Episode 15

Liam's POV

"So, you're Hannah's boyfriend?" Hailey asked as she lounged on the sofa. She said her back was killing her so she couldn't be bothered to be all polite and sit like a lady.

"Errm, not really. We're friends." I said politely.

"Ohhh..Okay. So, does that mean you're single?" Hailey said with a flirtatious smile as she moved closer. I looked away. It was getting a little uncomfortable.

"Err, hey! It's getting late. I gotta be somewhere. Can you tell Hannah that I'll call her later. And I hope your dad gets well soon," I got up from the sofa quickly and moved towards the front door. I caught sight of Hailey's not so happy look on her face. Whatever, she was starting to creep me out.

I looked up at the door to the kitchen, debating whether I should say goodbye to her and her mom. But judging at the way Hailey was starting to drape herself around my arm, I thought that maybe I should say goodbye for now. I'll just call Hannah later. I got into my SUV and roared off.

I arrived on campus about an hour later. As soon as I got out of my car, I saw Dan walking towards me. He waved and I did the same. I've always liked Dan. He wasn't like his brother, Ryan at all. He was shaping up to be a good friend.

"Hey! Nice car!" Dan said with a smile. I smiled back.

"It's my brother's. So, when did you guys get back? I thought the trip was an overnight one?" I asked as I locked the car and walked with Dan towards campus.

"Meh, Prof Portman thought we've gathered enough material so he bundled us home. I think he secretly didn't want to sleep in the Counselor's lounge. You know, he's the most modern guy I've ever met. And the fact that he brought us there was really not his style." Dan said as he chuckled.

"So, how's Hannah's dad? Amy told me what happened." Dan said as he entered my room with me. He's always hanging out in my room, since he's close to Trey as well. I sighed as I took off my leather jacket and draped it on my chair. I sat on my bed and told Dan what happened. Dan listened and nodded his head.

"Wow, I hope he's okay. Actually, if you wanna know, that wasn't the first time Hannah's dad had an accident. But I think this is the worst one to date. I hope he gets well soon. Taking care of him is..well..hmm, you've met him, right? What do you think?" Dan asked suddenly as he looked at me. I shrugged. I didn't know how to say it with out sounding rude, but I thought Hannah's dad was a bit critical of her.

"Hmm, yeah..He was..well..very opinionated." I said carefully. Dan laughed as he nodded his head.

"Now that's an understatement! He's this very decorated army officer and he's a perfectionist. I feel sorry for Hannah. She's like the coolest girl I know. But whenever she comes back from visiting her dad, she'd be all dark and critical. And she would suddenly embark in this crazy diet whatever and she'd feel rotten for weeks. And during those times, she would be the most annoying person you've ever met. It's best to just stay away from her until that phase ends. And that phase usually lasts for about two weeks, give or take a few days." Dan said as he shook his head in wonderment.

"Wow, really? That bad? I can totally relate. My dad kinda drives me crazy, too. He is the reason why I'm staying on campus. I couldn't live in his house, he could drive me insane. And I couldn't rent an apartment as he knows a lot of people and has circulated this rumor that I would be a tenant from hell. Nice, huh?" I said as I took off my shoes.

Dan and I talked some more. Suddenly the door opened and Trey came in. I looked up and gave the nod. He acknowledged it as he took off his jacket and threw it on his bed before he fell on it, with a huge sigh.

"Well, hello there Tray." Dan greeted Trey. Trey grunted in response as he closed his eyes. I chuckled as I got up.

"Okay, I'm getting a shower. Dan, help yourself to the sodas and snacks in the fridge, ok. I'll be right back." I said as I started to take off my shirt and reached for my towel and toiletries bag. Dan replied, ok . I walked out of the room, heading to the bathroom for that shower.

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Trey's POV

I'm a hell, I'm a heel, I'm a heel... This statement has been playing in a loop in my head. I couldn't believe what I did to Hannah. She's my friend and I did that to her. But I couldn't help it. I never saw her that way. I never thought that we would be more than friends. She's this amazing, cool and uncomplicated girl. In fact, she's like my best friend. I thought she thought I was her best friend, too. But I guess she thought we were more. I took the pillow and buried my face in it. I let out a frustrated groan. I hate that I probably hurt her. I'm such an asshole. I hurt the one person who gets me. I am so going to hell for this.

"Hey, you alright?" Dan asked suddenly. I froze. Shoot, I forgot he's there. Wait, does he know? I mean, apart from Amy, Hannah's close to Dan. Heck, she's closer to Dan than me. Sometimes, I get jealous. I want Hannah to be close by me, but not THAT close. Yeah, I'm a creep.

"Yeah, why'd you ask?" I said, mentally kicking myself for making it obvious that I was having a moment of self-loathing.

"Look, let's be real, shall we. I know what happened at the camp." Dan said, point blank. I gasped inwardly and then groaned as I fell back on my bed. Dan was looking at me like a disapproving mother. Aw, crap.

"What are you talking about?" I said, feigning ignorance. I failed miserably, judging by Dan's 'are you effing kidding me?' look on his face.

"You know what I'm talking about. So, what are you going to do about it?" Dan said without hesitation.

"I..I don't know, man. I mean, she just took me by surprise. Look, don't get me wrong. Hannah is an amazing girl-" I started to say but Dan cut me off.

"But you're not attracted to her, right?" Dan said, hitting the nail right on its head. I looked at Dan and suddenly I knew. That I am a disgusting human being.

"I feel bad for ..Urgh, damnit! Why is this so complicated!" I groaned in frustration.

"Look, it doesn't have to be. You do what is right and don't you dare hurt her. If you hurt her in any way, I will hunt you down and kill you...Hey, I gotta go. I got study group in half an hour. Say thanks to Liam for me." Dan said as he gathered up his stuff and left the room.

I lay on my bed, thinking back on the kiss. When Hannah leaned forward and kissed me, I would be lying if I say that I didn't lean towards her a 'lil tiny bit. And I regretted not kissing her back. I was surprised. And before I could kiss her back, she'd pulled away from me anyway. She felt really nice. It wasn't bad, at all. So, why didn't I kiss her back? Why, why, why?!

Hannah's a special girl. We met the first day of class a year ago and she hated me on sight. I guess I was a stupid jock, in college on a basketball scholarship. Only getting by with minimal grades, just enough to keep my scholarship and continue playing basketball. Hannah didn't want to have anything to do with me at all. But when we were paired in an assignment, I realized that she's incredibly smart and very, very funny. And she didn't flirt with me. Not even once, which I found really refreshing. And she helped my grades plenty with her As. And since that day, there was no question on who my partner in class were. And now I went and did this to her. Should I have kissed her back? Should I lead her on, when I wasn't sure about what I felt for her? I think that would be far more cruel. I buried my face into the pillow again. Argh, I'm so screwed!

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