When Bad Boys Fall

ASmallKindnessAndABigMistake

The rest of the lecture was a blur. I couldn't focus on a single word, Professor Whitelock said. Every time I shifted in my seat, my wet clothes made a squelching sound that felt like a siren in the quiet room. I could feel Ethan’s heavy, annoyed presence right next to me. Every few minutes, he would let out a loud huff of frustration, making sure I knew exactly how much I was bothering him.

As soon as the bell rang, Ethan didn't even look at me. He stood up, shoved his notebook into his expensive leather bag, and began walking away with long, fast strides.

"Hey!" I shouted, scrambling to grab my damp backpack. "We need to talk about the project!"

He didn't stop. I had to practically run to catch up with him in the hallway. Students were staring at us, whispering and pointing. I was still dripping, leaving a trail of muddy droplets on the polished floor.

"Library. Seven p.m. Don't be late," he said over his shoulder, his voice cold.

"Wait! I don't even know what part we are starting with…"

"Seven, Audrey. If you aren't there, I’m starting without you," he barked. He disappeared into the crowd of students before I could say another word.

I stood there, stunned and shivering. Just as I was about to burst into tears, I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder.

"Hi. I'm Vera," a girl said. She had a kind, sympathetic look and curly hair tied back in a messy bun. "I’m in your history course. I saw everything that happened in class."

I looked down, embarrassed.

"Don't listen to him," Vera said, stepping closer. "Ethan is a jerk. He’s just a popular, rich, spoiled kid who thinks the world revolves around him. But... I've seen him be sweet once or twice. I promise he’s human."

I just nodded, unable to find my voice.

"I'm Vera," she said again, smiling. "What about you?"

"Audrey," I replied shortly.

Vera reached into her gym bag and pulled out a clean, gray T-shirt. It smelled like fresh laundry and vanilla. "Take this. You're going to catch a cold if you stay in that wet shirt."

"I can't take your clothes, Vera. We just met."

"I have dance practice later! I always bring an extra-extra one just in case. Please. It’ll make me feel better if you take it."

Vera followed me to the restroom and waited outside the stall. When I came out, she helped me wring out my hair with some paper towels.

We parted ways, and I spent the rest of the afternoon drifting through my elective classes like a ghost. I sat through Introduction to Sociology and then a grueling two-hour French lab. In every room, I chose the most isolated corner. I kept my head down, terrified that someone from the history lecture would recognize me and start the Drip Queen chant again.

By the time the final bell rang, the energy that had kept me moving since 8:05 a.m. had completely evaporated. My legs felt like lead. I walked back to the dorm in a daze. All I wanted was to crawl under my covers and delete the entire day from my memory. But the thought of Ethan waiting in the library was like a dark cloud over my head.

The moment I dropped my bag on my dorm floor, my phone buzzed. It was a FaceTime call from my mom.

"Hi, my darling! How was your first day?" Mom asked.

"It was... a lot," I said, forcing a smileI told her about the professor and her fiery hair, and I mentioned the partner project.keeping the drip Queen part to myself.

"Benny’s helping me renovate the pantry so we have a place for all your favorite snacks when you come home," Mom said, turning the camera to show him.

"I’m getting the brain food ready, Aud!" Benny yelled, waving a hammer.Benny has been my best friend since we moved to Tulsa.

"I have to go, Mom. Library session," I said reluctantly.

I checked my reflection, I looked far better than morning time. I tucked my red hair behind my ears, and grabbed my laptop. Then, I looked at the clock on the wall.

7:10 p.m.

"No!" I gasped.I was ten minutes late.

I sprinted out of the dorm, my heart hammering against my ribs. The library was across campus, and the evening air was turning chilly. By the time I reached the massive stone steps of the library, I was out of breath.

I pushed through the heavy glass doors and scanned the quiet rows of tables. The library was mostly empty, the golden lamps casting long shadows over the books.

Then I saw him.