Chapter 111: Stop acting like you are untouchable
Andria’s POV
’I’m not in the mood for jokes," I retorted, in case he didn’t notice that I was in a terrible mood today, having almost lost a one-time friend.
"Uh uh, easy now. What’s wrong with you?" he asked in a low tone.
"Nothing that you can relate to," I answered in the most blatant way possible, hoping he would just give me a break.
I looked around to see if there was any other place I could sit with Becca, but then I remembered that no matter where I go, he would come over there, and I was in no mood for a morning chase.
"I’m sorry about what happened yesterday in mathematics class. You were detained because of our distraction. Sincerely, I apologize.
Can we be friends?, We are mates already. I don’t want to have to fight you constantly," Tristan said, and for a moment, I could sense some vulnerability in his voice and facial expression, and just as quickly as it appeared, it disappeared.
"How do I know that your apology comes from within, and you wouldn’t attempt such a thing again?" I asked, looking straight into his eyes.
"I cross my heart on this, and I don’t go back on my words," he replied, dragging his hands across his hands and closing his eyes.
I didn’t notice when a slight chuckle escaped my lips at the cute gesture. Didn’t know that there was a cute side to him that wasn’t so annoying.
"And now you smile," he continued. The words were enough to make me realize myself, and my smile faded away.
"I’ve not forgiven you yet. I have to see the proof that you wouldn’t attempt that anymore," I replied.
"Was that the reason you hid your smile? Well, I pinky promise," he said, pulling out his pinky finger to me.
A slight blush appeared on my face. I couldn’t believe the amount of cuteness that was hidden beneath all those stoic, snobbish appearances.
"What’s suddenly amusing you? Do I sound funny? OMG, I think I should just shut up," he muttered, his cheeks turning crimson as he avoided my gaze.
Was he shy?, Was Tristan shy? Maybe this was one of my dreams.
"Hmmm," Becca cleared her throat as the literature teacher stepped into the class.
I turned to face the teacher, but from time to time, when I stole a glance at Tristan, I caught him staring, without even blinking or trying to hide the fact that he was just staring at me.
"Ok, now your stare is getting uncomfortable," I stated in a low tone, my gaze still fixed on the teacher.
"I also caught you stealing glances at me, too, so that makes us two?" he replied, amusement lacing his tone.
"Humph," I huffed and continued listening to the teacher.
"Oh, there we go again," he mumbled under his breath, and turned to listen to the teacher also.
"I heard the news concerning your apartment mate, Mel. It was such a sad story," he said, his eyes not turning to look at me.
I turned to look at him; his face was passive, with not even the slightest emotion on it. Reminded me of typical Tristan, and not the facade I saw a few minutes ago.
His words about Mel stung, pulling me back into that pit of emotions I had tried all morning to bury. I didn’t reply, and thankfully, the teacher directed his gaze to Tristan, forcing him into silence.
The rest of the class passed in slow drags of the clock, the teacher’s voice sounding like it came from underwater, while my mind wandered to the words I had read from Mel’s book.
The tortured, broken, scribbled words she had left behind. Every time I thought of her bruises, my chest tightened like a rope being pulled.
The bell finally rang, freeing me from the confinement of my own thoughts. Chairs screeched as students scrambled out. Becca leaned over, giving me a quick squeeze of the arm as if that was going to be enough to cheer me up.
"I’ll find Arlo and the others. You and Tristan can... finish whatever this is." She gave me a sly smile before darting off, before I could protest.
I turned to Tristan, who was still by my side, his bag slung lazily over one shoulder.
"You didn’t have to walk me out," I said firmly, shifting my own bag higher.
He raised a brow. "I didn’t say I was walking you out. I just happened to be heading the same way."
"Really?" I narrowed my eyes. "You don’t know where I’m headed, so how are you heading there?"
His steps slowed. "Oh well, I can guess where you could be heading. There’s no other place you would love to be in now, other than the hospital where Mel was admitted.
And I advise that I go with you, especially now."
I cut him off, heat in my voice. "I don’t need a babysitter, Tristan. I’ve been taking care of myself long before you decided to swoop in with your promises and pinky gestures."
His jaw tightened, and for once, his playful exterior cracked. "Maybe you don’t need a babysitter. But you’re not invincible either, Aria. Stop acting like you’re untouchable."
The words sank in, but I refused to let him see that. "And maybe you should stop acting like I’m your responsibility."
For a moment, we stood at an impasse in the corridor, the tension stretching tight as a bowstring. Then Tristan exhaled sharply, stepping back with his hands raised.
"Fine. Have it your way. But don’t expect me to stand by if something happens to you." His eyes lingered on me, full of something sharp and unreadable, before he turned and strode down the opposite hall.
I let out a shaky breath, trying to convince myself I had won the argument. But his words echoed in my head longer than I wanted them to.
I turned and headed towards the school exit. I already had my exit card with me, having visited Mel. So this was going to be my first time using the legal exit out of the academy grounds.
And just as I drew close to the courtyard...