomed and at ease. I sit watching as she leaves and soon it’s just me, my thoughts, and a bunch of mute students with books in hand.

Five minutes fly by and I’m still left sitting alone just twiddling my thumbs. Soon, my brain grows groggy and my eyes second the motion, and before I know it, I can no longer support my head. Just a quick nap.

“Hey....hey.” The whispering voice becomes louder accompanied by a gentle shake. “Hey.”

“Uhh” I slowly sit up, rubbing my eyes as I look around. Was in here always so dark?

“Hey.” This time my gaze turns to the owner of the voice. It’s the librarian lady. “We are closing now.”

My eyes widen in shock. “How long was I sleeping for?”

She glances down at her watch. “I’ll say about, two hours.”

“And the guy- did he ever come back?”

“I don’t know if he ever came back...” She pauses, looking around the empty room. “But what I can tell you is that he’s gone.” She meant no ill in stating the obvious, so I didn’t even bother to hold it against her. I simply smile and thank her as I rise from the seat and leave.

The chill of the night’s breeze causes me to hug myself in hope of generating warmth.

“Young girls shouldn’t be out alone this time of the night.”

My heart immediately begins hammering against my chest at the sound of the deep dark voice and my steps quicken. It’s not even that late, but of late, the sun has been setting early. I guess I’m not the only one tired of this life.

“Trying to escape me.” The voice chuckles, and I am sure the person is closer now than before.

The speed of my walk increases and so does the footsteps of whoever is tailing me, it’s a lonely alley that I’ve traveled many times before, but never have I made this journey under the setting sun.

I’m now going at a rate that no longer qualifies as walking. I’m scared to death and too afraid to look behind. I tighten my hold on my bag straps as with each step, books swish about in my bag. I should scream, maybe it would scare them away or wake up someone from the closest house, but my voice box decides now would be the perfect time to perfect the sound of silence.

My legs, thankfully, haven’t given up on me and I’m now full throttle down the alley.

Suddenly, a loud growl shatters the silent night immediately bringing me to a screeching halt. There in front of me stands a silver fur beast with heterochromia eyes. I’m stunned at its rear beauty and mesmerized as I stare at the creature.

It bares its teeth, snarling in my direction.

‘Mate.’ Stella shouts in glee.

Wait! ‘Stella, you are awfully quiet during that little chase. You were scared, weren’t you?’

‘Phu, as if. I was merely letting you see why grounding me is such a bad idea.’

Yeah right.

The skidding of gravel underfoot alerts me of the hasty approaching presence of the beast. I jump out of the way and it barrels down the alley towards whoever was following me. Everything happened so quickly. It was like the remake of Now You See Me, Now You Don’t, and soon, I’m left standing alone... however, my house is in view.

‘Hmm, I wonder where your man was when you needed rescuing.’ Stella smugly comments.