Chapter 17:

Monday Morning

I looked back if he was still asleep or waking up too. The space where Damien was sleeping was empty. He's gone. Like a burglar in the night, sneaking away before I could see him. Sitting up, I moved my neck side to side, my knees up to my chest. Guess he didn't want to stay. Last night really happened. We slept in the same bed. Again. I heard Penny shuffling in her bed, looking over, she groaned when she turned to the other side.

It was nothing, just two friends hanging out sporadically. Again. Is he my friend? Acquaintance? Classmate I see in the support group? Yeah, let's go with the last one.

I had to find a job. Might as well get an early start. My scholarship could only pay for so much. Essentials were a must, spending money for my wallet. I took a shower, got my backpack, and left quietly so I wouldn't wake up Penny. From Subway to Target to Aldis, each manager said the same thing: apply online, we'll call you when a position is available. I gritted my teeth each time I left, what's the point of having a help wanted sign if they're gonna say the same thing?

I strolled to the Bookholders, the campus bookstore. There were hiring for part time cashier, warehouse workers. I met with the manager Cecilia, she interviewed me for thirty minutes. She seemed nice. I explained about my schedule for the week. She said she could work around it. The position will start after the holidays. $13 an hour, it was good enough for me.

I got a phone call from my doctor. I told him about my health progress, on and off sleepless nights. He scheduled me for a physical next week.

I stared at the board after I sat down. More of my classmates came in, sitting in their seats. Including Damien, his hoodie was down. He glanced at me. I inhaled, smiled. He nodded, sitting in front of me.

I jotted down notes, frowning at the back of his head. I cleared my throat, tried to get his attention. As the professor continued the lesson, I stalked the back of Damien's head while I rested my fist against my cheek. The only time he moved was to get his phone out of his pocket. Professor Kirby announced a two-group project for the semester. We could pick any subject; he assigned the partners.

He tapped me and Damien's shoulder. We're working together. He looked back at me, I smiled tight lipped, he turned back around to the front. I dropped my smile. What's with him? Professor Kirby announced we should go to our assigned partner to swap ideas. Damien twisted his upper body, leaning his elbow on my desk.

"So, what are you thinking about?" Damien asked.

"Huh?" I questioned. He had this type of swag to him; this 'could care less' attitude.

"Our project?"

"Oh. Yeah." I nodded, shuffling the pages.

"You ok?" He asked with a smirk.

"Uh-huh." I had no idea what else to say.

He leaned in closer, He smelled like Irish Spring Soap. I noticed his jawline again, a little freckle on his nose. I cleared my throat to concentrate.

I opened my journal, pressing my pen on the paper, "any ideas?"

"Nope. You?" He shrugged one of his shoulders.

"You know it's a group project." I stared into his eyes, trying not to swoon externally.

"I never really worked in a group." I blinked twice, clearing my throat.

"Really? Not even in high school?"

"I finished before they did. I'm not good with others, like my teachers love to say."

"I doubt it."

"What makes you doubt it?"

"Maybe you like being around people then you lead on. We have spent time together," I halted at each word.

He curled an eyebrow. I bounced one of my legs, clicking the end of the pen repeatedly. How could I phrase this? He liked being around me as much as I liked being around him. It wasn't a secret.

"It's something I think about. I mean to think about," I nibbled my bottom lip.

He pressed his back against the metal rod of the desk. "You shouldn't read too much into it. I like my space."

"Is that what you called holding me last night?" I brought up.

"Seriously? We were sleeping. That can happen."

"Then you just left?"

"Was I supposed to stay?" he squinted.

"You could have said you were leaving. Like a note or something."

"You wanted me to stay, I knew it," he shook his head with a laugh.

"What if I did?" I stuttered.

"You're gonna be very disappointed."

Professor Kirby informed us to keep in touch by any means necessary on the classroom board site before he dismissed us. 

Damien strolled out without looking back. Very disappointed? i gathered my things, frowning to mysefl.

I reached outside, found an empty table. I sat in thought. Why does he want to be alone but sleep in the same bed with me? I felt a tap on my shoulder. Justin grinned, taking the empty seat next to me.

"Hi," I smiled, turning to him. I haven't seen him since we made out. His taste still lingered on my lips, flashing in my head over and over.

"Hey. How are you?" He scooted in.

"I'm good. How are you?" I wrapped my arms over my stomach.

"Good." He scooted closer, our hips touched.

"Good, um Justin about what we did at the party-"

"You have a nimble tongue." He nodded, licking his bottom lip.

I let out an uneasy laugh, "thanks, I guess."

"I'm glad I caught you here, though." He placed his arm around me.

"Uh huh." I should let him talk, he moved me into his chest.

"It was fun," Justin stated. I nodded; my gut did flips.

"You're one of my best friends, I love that you're in my life again. I don't want you to feel like I used you."

"You didn't. It was a kiss."

"Exactly, a hot one."

"Yeah."

"Are you free tonight?"

"Free? Tonight?" I squeaked.

"Uh-huh." I stared at his eyes, feeling stuck. Is he asking me out?

"You're asking me out," I stated.

"If that's ok?"

"Um I mean, I don't know." I tugged on my sleeves, switching my feet under the table.

"One date. To see where it goes." One date, I stared at him, contemplating. He's never shown interest in me before. "No pressure."

"I'm feeling a little pressured," I admit. He gave me hopeful eyes; how could I say no?

"Sorry, I want to make you feel comfortable. If that's ok." Damien said the same thing.

"Ok. Should we call it a date?"

"It is me and you. Like how we hung out before." I nibbled the inside of my lip. A hangout. Me and Justin. Justin and me. Who would have thought he was interested in me?

"Guess we're going on a date," I agreed.

"Awesome." He kissed my cheek, "I'll pick you up at 7." He stood up and left. I'm going out with Justin.