True Intention

Ch 5- Only slightly creepy...

Naomi POV

I was not sure exactly what was going on.

While being in a room with three college guys had terrified me, it didn't actually make sense. The reason I say that is because I went to therapy. I did the work. I knew martial arts, too. I'd even fought back during my high school years when people tried s**t. I didn't exactly rush out and put myself in social situations like my therapist was hoping, but I had no idea that even though I knew those guys were harmless, I could not stop my shaking. I was panicking. And for Soren, the one that actually had showed possible interest, to be the one I clung to? Totally weird. I knew though, from their vibes, these three were probably the safest guys on campus. Call it intuition, I guess?

Their vibes just screamed chill. The idea made me chuckle, since screaming wasn't exactly a chill action, but at the same time, it was like they had marquees over their heads announcing they wouldn't hurt a fly. All three were handsome and sexy, but Soren was definitely the one I'd dreamt of. And not in an innocent way, either.

Nope, my imagination had run scrumptiously wild, and left me feeling tired despite the fact that I slept.

I was curious what Soren was really up to. He'd mentioned my tongue ring, but not in a s****l way. His eyes certainly looked like they liked what they saw, but so far, any touching had been on my side, not his. I was the one that plastered myself to his side when his friends came home. I hadn't missed the slightly possessive posturing, like he was staking some kind of claim, but I wasn't complaining if it kept people out of my business. I hoped he could give me enough space that the females he seemed to attract could just leave me alone.

I'm just not at all wanting attention, really, as flattering as it might be that someone that hot has an interest. I just... I didn't feel ready, and again, boys were mostly a distraction. Given how obsessed people in school were with s*x, it was clear to me that it wasn't something that helped you stay focused on your goals, especially if any drama got involved. I wanted to graduate and feel I performed well, not be worried about my grades because my boyfriend wanted to make out all weekend.

And I knew if I had a guy like Soren, and he wanted me to make out? I'd be hard-pressed to ever deny him. His s*x appeal was off the charts.

As I walked across campus, I felt eyes on me, but when I checked around, nobody seemed to be looking. I was so worried about the sensation of being observed that I forgot to watch my own trajectory and who was in it. My hood was up, thank God, because, of course, I ran smack into Carla, splashing her coffee on the ground. I'm calling myself lucky it didn't get on her or I'd never get away. And it wasn't a lot, either.

Of course, to a b***h like Carla, even a droplet is a travesty. And I was guilty of crimes against humanity for said travesty.

I kept my face down and away as her fist hit my shoulder. Yeah, assault, right? But in my desperation to avoid detection, I'd take the smacks as long as I didn't end up on social media.

"God dammit you stupid b***h! How dare you spill my coffee. Ugh!" She screamed, enjoying the eyes on her. I pulled a five dollar bill out that I'd happened to have stuffed in my jeans pocket and held it to her, my face still pointed at the ground. God, please just f*****g take the money and leave me the hell alone!

i

"Sorry about that." I said, disguising my voice and trying to sound as apologetic as I could.

"Fine, I guess. Just watch it, clumsy slut. I won't let you off next time." She laughed snidely, taking this chance to lord it over anyone she could, and the surrounding clones did the same.

I scurried off to my class, barely getting there ten minutes before. I have this thing about being early. I just kept my face down, scanning the assignment from the day before. Of course, his royal sexiness, Soren, slid into the seat next to me again. I sighed, and before the man could speak in that smoky, chocolaty voice of his, the teacher walked in and announced that where we were sitting was permanent so she could remember everyone. s**t. Remember the glares from yesterday? Tripled, instantly. Ugh. At least I felt like the lesson was sticking. Our main assignment was taking notes, though the teacher did say we'd have a project to create a piece that reflected the period they were studying at the end of the semester. We were allowed to start anytime.

Since the teacher didn't want to go through each period in a linear fashion, stating that jumping around made her feel like it was easier to stay engaged, the first period we'd been assigned was Art Nouveau. Personally, I'm a huge fan of Alphonse Mucha, so I was planning to use his work as an inspiration. She also told us since this was a relatively short unit, only four weeks, it was best to start early.

When class ended, Soren turned to me and I just knew he was going to try to talk to me again.

