EVE'S POV

Everything seemed too good to be true. People I knew and those I didn't made today the best. We danced the night away and shook some college stress off.

As midnight drew closer, people dropped off their gifts and started to leave. Soon after, the place emptied up. It was only I, Emma, Josh and Nathan who were left behind. Emma and I packed up the gifts into a big box while we talked.

"Has Nathan made any move yet?" Emma asked and I replied with a stern glare. She simply shrugged and laughed.

"I think it's too soon to 'make a move' Em. We've known each other for no longer than a month. We barely really know each other." I said as I packed the gifts.

"You're right." She sighed heavily. "Today has been exceedingly tiring. I should get going." She gave me a long and comforting hug and left with Josh.

It came down to Nathan and I. "Thank you for making this happen, Nathan. I really appreciate it," I said to him and he simply smiled.

"You're welcome. Let's get these gifts to the car and get you back to campus. It's getting late." He was sounded oddly plain.

He carried the box into his car, which was shiny underneath the night light. After, we sat in the car and his engine roared as he turned the ignition on.

The drive was too quiet so I spoke up. "Are you okay?" I asked and he looked at me.

"I'm fine. Why?" He asks, eyes going back to the road.

"You don't seem fine. Are you sure you're okay?" I asked him again.

"I'm okay," He said as if he wanted to end the conversation so I said nothing. After a good minute of silence, he said, "Am I giving you mixed feelings?" I was caught off guard with that question. Was he?

"What are you talking about?" That was all my brain managed to produce and it came out of my mouth, just like that.

"How do I make you feel?" He elaborated his question. Is this all because I called him my friend? Isn't that what he is? Is that what he is?

"I don't really know. Since you came along, I feel very different. I honestly don't know what it is," I said and turned to look at him. His eyes were focused on the street.

"I understand you Eve. I feel somehow different too," He said, his eyes not leaving the street.

I decided against saying anything. I stared outside the window, into the thick, dark night. Cold air blew across my face, making me feel refreshed.

We didn't bother to say anything to each other till we reached my campus. I alighted and so did Nathan. He carried the box and we went to my dorm in utter silence.

We made our way to the quiet hallway and straight to my dorm. I opened the door and he put the box inside. I shut the door, dropped my clutch onto the bed and stood facing him.

"Eve, I'm sorry if I'm acting differently. I don't know what to do. I'll have to figure things out. I don't want anything to happen so soon. Not again." I listened as he spoke. I soaked into me, every word he said.

What did he mean by 'not again'? Has he gone through something before?

"It's okay. I understand," I said and he buried his face into both palms. He simply nodded as I saw him out. I didn't say anything and closed my door.

Thoughts upon thoughts crowded in my mind. I wiped the load of makeup off my face and changed into comfortable clothes. I lay in my narrow bed, waiting for sleep to come knocking at my door.