Chapter 33

Brielle's POV

The next day, I went to school early hoping that Blake would be there. I waited for him while checking the time on the classroom wall, but time kept going and everyone else arrived except for him. Class began and I was barely concentrating. I was worried about Blake.

No one else was bothered by Blake's absence. It was normal for him to disappear for days, but it was new to me and I didn't like it. As much as I would like to deny it, I was starting to develop feelings for Blake. I don't quite understand them yet, but I know that I care for him and I want to see him and spend time with him.

Lunch went by and everyone came out of the class. I stayed behind. I had no appetite, so I didn't feel like doing anything. I checked my phone hoping that he would call me or send me a text. But why wasn't I doing that? I was afraid that my messages and calls would get ignored and that is why I was hoping that he would reach out to me first.

I didn't realize that I had somehow drifted off to sleep on my desk. I couldn't sleep last night, so I was tired. The bell rang, jolting me awake. I looked around to see that I was alone and sighed. The others came back from lunch chatting among themselves without a worry in the world. I envied them. I sometimes wish I had made meaningful friendships. I wouldn't have to worry all alone without anyone to talk to.

After school, I walked home slowly hoping that Blake would drive by me. I arrived home and Blake was still nowhere. When I got home, I went straight to my room and avoided my grandmother because I didn't want her to be worried.

I lay on my bed on my back staring at my ceiling. I don't know how long before I heard my phone ping. I grabbed it from the bedside table and checked the message. It was a text from Anthony. I was a little disappointed that it was from him, but I was still happy that Anthony texted me.

' Hey, you. It's been a while.'

Indeed, it has been. I don't remember when I last talked to him. It's the moment I wish he was right here with me.

' Hey, Anthony. How are you?' I replied.

' I am fine. I just found myself thinking about you, so I thought I should say hello. You are doing well, right?'

I wondered if I should tell him about my situation with Blame, but I decided against it. I shouldn't burden him with my problem. Anthony has always been there as a friend and most of the time he would just be there listening to all my problems. I know he doesn't mind, but I do. I would like to hear from him once.

' Yeah. Everything is fine. What about you? Anything new?'

My phone started ringing. He was calling me, so I picked up the call.

" Hey," he says kind of awkwardly.

" Hey," I replied.

There was a pause before Anthony continued.

" I feel like something is going on with you. What is it? You can tell me," he tried to urge.

Right. Of course, he would be able to sense that something was off about me. I wanted to talk to him so badly, but I didn't know what I would say to him. Where would I even begin? How could I tell him about Blake without telling him the whole truth? But I can't tell him about everything. I am sure he wouldn't believe me. Who in the world would believe that something that is considered a myth is true? I doubt myself as well.

It feels like a very long dream and someday I will just snap out of it.

" How do you do that?" I asked him, genuinely curious.

" Do what?" He asks.

" That thing where you can tell that there is something wrong with me?"

I heard him sigh from the other side. " There is nothing to it. I can sense it in your tone when you talk. I'm sure you would be able to sense it as well. So will you stop changing the subject and tell me what is wrong? "

It was my turn to sigh. I rolled over on the bed and slept on my stomach.

" There is nothing wrong, Anthony. Not with me at least," I paused. " I was just worried about... someone else. I haven't heard from him for some time."

" Is that so? Who is it? Is it a new friend?"

I didn't respond. What was Blake to me? I mean he is my mate, so how can I regard him as a friend?

" Uh, yeah, sort of."

"Is it a girl or a boy?"

" His name is Blake," I replied, blushing to myself. My gosh. What is wrong with me?

" You said his name so affectionately. I bet he is more than just a friend," said Anthony with certainty. " Maybe he is. I don't know," I admitted.

" Wow. You have changed. I never thought you would make a friend. A boyfriend especially," he said with a strange emotion in his tone emphasizing' boyfriend '.

" I guess it comes with change. I never thought that I would let anyone close to me. But... with him, it's different."

" Is he... a good person?"

I didn't reply quickly. Blake seems like a good person. At least I feel that he is, and I know that he wouldn't do anything to hurt me.

" I believe he is a good person," I said, responding to Anthony's question.

" Well, that's all good. All I want is for you to be happy and safe."

" I wish the same for you."

After our heartfelt conversation, we said goodbye. Still, Blake has not reached out to me. I slowly drifted off to sleep with worry.