Dirty romance

Chapter 11

My alarm beeps me awake. 5:30 I need to head down to reception and find out if there is a dorm room available for me. I only have two classes today in the afternoon. I’ll find a dorm and move out before the end of the day.

I quickly get dressed, grabbing my bag and phone and a gaze at this dark-haired girl holding Eric while they’re asleep. My stomach falls and I rush out of the room not being able to look at it for much longer. Eric has been playing with my feelings all along.

I drive down to the reception and take a seat in the waiting area. I pull out my phone and stare at my screensaver. It’s a photo-shoot my mom organized – my mom and I sitting on the floor of the studio and my dad at the back of us with each of his arms around my mom and I. I miss my family. I make a conscious note to video call my parents once I’m in my new dorm room.

The clock strikes 6 am and the reception desk opens. I proceed to the desk to issue my query and the black haired lady with the name tag that says “Sandra” lays her eyes on the computer screen.

“As far as I can see all the dorm rooms are full so you’ll have to stay in the dorm you’re living in.” Sandra says.

I ponder over the idea of having to stay in the room with Eric and the girl who appeared out of nowhere.

“Thanks.” I say to her before I brisk walk out of the foyer feeling my frustration build. There is no way I’m staying in that dorm room. Campus starts to get rowdy and students are starting to walk to the coffee house to get their morning coffee before classes start.

I follow the trail to the coffee house for my morning croissant and espresso as I enter I reach down my bag for my purse and in seconds I managed to knock into some student and hot coffee flies everywhere.

“s**t, I am so sorry.” I shriek looking up and my eyes meet Daniels’. I let out a huge breath relieved that it was him considering my dreadful morning. The last thing I need is some student shitting on me right now.

“Hey… don’t worry about it. Are you okay?” he can obviously see how upset I am. He tugs my hair behind my ear to get a better look at me. I gaze into his eyes and shake my head.

“No.” I feel my cheeks warm up and a lump in my throat. Don’t cry, don’t cry. I tell myself.

“Have a seat, I’ll get us coffee.” He gestures and walks over to make another order.

I pull out the steel chair and place myself onto it. Thank god Daniel isn’t still upset about last night. A few minutes later he walks over taking a seat placing my espresso and croissant in front of me.

“Do you want to talk about what upset you so much?” he asks softly. I shift in my seat not sure what to tell him. I want to sort things out between us and be open to him about Eric but how can I after last night? The way he reacted makes me second guess things.

“I’m looking for a new dorm room.” I say placing my hands around the coffee cup to heat my hands up. I scan his face waiting for any feedback his face is willing to show, nothing.

“Why?” he asks curiously.

“You know why…” I say hoping not to bring up last night.

“Because of him?” he asks bitterly.

I nod taking a sip of my hot espresso.

“Did something happen? Is that why you’re so upset?” he asks placing his hand over mine. My thoughts drift to Eric… I wish he cared this much. Everything is so confusing with Eric but so clear with Daniel. I lay my eyes on him and watch him as he rubs the top of my hand with his thumb. I owe it to him to be honest about Eric.

“Nothing happened,” I lie “I just want a new room. I can’t stay in that dorm room if I want things to work between us.”

He meets my gaze and I look away not being able to lie to his face. I know that’s not the reason I want to be in a new room. The reason is clear I have feelings for Eric but he is not good for me and staying with him keeps me involved and confused.

“Stay with me then.” He states catching me off guard.

“What?” I ask surprised. His bright smile fills my heart as he takes both my hands into his lifting them to his mouth placing a sweet kiss on them.

“I want you to come and stay with me.” He says.

Stay with him? Do I want that, isn’t this too early for our relationship? I offer a sweet smile and nod.

“Don’t you think it’s too soon? I mean we’ve only been seeing each other for a few weeks.”

He nods and blinks sweetly. “It is too soon but we’ll figure things out. You don’t have to move out of your dorm completely just sleep over a few nights see if you like it. You’ll have your own room in my apartment, we’ll take things slowly. I promise.” His is voice sweet and reassuring.

“Okay, I’ll spend the night tonight on one condition,” I say flirtatiously.

“Oh and what’s that?” he says leaning forward out of interest, placing his elbows on the table between us.

“You’ll see. I have to go back and get some clothes, I’ll meet you at your apartment after my classes.” I say and he nods.

I finish my meal and stand up reaching for my bag, throwing it over my shoulder I notice he moved next to me, my eyes meet his as I turn to the exit.

“Emily, I’m sorry about last night I shouldn’t of hung up just know that I’m not mad at you. Whatever was urgent for him to need you is okay and you don’t have to tell me about it unless you want to. I really want to make this work with us and I promise I’ll do my best to do that.” His words melt my heart. I offer him a warm smile and kiss him on the lips.

“I’ll do my best too,” I say before exiting the coffee house.

I reach the door of my room taking in a deep breath to ready myself for the situation on the other side. She will be there with him, caring for him. It is time to distance myself from Eric, moving in with Daniel will be good for me.

I turn on the handle and my eyes meet him lying on his bed. His body is upright and his eyes tell me he’s surprised to see me. Just do what you came here to do Emily. I ignore the aching feeling to ask him how he’s doing if he’s got pain if I can help with anything. Why does his presence make me care for him so much?

I proceed to my side of the room opening up my closet I grab my bag from the floor tossing it on my bed. I snatch my mesh Victoria secret pajamas for tonight followed by a dress and sandals for tomorrow and some clean underwear. I place my goods in my bag and make my way to the bathroom. I toss all my toiletries into my small bag and throw them in with the others. Zipping up my bag and looking around my bed making sure I won’t have to come back forgetting something.

I pick up my overnight back as well as my school bag and head for the door.

“I won’t be back for a while, so your girlfriend is free to use the room however she wants.” I say without making contact with him.

The room radiates a cold air. “Where are you going Em?” he asks weakly. I turn from the door and our eyes meet.

“I’m going to stay with Daniel, he offered me his place after I was looking for a new dorm room.” I say.

His brows pull together forming a frown between his forehead.

“You wanted to be in a different room? Emily, I just got back,”

What does he mean by that? What did he expect was going to happen, me just leaving Daniel because he showed up with a bullet wound and a new girlfriend?

“Yeah, you just got back with your girlfriend. Eric, I need to stay away from you, it’s the only way I can save my relationship.” I say feeling hurt that I might be hurting him. Well, he’s the one with a girlfriend so why should I care?

“Emily just wait, let’s talk.” He says eagerly.

“Why? So you can spin me more lies, where is she anyway?” I ask out of anger.

“She’s out. Emily, please let me explain.” His is voice desperate now.

“No.” I turn around and head out by the door. He didn’t even deny that she’s his girlfriend. He was messing around with me and my feelings while he had a girlfriend. How could he! He’s a lying piece of s**t.

I scamper down the hallway feeling my eyes start to tear up, walking away makes me feel like I’ll never see Eric again. My chest hurts at the thought of that. But I know better, I like Daniel, he is true to me, he cares and he shows it. I can’t keep fooling around and entertaining these feelings for Eric.

I wipe my tears while taking a deep breath to push what I’m feeling as deep down as I can. I reach my car and shove my overnight back onto the back seat locking it up. I scan my watch on my wrist, I have twenty minutes before my next class starts. I’m in no mood for this lecture but I can’t skip classes. Daniel’s apartment is 30 minutes away from campus so living with him won’t be too out of the way. I’ll have my own room again which is something I really started to miss since Eric got placed in my dorm room. I won’t be telling reception that I’ll live off campus so I can keep my dorm room, I need to see if this will work for Daniel and I before I give up my campus room.