Chapter 158
On Wednesday during class, my phone rang. I had forgotten to put it on silent and so everyone just turned to me. I apologized and quickly turned it off, frowning when I realized it was Reign that was calling. We had talked just the previous day after he had sent me pics of the puppies his dog Sage had given birth to. And I wondered what was so urgent that he had decided to call during class. Luckily it was Calculus and Austin had dropped it. If it was upto him he'd have dropped every subject that required him to calculate. Although I couldn't deny the fact that he was trying during our studying time together. But in the morning I had just randomly give him a quiz text on what we had learnt on Sunday and he had performed terribly at it.
Immediately after the class ended I remained seated and took out my phone to call Reign back. And he picked up almost immediately.
" Hey, sorry I couldn't pick up. I was in class. "
He apologized, sounding really guilty.
" It somehow skipped my mind, I don't know why I always forget you're literally still a student. "
I laughed it off, then I asked him whether there was anything he needed. From what I knew, his flight was supposed to be leaving that very same day.
" Yeah..well, I wouldn't say I need something but my flight got delayed and I'll be leaving early tomorrow morning. Was wondering whether we could meet up later, at the store maybe?"
My hand naturally went up to my neck, rubbing my skin as I tried to think of a response. As with all the other times, I really wanted to see him. Each time we talked I felt lighter, but I perfectly knew how things would turn out if he went by the store and my manic boyfriend happened to see him. Especially since lately he hardly left my side, he'd stay with me each night and only left when he had to go to class, so it was gonna be a tough one.
" Or can't you?"
" No! I mean yeah..I'd like that!"
Somehow I knew he was smiling. I was just gonna have to think of a way to meet him without Austin knowing because as I had come to learn, if I really wanted to do certain things then I ought to stop focusing on Austin so much. If it were up to him I'd not talk to anyone else apart from him.
" Not at the store though, "
" Okay, where then? Just text me the address and I'll be there. "
" Give me a few minutes and I'll send it to you. "
" Cool, I'll be waiting. Now focus on your classes, if I recall correctly your knowledge on mechanics of particles was severely limited. "
" What're you talking about? I beat you in that test, "
" You wish! I let you win Stevens, I'm just nice like that. "
I scoffed loud enough for him to hear, and he chuckled before wishing me a nice day and hanging up. Lately he'd send me some pretty fun studying games and we'd compete to see who was better. Perhaps that was one of the reasons I was so fond of him, because he was genuinely interested in making me develop and get better at the things I loved. But now I had to figure out how I was gonna meet up with him in secret, and where we'd go. I spent the next entire hour just thinking it through, and I was glad when I finally thought of something. It would have to involve Max but I as certain he'd be happy to help. And the best part was that the chances of Austin finding out were next to nothing. I texted Max after his History class and told him where to find me. I was waiting in one of the labs which were completely vacant.
He got there not long after, looking a little perplexed by the entire situation. I watched as he slowly shut the door behind him before crossing his arms and raising his brows inquisitively.
" Can I know why you summoned me here? Pretty sure you know I'm interested in someone else. "
I let the joke pass because there wasn't any time to comment on it.
" I need your help. "
" With what? "
I appreciated the genuine concern I heard in his voice. I could see him thinking about all the things I possibly needed help with. And one thing I loved about Max was that he was a true friend. He could close off entirely at times and ignore you but that didn't mean he didn't care. I had known that when he had tried to convince me to move in with them a couple of year back. Much like Austin was trying to do. Such actions were so sincere and they made me realize the enviable brand of people I had around me.
I couldn't tell him I was going to meet up with Reign, meaning I'd also have to lie to him. I felt bad about that but nothing could be done. There'd be too many questions that I couldn't answer. I just needed him to trust me and help me out however I told him to.
" There's somewhere I really need to go after school, but I don't want Austin knowing. So I was wondering whether you could be my alibi -"
" I'll do it. "
" Well that was fast."
His explanation was not surprising, apparently he disliked Austin so much he was willing to do anything if it meant having some sort of advantage over him. I wasn't sure how covering up for me counted as an advantage but I was in too much of a hurry to ask. He wanted to know where I was really planning on going and I knew if I asked him not to worry about it he'd definitely worry. He just wanted some explanation, whatever it was. And I once again had to lie, I was turning into someone else simply because Austin was unable to control his jealousy-fueled anger.
" Austin's dad wanted to talk to me, I think it's about helping him study. But if he knows he'll be super pissed, and he's always around me soon.."
" I get it. It's cool, I've got you. Just tell me what to do. "
For a brief second I considered leaving without telling Austin and then calling him afterwards to explain. But I immediately tossed that plan aside because I knew better. And I also didn't want him to worry, so I was just going to briefly meet up with him the second classes ended.
And I had already told Reign where we'd meet so backing out wasn't an option. I ran lines with Max after school just to make sure he still remembered,then I asked Austin where he was. He had been waiting for me outside, standing beside his bike with Miles. And they seemed to be busy since they were just focused on it. Perhaps he had a race and they were making sure it was in a good state to participate.
He stopped on seeing us but Miles just continued with his business, all his focus on the bike to the point where he didn't see Max and I approach. I watched as Austin ran his eyes over Max before he settled them back on me. I already felt awful for having to lie, and if I wanted to get away with it I knew I had to channel my inner Austin and just act a bit uncaring. He couldn't ever know it was a lie because then he'd be furious.
" Hi, " I excitedly greeted him as I ruffed up his hair, holding onto both his upper arms afterwards. He gave me a small smile and casually placed his hand on my waist. Him and Max were just completely ignoring each other and I was okay with that.
" I just came to tell you that Max's mum invited me to her birthday party this evening, obviously I can't go because of work but I was planning on helping them out with the planning for an hour or so. "
Chelsea had agreed to stay at the store another hour, although one of her terms was that during my midterm break I'd pay her back with three hours. It had something to do with a kpop concert she was attending but I had agreed because I was desperate and there was really no other option. Or perhaps there was but I was just too lazy at the moment to think of one.
" So, you're going now?" Austin asked and I nodded.
" Where does he live? Is it far from -"
" No, we can walk. Its pretty much the same distance as from here to my house. "
He nodded, then Miles made this tsking sound with his tongue and Austin immediately turned around.
" Yeah, you were right, someone definitely fucked with it intentionally, " he said as he stood up straight and dusted off his hands. I asked what was wrong and they just looked at each other and shrugged, then Austin cursed and fisted both hands in his hair, sounding extremely frustrated. I took a step towards the bike and just stared at it because I didn't know the first thing about them, it honestly looked fine to me.
" What's wrong with it?.." I started to ask but then it just started to leak. Oil dripping out of it and onto the ground.
" Someone literally messed up the plug, and if I'm right then the brakes aren't too trustworthy either. " Miles explained and I completely understood Austin's reaction, he could as well have been married to that thing.
" Maybe one of the million people you pissed off finally decided-" Max began to say but I shot him a very harsh stare and shook my head. It wasn't the time.That was a pretty serious issue.
" You've gotta be kidding me! Fuck!" Austin yelled.