Almost Always You

Chapter 18

Peter and I watched the new Batman movie that he was dying to watch. I agreed because it starred Robert Pattinson. I always liked the actor since I saw him in Harry Potter. Yup! I’m a Potterhead. After watching the movie, Peter was really hungry. He took me to McDonald’s. I was starving, but I didn’t want to eat any junk food.

“I’m really hungry. What do you want?” he asked.

“I’m really not that hungry. You go and order; I don’t want anything.”

“Are you alright? I think something is wrong with you. You are refusing McDonald’s. Is it about the money? Then, b***h, let me remind you it was my idea to hang out, so I’m paying. Why do you think I paid for the movie ticket?”

“Peter, it is not about the money. I’m just not hungry.”

“Ella, either you order or I will order for you.”

“Fine. I’ll have a mango smoothie.” We went to order.

“Two meals, please,” he said to the girl at the counter.

“Peter, I told you I’m not hungry. I can’t eat this much.”

“You can and you will. You look like you haven’t eaten anything since morning, and I heard your stomach growl during the movie, so stop lying.”

Great, now I will have to throw up again when I get back to my dorm.

We were waiting for our order when Peter said, "So there's this guy named Nate. He saw you Friday at the game and asked me about you."

"What about me?"

"Well, he wants to know if you're single. I said yes, and he wants me to set you guys up. So what do you think? And before you ask, no, he's not some creep, and he's really handsome. Too bad he's straight."

I laughed and said, "Alright, I'll give it a try."

"Okay, I'll tell him and text you the info." I nodded.

We got our food and sat down to eat. I realized after all that throwing up, I was really hungry. I know this will affect my weight, but I didn’t have any other choice. We were eating peacefully.

“Well, look who’s here.” I looked up and saw my brother James. I was terrified because I know he will tell Mom about this, and she’s going to kill me.

“James, how are you?” Peter asked.

“I’m doing great. How are you, Ella?” he asked, giving me a knowing smile, which meant that I’m f****d.

“I’m good.” I kept my answer short.

Peter and James talked for a while, and then James left without even saying goodbye. Peter didn’t notice this because he was busy eating, but I lost my appetite. Peter didn’t force me to eat my food; instead, he finished the rest like a happy kid. We left McDonald’s. Peter wanted to go to the mall, but it was almost four, and I wanted to meet Xander for our assignment.

We took a taxi and went back to my dorm. I got everything I needed for the assignment. Peter and I walked towards the frat house, catching up on stuff we missed about each other. We reached the frat house. Some guys were playing video games, and some were lying lazily on the couch.

Peter turned towards me and said, “I loved spending the afternoon with you. We should do this more often, just the two of us.” I smiled and nodded. He kissed my forehead and went towards the guys. I looked around and noticed that Xander wasn’t there. So, I went upstairs. His door was closed. I turned the doorknob, and it was unlocked. I entered his room and saw something I wished I never would have seen. Xander was down on Nikki just like he was down on me two days ago. Nikki heard me coming and looked up. She pushed Xander away when she saw me.

I looked away and said, “I’m sorry; I should have knocked.”

I exited the room and closed the door behind me. Tears pricked my eyes. I made a run downstairs. I heard Peter calling me, but I didn’t stop. I ran back to the park nearby. I waited there for half an hour just in case Xander came looking for me at my room.

After a while I went to the dorms. I entered my room and locked the door. I was thankful Mercy wasn’t here to see me in this state. My phone started ringing; it was Peter.

I declined the call and switched my phone off. I was really hurt. I know Xander would never be mine, but seeing him do things with another girl made my heart break. I laid down on my bed and cried my heart out. I cried because of what I saw; I cried because I knew Xander can never be mine. I looked at my stomach, and it looked bloated. I got up and went to the bathroom. I threw up everything I ate for lunch. It was easy because my mind kept replaying the image of Xander and Nikki. I went out of the stall and looked up at the mirror. My makeup was smudged, and my eyes and nose were red from crying. I washed my face. I got back to my room. I changed into comfy clothes and lay down. I was exhausted. I closed my eyes and drifted off.

I was woken up by heavy pounding on my door. I looked at my phone, and it was six in the evening. I opened the door and came face-to-face with an angry Peter. He entered my room and closed the door.

“What the hell is wrong with you, Ella? You ran away like a maniac. You scared the s**t out of me. I came looking for you, but you weren’t here. Where were you?”

“I’m sorry, Peter. I wasn’t feeling well, so I came back. I think I was in the bathroom when you came here.”

“Stop lying, b***h. Nikki did her walk of shame a few minutes after you left. She told me how you saw Alex licking her pussy.” I cringed at his openness. “I know you like him, Ella.”

I couldn’t control my tears and broke down. He pulled me towards him. We sat on my bed, and he hugged me as I cried. I let out a huge sob. After a while I looked up at him, and he kissed my forehead.

“Alex was coming after you. But I stopped him, saying he should give you some space. I knew something was going on. The way you look at him. I know Alex is the kind of guy who doesn’t date or do relationships, but the way you guys were with each other, I thought he might change for you. I was wrong.”