False Awakening


The evening went well and I actually slept soundly. Had Jinxx given up? I guessed he might have gotten bored with me. I was pretty uninteresting.

Unfortunately this affected my mood when I woke up on Wednesday morning. I was like a zombie and it took me ages to get dressed. I was distressed to learn that today was my date with Sean.

I hurriedly brushed my teeth and applied a small amount of make-up. I wanted to look presentable and with that in mind I left for the first lecture. I got to the class room early as usual and sat in my usual spot.

The rest of the students trudged through the door. I saw Sean arriving and he sat down. He didn’t even glance in my direction and I guessed he must be tired. The lecture began as normal. The day dragged on at a regular pace until it got to four.

I was bundling my books into my bag when Sean walked over. He was smiling now and I smiled back. He seemed to be less tired.

“You ready to go?” He asked.

I nodded and followed him out the lecture hall and down the corridors towards the exit. We walked in relative silence. I followed him towards one of the coffee shops nearby. He opened the door and I strolled in.

We sat down in a booth in, yet again, silence. Maybe he was as shy as I was. There was a brief discussion of what we were going to drink.

The waitress walked over and took our orders. Once she was gone, it seemed like Sean finally felt like talking and I was thankful for it. The silence was beginning to worry me.

“So, how’s your day been?” He smiled that charming grin.

“Yeah, um…really good.” I fumbled for something to say. “What about you?”

I listened while he talked about his day and what he was going to do tomorrow after class. I felt bad for zoning out, but I couldn’t help it. There was no spark between us. Sean was very handsome, but I didn’t like him like that.

Something caught my eye. I saw someone walk in with long, black hair and, in an instant my head turned to get a better look. To my disappointment it was another guy with long hair. I sighed and turned my attention back to Sean.

“Do you know him?” Sean queried.

“Who that guy? No, I just thought he looked cool.” I laughed nervously.

Sean laughed too, “He looks like a bit of a twat if you ask me.”

Well, it’s a good thing no one asked you. That was what I wanted to say and it occurred to me that I didn’t know Sean very well so I had no idea who he really was.

The door to the shop opened again and my eyes widened. Kyle was walking in with a girl on his arm. Sean noticed and waved to his friend.

“You don’t mind, do you?” He glanced at me. I shook my head.

The waitress appeared with our drinks and before I could get the bill and disappear she was gone. Kyle noticed Sean and waved back, strolling over. He looked at me and said something to the girl. She laughed as did he.

“Hey, man. Mind if we sit?” Kyle parked himself next to Sean.

The girl sat next to me. I felt uncomfortable. It was a nerve wracking experience. I took sips of my drink to calm my frazzled nerves. I barely noticed the two guys had halted their conversation.

“So, what’s your name?” Kyle locked eyes with me.

“I-I’m Ellie.” I mumbled.

He nodded and his eyes widened as though he had just thought of something.

“Ellie,” He mused. “The elephant.”

He burst out laughing as did the girl. I glanced at Sean to see him chuckling along. I tried to smile, but my face hurt for some reason. They all stopped laughing. Maybe they’d go back to talking with each other and leave me alone.

“So, you live in my dorm, right?” Kyle continued.

“Yeah, I do.” I replied, too scared to not reply.

“You never socialise though. What’s up with that?” He snapped, narrowing his eyes.
I shuffled nervously. I could sense the girl, whatever her name was, next to me. She looked like she was holding her breath, awaiting my answer to see if it was funny.

“I’m just a bit shy.” I managed to get out.

I peeked at Sean again to find him watching Kyle. I clenched my hands under the table, wanting for this to end.

“Oh right, I thought it was cause you were a stuck-up bitch.” Kyle smirked.

I heard the girl laugh next to me. My palms felt slick and my eyes darted round the room. The booth suddenly felt like it was closing in. Nerves were eating me up and I wanted one of the waitresses or customers to notice my distress.

“Sean, man. Why’d you ask her out,” Kyle turned to Sean now. “She’s frigid, mate.”

Sean looked affronted and I hoped he would spring to my defence. He didn’t look at me.

“I felt bad, ya know,” Sean replied. “No one talked to her.”

Kyle laughed before glaring at me, “Yeah, well it’s pretty obvious why no one talks to her.”

I barely registered the prickling sensation in my eyes. The girl turned to look at me and smirked as well.

“What’s wrong? Gonna cry?” She cackled.

That was it. I’d had all I could stand and without a thought of the girl I pushed her to move, which she did. I took the chance to leave, practically running from the café. My whole body felt like it was humming in a really unpleasant way.

I raced across the street and past the campus. I had to get to my room, away from everyone. The lounge was unoccupied when I got in and for that, I was truly happy. I had a hard time showing it though.

The tears that I had been holding back were now streaming down my face like I had just sprung a leak. I unlocked my room and slammed the door behind me, bolting it in case they decided to come after me.

Once I was in my room I took off my trainers and sat on the bed. I picked up the phone. No missed calls. I debated on whether to call my Mum, but I knew I wouldn’t have much luck with her.

I placed the phone back on the stand and gave into my tears. I felt so stupid and pathetic. I didn’t really notice the change in room temperature or the presence until he was right in front of me.

I lifted my head and brown eyes met blue. I wasn’t sure why I did it, but I did. I reached out and hugged Jinxx. He seemed surprised by my actions, but returned the hug all the same. I cried onto his shoulder. His hand traced soothing circles on the small of my back.

This was the closest I had willingly been to him and I had to admit that it was good. He smelt amazing and despite being very cold, his presence was gentle and I took solace I the fact that he was here.

He pulled back first, clasping my chin in his fingers and looking at me. That look sent my heart fluttering and I instantly felt nervous.

“Sorry, I just ruined your top.” I mumbled.

“Don’t worry about it. Talk to me, what happened?” He sounded annoyed though.

I sighed and tried to look away from him. It wouldn’t be worth doing anything about Kyle. I put it down to that you couldn’t get on with everyone. Although, it didn’t stop the hurt that he thought I was some kind of stuck-up girl.

I peeked up at Jinxx and decided he wasn’t going to give up until I told him. He sat and listened to what I was saying. His blue eyes flashed with anger and he had vanished within seconds. Great, I had annoyed him ever more.

My insistence that he leave it alone must have got on his nerves. I had to get my mind off the incident so I started to work on my essay. I debated on whether to nip to the store down the road and get some chocolate, but I was still scared.

Instead I decided to stay locked away for the rest of the evening. Every so often I would hear people in the lounge and would freeze up. I could hear laughter and I couldn’t help but feel foolish.

I went to bed earlier than usual that night and my sleep was undisturbed again. Part of me was thankful and the other part was deeply upset.

Notes