Chapter Five

A few days passed, And I haven't talked to Logan. I knew I should call him and explain but, every time I tried I had nothing to say. He is keeping things from me. But what? I have no clue. 

 "You seem lost today,'' Rick tells me. 

 I smile. "I just have a lot on my mind."

 I take a bite of my apple. It is lunchtime and I sit in a very crowded cafeteria. 

 I watch as Rick works out an algebraic equation. 

"I think you're smarter than you pretend not to be." 

 "What no," Rick says, pushing up his glasses. 

 I laugh. 

 "You think I am a dork?" He asks. 

 I shake my head. "No." 

 "I know not a lot of college kids are still into anime and creature card games," he tells me. 

 "You're just being you." I smile.

 I hear my phone ring. Looking down, I noticed it was Logan. I forward the call to voicemail. 

 My phone beeps right after. I am coming over to talk later. His message reads.

Fine. I sent the words back. 

"What are your hobbies?" Rick asks. 

"Reading, word searches, and Sudoku puzzles."

"Oh fun," Rick smiles. 

"Yeah, kinda lame."

"Those Sudoku puzzles are made for geniuses," he tells me. 

I laugh. 

It was a breath of fresh air speaking with Rick. Is that what Logan needs? Some fresh air. Maybe some space?

Moments later, I work on my practice test. Looking at the clock, I am so ready for this class to end. 

I flip back in my notes to basic Algebra. I thought this class was hard at the time. I laugh to myself reading the equation.

a+b+c)2=a2+b2+c2+2ab+2bc+2ca.

(a+b)3 =a3 +3a2b+3ab2 +b

Finally, the bell rings, I gather all my things and flip my backpack over my shoulder. 

 "Hey Tilly, wait up," Rick says. 

 I stop at the door. We walk together down the hallway and towards the exit. 

"Any fun plans tonight?" 

"A card Tournament," he says. 

"Oh fun."

"Yeah, it's a great time," he remarks. 

"I bet."

Once In the parking lot, I see Logan's truck parked outside my car. He gets out and walks towards us. 

"Hey beautiful," he says, kissing me on the cheek. 

I smile trying to pretend like everything is fine. 

"This is my boyfriend Logan." I smile. 

Logan looks at Rick and reaches out his hand. Rick takes it and says, "I'm Rick."

"Nice to meet you,'' Logan smiles.

"Same to you,'' says Rick.

" I will see you in class on Thursday," I smile. 

Rick nods before walking away. 

"Come sit in my truck, I need to talk to you," Logan tells me.

"Okay, sure." 

I open his Passenger side and take my seat. I don't feel awkward around Logan, just awkward for the conversation ahead. 

"Tilly," Logan says, placing his hand on my leg once in the car. 

"What are you not telling me?" I feel hurt as the words escaped my lips. 

 Logan takes a deep breath. He looks out the window for a moment. 

 "Are you cheating on me?"

 He laughs for a second. "Are you with the college nerd?" He smirks. 

 I roll my eyes. 

 "No, I would never, you know how I feel about you," he tells me, rubbing my cheek. 

 "Then what?"

 "I have been drinking a lot. Beer, Whiskey, and shots, it's been getting out of control, he says. 

 "Why didn't you tell me?" I feel hurt. Not because of his actions but because he didn't trust me enough. 

 "I know you wouldn't approve," he says with pain in his eyes. 

 "I am sorry, I made you feel that way."

 "No, I want so bad to be the man you deserve," he tells me. 

"You are." I lay my head on his shoulder. 

He kisses me on the head. I feel somewhat confused. Yes, Logan went to parties, but he never had trouble with alcohol. 

"Who's Delilah?"

"The bartender," he says.

I nod. I feel annoyed. Not because I'm jealous but wasn't she technically egging him on to drink so much?