Chapter 24

The weekend had passed in a haze of gentle moments, Gabriel's occasional soft and intense kisses leaving me breathless. There were no explosive outbursts, no flashes of anger. Just a quiet, simmering tension that seemed to build with every passing moment.

As Monday dawned, I prepared for a day of classes, my mind still reeling from the conflicting emotions that Gabriel evoked. He, on the other hand, had no such worries. As a basketball athlete, his schedule was relatively light, and he rarely attended classes or practice. His influential backing seemed to render him untouchable.

Gabriel drove me to school, his eyes watching me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. As I prepared to leave, I turned to him and brushed a gentle kiss against his cheek. "Goodbye," I whispered, feeling a flutter in my chest.

As I walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling that my resolve had crumbled. The determination I'd made to keep my distance, to remember Wu's death and Jimbo's brutal murder, seemed to melt away with every touch, every kiss. It was as if I'd never wanted to kill him, as if I wasn't scared of him at all.

I settled into my seat in class, waiting for Professor Collins to arrive. I pulled out my phone and checked my schedule for the day: immunology now, and organic chemistry later. The professor was running late, as usual. I took the opportunity to glance around the room, hoping to make a connection with someone. My attempt at befriending Mia had ended in disaster, leaving her feeling scared. I decided to try again, this time with the boy sitting beside me. I turned to him and tried to strike up a conversation, but he didn't seem interested. I gave up and began scrolling through my phone.

Just as I was starting to get bored, someone sat down beside me. I turned to look at the newcomer, and he greeted me with a warm smile. "I'm Jayden," he said, extending his hand.

Jayden was a tall and lean young man with a athletic build. His dark skin had a warm, golden undertone, and his features were chiseled and refined. His eyes were a deep brown that sparkled with kindness, and his smile was wide and genuine. He had a short, neat Afro that framed his face, and a small scar above his left eyebrow that added a touch of ruggedness to his appearance. He was dressed in a simple white t-shirt and jeans, but he wore them with a quiet confidence that made him stand out.

I smiled, taking Jayden's hand in mine. "Betty," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Jayden chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I know," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I attempted talking to you once before, but you shut me down. And I saw you attempt to talk to that dude," he nodded towards the boy who had ignored me earlier, "and I thought, why not try my luck?"

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I realized Jayden had been watching me. "Oh," I breathed, feeling a little embarrassed. "I'm sorry."

Jayden waved his hand dismissively. "It's fine. I wasn't offended. But if you really want to make it up to me, how about joining me for coffee after class?"

I smiled at him, feeling a spark of connection. "I would like that."

We chatted a bit more, and I discovered that Jayden was an on-campus student. I mentioned that I lived in Oakland, and he looked confused.

"But that's where rich people live," he blurted out, and I felt a twinge of embarrassment. I chuckled awkwardly, and Jayden apologized.

After a while, he asked, "Do you know you've become a celebrity overnight?"

I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Haven't you noticed the stares?" he asked, and I realized that I had. People had been stealing glances at me all day, and I couldn't understand why.

"Have I done something?" I asked Jayden, feeling a little self-conscious.

"Yeah, you attended a party with the guy almost every girl on campus has been eyeing," he explained. "And there's the history with his father. People are intrigued, jealous of you, and scared for you. How about you, sweetheart? Is it his place you're staying at in Oakland?"

My defenses rose, and I felt a surge of protectiveness. "Why exactly did you come talk to me?" I asked, my tone a little sharper.

Jayden held up his hands. "I told you, I saw you trying to start a conversation, and I thought I'd approach you. I didn't come with any other intentions. I simply want to be your friend."

I eyed him skeptically, but he seemed genuine. I gave him a small smile.

"So, are you two dating or what?" Jayden asked, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Cuz I've never seen the two of you interact like, ever. I mean, you used to be so closed off to everyone around you, then you disappear for two weeks, and suddenly come back in Gabriel Iglesias' hands. That's bound to make a guy curious."

Just as I was about to respond, the professor walked in, and I was thankful for his timely arrival.

As the professor droned on, my mind began to wander. I found myself thinking about the conversation I had with Ryan, and how he mentioned that Gabriel had known me since we were little. But I had no memory of that moment. It was as if my mind had blocked it out.

I couldn't help but wonder why Gabriel had gone to such great lengths to care for me. What was it about me that had captured his attention? I felt a pang of curiosity, and I knew I had to ask him about it.

I made a mental note to confront Gabriel about our past. I wanted to know how we had met, and how he had ended up falling for me. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I needed answers. And I was determined to get them.