Chapter 2

Michelle

It’s gotten late, and I’m still at the library.

Unhappiness is all around. I’ve barely gotten any work done because of my jittering nerves.

And it’s all thanks to this big guy, Maddox.

He is feasting on the last pizza slice while sitting next to me in a chair to see my display. I’m so uncomfortable.

Why does he have to be in my space all the time?!

Timidly, I glance at the clock on the wall and repress a groan. It’s late, and I should head home. It’s relieving to finally leave Maddox, but…

Instead of feeling achieved after a long hardworking a day, I’m anxious.

The work isn’t halfway done! Why did the teacher have to team me up with Maddox? He is lazy and does nothing for the team, while I like to stay ahead of my game!

Wait.

Game?

Jesus Christ, now I’m even starting to sound like Maddox!

“Are you holding silent conversations with yourself again?” Maddox asks while peeling a banana.

He is such a bastard, beautiful, albeit a bastard.

I don’t dare to meet his eyes. He has already figured out that he frightens me; that’s why he is close. Maddox is the type of person who likes to bask in other people’s discomfort.

“I… I don’t hold silent conversations with myself.”

“Sure.”

Sure?

“I mean it.”

Maddox calmly takes another bite of fruit. Smacking his tongue against his palate. I find it annoying, which is probably why he does it.

“I have another question.”

I repress a sigh. “What is it?”

“Do all men frighten you, or is it just me?”

I stare at his muscles and unyielding expression, gulping. “W-what makes you think I’m afraid of men?”

He shrugs a massive shoulder. “You had no trouble talking to the librarian earlier. She is a woman… But you shuddered in your chair when that gang of teenage boys walked past. You also wore this priceless expression, like you would shit in your pants.”

Sadness wraps me up like a breakfast burrito while Maddox, the brutish bastard, laughs at his own words.

Rude.

be such an ass about

of someone for what they fear. You don’t know

smiles evilly from his chair, amused. “Ah, what have you

he say that so

at bay. I dislike being put on the spot like this. Maddox

whisper,

Rape.

Abuse from my parents.

Loneliness.

that I would ever

palm of his hand, eyeing

avert my eyes from him.

“Tell me.”

Seriously?

me anything? He isn’t my friend or goddamn therapist! We

none of

was that?” Maddox grins wolfishly. “Speak louder;

“I—”

“You’re whispering again.”

none of your business!” I exclaim, teary-eyed and shaking out of

Maddox lets out a sharp laugh. “You look like you’re

is to stare at him, a little breathless and with my heart hammering against my chest. Even my lips

weirdo…” Maddox shakes his head at me. “You don’t possess a single assertive bone in that

cut

to show him my emotions and sit still, hoping

will this jackass leave me alone. Maddox isn’t afraid of confrontation; that

in his element, as if

I asked a

are you

his nose, lifting

unsettling feeling in my chest, I glare at him.

Maddox snorts. “And I’m not mean. I say things how they are. There is

I swallow thickly.

Maddox is a bully.

“Whatever,” Maddox rises to stretch and stands to his full height. “Grab your shit, and let’s get out of here. I’m

“You’re driving

walking to school today, so

saw me

know who

so

“Umm…”

“Can you at least write it

do that without

I pick up my phone. I eagerly type down

comments and walks away from

Uh.

just

is like a mountain that grew legs and decided to start

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