Caught

Arabella POV

While I was still trying to remove all thoughts of my professor from my head stating all the facts that nothing can ever happen between us, my metallic claw hair clip dropped causing a high-pitched noise.

"Is everything all right in there" I heard Caleb's voice call out to me.

"Yes, Caleb. Just finishing up." I said as I took a last rinse.

F*ck, what was I thinking. Dimitri is like a father figure to me and I should not allow these feelings to continue. Not only is he ten years older than me, or because he is my ex's brother or is my professor but because I wouldn't be able to go to church to face my God-fearing mom and dad again. My parents are devoted Christians and even though they tried their best to bring me up the Christian way, I had to turn my back on them. Not because I am not a believer, but because they can get a little bit judgemental.

Plus they wouldn't understand. They wouldn't accept him, especially if they found out that he got fired for being with me or if they knew I am not a pure virgin like the sisters in the church, and also if they knew I had dated his brother once. 

But they should understand that Blake cheated on me and not that I want to experience the adventure of having two brothers at different times. Stop it, Ara. I mentally scolded myself. Stop thinking about it because it would never happen. Things between you and Dimitri would never work out. You are done these these thoughts and you are done with this crush. "Get yourself together girl."

Letting out a heavy sigh, I let the cold shower cool my thoughts before stepping out. I dried my body, got dressed, and prepared to go home.

The streets are pretty dark and quiet by the time I leave. I should have left earlier but with my thoughts and that scene in the showering area, it took longer than I expected. I stepped down on the pavement and started making my way home. I feel a cool night breeze on my face causing my tied-up messy bun to leave strands of hair flying around my face.

I started walking not bothering to get an Uber because the gym isn't far from my home. It is one of the perks of staying close to school properties. But I was worried because I had never left for anywhere or come back from anywhere this late. I began to worry about the news I had heard on campus concerning late-night walks and girls but I distracted myself with thoughts of Dimitri. I knew I wanted to stop thinking about him but it takes process. At least I know I am not going to act on these thoughts ever.

My mind still wandered back to him. Ugh. I thought about how handsome he was, how he offered to deliver me to my apartment after that nasty breakup, how he offered to hug me despite the struct rule, how he shared ice cream with me, how he didn't return the kiss, how ge called me during the class and how he looked at me after the class.

Thoughts of him began brewing in my mind but I forcefully pushed them aside trying to find my way among the surroundings I knew too well. This section of surrounding was pretty eerie dark, with all the building lights and street lamps off, and had bumps here and there. I try to carefully remember those bumps while walking. 

Suddenly I heard a noise. Someone had kicked a stone which made a nose on the pebbled road. It caused a rise on my skin, goosebumps following. I didn't turn back, I couldn't, instead, I hugged myself tightly, walking faster than I did previously. 

I heard more footsteps behind me like it wasn't one person but at least two and they were coming for me because they hastened as I did. 

I was scared but as I looked up, I saw the street where streetlights were on and people were still walking. I was glad that I had found safety.

Kicking my speed from a hastened walk to a jog. I rushed turning back. My stuck-out strands of hair entered my mouth as I spotted two burly men wobbling behind me, their devilish smiles confirmed to me that they were here for me, I was their target.

They hastened their footsteps. It was like my turning back fired something sinister in them as I saw that they were closer than before.

Panic envelops me. I don't wait to be told what to do. I run.

As I turned to face forward, my feet hit something hard, a bump and I fell over onto the ground. Letting a small scream, I snap my eyes shut and brace for the great fall. 

Sharp pain skitters through my palms where my hands hit the pavement, while my body crashes onto the ground. Nausea hit me as I saw a pile of fish sticks close to where I had fallen. I try to stand back on my feet but I don't have time to get away.

Strong hands yank at my hair and pull me up, allowing another strong pair of arms to wrap around my chest.

I let out a mental cry. "Shit, this is probably my penance for having dirty thoughts about my professor."