CHAPTER 3
1044 Words
It was going to be the start of a new college year and as usual, I invited Eric over to my bedroom so that we could brainstorm some textbooks and reading materials.
Eric rested his back against a pillow, his focused eyes moving slowly across the pages of his textbook.
Let’s just say Eric is the only friend I have in this world - a male version of me.
He was always mocked at school because of his choice of dressing and appearance but he hid it from me as much as he could. He is afraid of parties because he feels that he is not up to the required social standard. He’s had his share of public humiliation in the past and now, he just prefers to study alone or with me.
On one occasion, he got drenched with icy water at the school’s sports changing room because he ruined a truth-and-dare game that he was bullied into playing. Apparently, he freaked out when it was his turn to kiss a classmate.
We both hoped that the start of college could bring something new but in truth, our friendship was all we had. His parents didn't care about him much.
I wrapped my arms around a pillow, a bleak smile playing at the corner of my lips while I absorbed myself deeply in my thoughts.
“Zoe,” a voice made its way into my ears, breaking my train of thought. “Who are you thinking about?”
I suddenly felt a jolt of tension as if I had broken out of a trance. “What? No…I’m not thinking of anyone”.
“I know you, Zoe,” Eric whispered. “You are thinking about that boy again, aren't you?”
“Which boy? You should focus on solving the quiz at the…” I tried to change the topic cleverly before Eric cut in.
“You know who I am talking about. Reed or whatever he calls himself,” he gestured broadly. “That boy isn't good for you”
“And how do you know that, eh?” I retorted but kept my gaze averted from him.
“Oh! So it's true. He has somehow won your heart back, isn't it? He exhaled nervously and slumped his shoulders. “Let me guess. Reed somehow offered you something cheap and you think he has come back to his senses. Do I have to remind you how he humiliated you? Not to mention, he is now your step-brother”.
I leaned forward slightly, narrowing my eyes towards the window. “Keep your voice low, he might return soon. Don't forget he lives here now and we are not officially siblings yet, until ....”
“And what if he returns?” he seethed. “You know what? I am out of here. I hope you enjoy getting your heart broken by your own step-brother”.
He hurriedly picked up his books one after the other, storming towards the entrance, his footsteps heavy and loud as he slammed the door in my face.
He was obviously jealous. He has always had a crush on me and although he has been too timid to tell me his feelings, he doesn't have to - I care about him deeply.
“Please wait….please, just hear me out okay? My voice was low and gentle as I hushed him back in, my fingers crawling up his pale arm. “Okay, you are probably right. He asked me out again and I said yes”.
He stood still, his menacing gaze darting straight at me as he folded his arms.
“Wait, please, I know what you think. I know it's ridiculous that I accepted to be his date. I honestly think I made a mistake”.
He flared his arm in the air, “Yes, of course, it’s a silly mistake”
“But…Eric, it’s not so simple,” my tone was urgent and passionate. “I only want to feel loved for once just like other girls”.
My heart suddenly sank deeply as if it had fallen into my stomach the moment those words came out of my mouth.
Eric’s eyes softened in response, his hand reaching out to my cheek.
“But, I have…always loved you,” he muttered, his voice shaky as an awkward tension filled the air.
There was a sudden silence as our eyes were fixed on each other for a while.
It felt soothing to hear him finally express his feelings but fortunately or unfortunately, it would feel much better if it came from someone else - Reed f*****g Roderick!
I retracted my gaze, beating back the tension. “Help me then, I need your help.”
“What?” he asked, his brows furrowed in concentration.
“It's fine if you are not up for it but I would like you to accompany me to the date”.
Eric’s face went pale and his pupils shrank as if I had dropped a bomb on him.
“Now I know you have gone nuts. You can't be serious. So you are essentially asking me to be your date on a date with someone else,”
My face was flushed as I bit my lips with nervous words hanging tightly in my throat.
I knew it was a tough ask.
“Why do you want me to accompany you though?” He paused for a while and then continued, “Never mind, I get it…you are scared he will ditch you again, aren’t you? You just need me as a shoulder to cry on when it happens”
I watched as his face turned into a cold, mocking smile.
“You are my best friend and you know me well so there is no need to blab about it,” I uttered resignedly with hopelessness filling the air. “Are you going to be my date or not?”
I had a sense of relief when I saw his eyes melt slowly as he freed his veins.
He paused for a while, narrowing his gaze above, a half-frown still on his face. “Yes, but there is something you must do for me”.
- Writer
