Slide Into My DM

Chapter Seventeen

Megara

“You didn’t have to wait for me,” I comment when the first thing I see outside the classroom is Thomas.

He shrugs, “Wasn’t that long.”

I give him a look as we habitually walk down the hall towards the stairs, “It was at least fifteen minutes… I wanted to double-check I spelled everything correctly.”

“Ah, I should have done that. Those would be silly points to lose on an exam.”

I gesture between us, “Exactly. Did you do at least two paragraphs this time? I know you said the mid-term you did one to two.”

“I did two to three, just like you suggested.”

“Good.”

On the ground floor, I realize that I’m actually headed to my car. Stopped, I ask, “Do you have another exam today?”

“Nope. I’m done for the semester, you?”

I nod, “That was my last.”

Feeling a little more awkward now, I shift my weight from one foot to the other. Pointing behind me I explain, “I’m parked back there.”

“Me too.”

So then we start moving in that direction. “You know… I never asked, and I hope this isn’t a weird question, but why are you just now a freshman?”

“A few different reasons,” he replies slowly. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do right after high school. I definitely didn’t know what degree I wanted or career or anything like that.” He pushes a hand through his hair, “And… well, my mom needed help with my little brother. Her husband, Conner’s dad, died while deployed overseas. It was a really difficult time for my mom and I did my best to help. I actually lived with her those first two years.”

I didn’t realize I’d stopped until he turned around to look at me. I had my hand over my chest, my fingers curled around my locket. “Christ, Thomas, I’m so sorry.”

All I can think about is how much I f*****g misjudged him. I feel like such a b***h.

He keeps walking, “I think maybe that’s why I put up such a front.” He turns to look at me when I catch up, “This happy-go-lucky, don’t give a s**t, do whatever seems fun, buy whatever I want, bull s**t front. The more I talk about nothing, the less people hear.”

Once we’re out the double doors, I grab his hand and tug it. When he turns, I hug him. “It’s not nothing….”

He pulls me close again, his chin over my shoulder. He squeezes me then whispers, “You’re right… it’s not nothing, it’s something.”