I was off like a shot, glad he was an attentive student. I heard him calling me, and I know he means well, I just can't deal with him right now. I went straight for the Pence Union Building, dashing past the JFK Library. Seeing Carla off in the distance, I practically ran to ensure she couldn't possibly come within twenty feet of me. I found a similar scoop chair, but in a different corner, to eat in. I suspected Soren would probably seek me out yet again. I convinced myself I felt relieved when I got through my lunchtime without a single person coming near me.

No glimpse of Soren or Carla, though I had to admit I was kind of sad when he didn't show up again.

No, Naomi. You don't need the distraction. I started sketching out a rough idea for the Art History project, since I was not one to put things off. If I got my idea fleshed out now, then I'd have more time to refine things like color and details. And keep myself from adding Japanese influences, because if I wasn't careful I easily did that. Soren was right, I was pretty damn fascinted with Japan.

As I entered my next class, I saw a sign on the door announcing to sit in the same seats. Great, yet again I'm stuck next to Soren for the duration of my class. I sighed, slumping into my seat fifteen minutes early. Too late, I realized my mistake when said handsome ball of masculine deliciousness sat down, with a full twelve minutes until class began. f**k. It would be pretty rude of me to make it obvious I'm avoiding him. Nobody else was in the classroom yet. I couldn't avoid his mesmerizing green hazel eyes as he stared at me. Sighing, I turned to him and glared. He grinned. Okay...

God it was hard to not smile and respond to him like I'm sure most girls did, simpering and fluttering. Ugh!

"There's my roomie." He said intimately, and I immediately covered his mouth with my hands.

"Soren, you can't just announce that." I whispered harshly, my head swiveling back and forth.

And then... he licked my damn hands, causing me to retract them quickly. I seriously can't deal with him. He doesn't even realize what kind of trouble he's making for me. The time it would take to explain, and the s**t I'd have to relive made it impossible. I know he's a nice guy, I can just tell. But I can't bring myself to trust him and his friends, especially if any kinds of rumors get started. I was just glad I had all female teachers this semester. One of the worst things Carla had done was link my name with my male art teacher in high school. Thankfully, no wrongdoing was found, but it was still investigated, and the story was on everyone's mind. Just like with my assault, the students didn't care about the truth.

Just talking s**t and delighting in how much it hurt me.

"Why not? It's not like we chose to live in the same place. It's purely by chance. I'm lucky that I like everyone I live with. In college, it isn't always like that. My Freshman year was a nightmare in the dorms." He said, still loud enough that anyone coming to class could hear him.

"It's just... People will say things about us, or me and the three of you, and I just can't have that, okay?" I rushed out. I felt bad, but there was no way I was dragging them into a situation like that. And girls could be the worst for that. Taking a picture, adding a fake caption and voila! Someone's reputation was in tatters.

If you'd never noticed, once an accusation is out there, no matter what the truth is, there are always those that doubt even the most compelling evidence, right in front of them. If they like wehre that narrative takes them, they'll pursue it to the ends of the earth and never let go of it.

"What they say isn't important, Naomi. We know what does or doesn't happen in our house. That's all we need." He said nonchalantly. Oh. My. God! He does not get it. I sighed impatiently. I didn't want to be mean, but my patience was nearly gone.

"Have you ever been the victim of false rumors?" I asked him. He tilted his head thoughtfully, his eyes carefully examining my face.

"No, not personally, but I've seen how badly they can destroy someone in high school." He said seriously. "Is that... what happened to you?" His tone gentled as he laid a tentative hand on mine. Dammit, don't feel attracted to himmmmm! I pulled my hand away and nodded. He took in a sharp breath. "Look, I know I'm probably the last person to tell you what to do, but... I think you should just be yourself and they can all f**k right off." He said it the nicest way possible, and I knew he meant every word, but it wasn't that easy. I wish it was that easy, I really do.

"I'm alone though. I don't have anyone to back me up, or a shoulder to cry on." I said, frustrated. "It's me against the world." I wasn't trying to sound like I was complaining or whining, it was simply the truth, and when you're alone, survival comes first. I don't really remember what it was like to be relaxed in my own skin, liked, and confident.

When we lived in Brooklyn, I'd had a group of friends that had artistic and musical parents, so I'd felt accepted and normal. Now I know normal isn't exactly a goal. But to at least have those people that accept you as you are? Jsut that. I didn't even get that from my parents after the disgrace of my assault.

"I think I'm going to make sure that changes." He grinned widely, as others began to filter in to class. "Just you watch."