Trapped in trouble

10:36 A.M.

I wake up as the sun is setting down. The pain is gone, and Clara's walking through the door as I wake up.

-Here. -She hands me a new bottle of the medicine we both share for cramps. -I got you I know one. And yeah, I know I'm the best, no need for saying it.

I laugh.

-Thanks. - I take the bottle and put it on my bag.

-I assume he left? -She says. - So, tell me all that happened.

-Nothing happened. -She rolls her eyes. -Or better saying, in your terms, I was denied before it even started.

-Damn, but what did he say?

-He said he worried about me, specifically as a friend. It's a good sign, I guess.

She comes closer and stares at me.

-You're lying. -She says.

-About what?

-You can't say you got HAPPY that someone told you that, specifically Marcus.

-How many times do I have to repeat myself? I don't like him, Clara.

-Are you SURE? That in your whole body, that during this entire time, where you had multiple crazy encounters OVER and OVER again, you don't have the slightest feeling for him?

-I... I don't know -She knows how to get me confused. - but look, I don't even have time for that right now, so it doesn't matter. I have to go.

-Lies... -She stares me as I leave through the door. -You both need to figure yourselves out! I want that 50 bucks and my ship sailing! I NEED IT!

I get into my room, put my bag down and go to my notebook. I open it mindlessly and start doing whatever homework is up to take my mind out of this terrible space. Clara knows how to plant doubt in someone's mind, and I feel like I'm getting insane. Yeah, I did feel a bit confused when he said that to me but... that doesn't mean I like him. He is trying to be nice, and we had our share of shitty situations, but that doesn't mean anything. Besides, he doesn't even like me, he specifically said that. Even if I were to feel something, it would never go anywhere, so why start now? I go for a shower to cool myself down. Damn you Clara, I don't know what to think anymore.

The week then passes by fast, and I try my best to concentrate on all tests, together with avoiding Marcus as I don't know how to act. Since that afternoon I have this inside feeling of embarrassment, and it has been getting on the way, every time I talk to him. These pasts days have already been hard, and I don't want to give him any signs that I feel uncomfortable.

-Long time no see, Lyssa. -I hear this voice and my body immediately trembles. It's Randy.

He approaches me with a grin in his face. It's sinister. He reeks of alcohol.

-Hey –I say, looking around. There's no one around. This is not good.

-Haven't talked in a while, have we? -He starts walking in my direction. -Don't you miss me?

-What do you want? - I say, backing down a little bit.

-Geez, I just want to talk... -He says, getting even closer. -I've been hearing lots of interesting stuff about you. For example... –He locks his eyes on mine with fury. -That you're now with MARK.

I try to stare back.

-No, I am NOT. -I can feel his piercing gaze giving me shivers inside. -We're friends.

-Ha I see... -He says. - You know, the funny part is... I don't believe you.

-I wish I knew your self-stem was this low before I ever talked to you. -I try to respond angrily. -Whatever I'm doing, is none of your business. Get lost!

The vein on his forehead looked like it was about to burst.

-What did you just say to me?! -He looked like a madman.

He's now coming towards me and I crouch down and prepare for the impact. As he gets within range, I kneel him with all my strength. He goes down yelling all kinds of words, and I use that time to run as fast as I can. I can hear him get up and follow me as I run as fast as I can. I keep running. God, how did this all happen. For a good minute I hear a constant pacing behind me, then it gets faster. Shit, this is bad. I look around and I see I'm getting closer to the science department. If I walk in, he can't keep this chase with security around. When I'm about to cross, he grabs my arm and flips me behind him, spraining my ankle and hurting my arm. I can't contain the scream. He's going to lock me with his legs on top of me. I need help.

-Hel- - He cuts me before I can finish the sentence with his hands.

My chest is burning with the pain and the exhaustion of running half the campus.

-No more running Lyssa. -He says with his disgusting voice. -Time to teach you a lesson.