Page 32 of Those That Don't Exist
“This is my number. Don’t change it to my real name. I’ll let you know when we can meet. Don’t call me, but if you need me, message me. Ok?”
I look down at the screen. He’s named himself as Red’s stalker. I smile at the inside joke. I look up to thank him for helping me vent but there’s nothing but an empty passage between the two stacks of books.
He’s far too good at disappearing.
After grabbing a few books I do in fact need, I decide I’ve had enough for today and start walking back to my dorm, typing a message to ‘Red’s stalker’ as I head up the street away from campus.
Thank you
I go to tuck my phone away but get an instant reply.
Red’s Stalker: Anytime Red. I don’t like it when you cry.
I don’t respond straight away but as I’m nearing my house a while later I brave it and type something back.
Did you mean it?
Red’s Stalker: mean what?
You’d take down my enemies with teeth and claws?
It brings a smile to my lips as I remember his indignation on my behalf, like he actually cares about me.
Red’s Stalker: 100% Red, I’ll slaughter anyone you order me too.
My smile widens at this little joke. It’s insane to feel happy my stalker is on my side but here we are. A tiny spark of something ignites in my chest as I reread our messages. I hope that whatever he has to tell me doesn’t snuff it out.
“She’ll come around eventually,give her the week to sulk,” Bree says. She’s leaning on the kitchen counter shovelling rice into her mouth.
It’s the following evening after my run in with Ty in the library. We haven’t texted again. I’m sorting laundry to shove into the machine in the little adjoining utility we have.
“I feel bad, I honestly do. I wish she’d talk to me. I hate that we’re fighting. It's been another day of complete silence between us.”
“You know she can be like this. Remember when she got a below perfect grade last year and she ignored both of us for a week?” Bree reminds me. She’s right, Claire does sink into herself whenever she’s unhappy or working through something. “Have you spoken to David at all?”
I sigh as I pour the detergent in and switch on the machine. “Yeah, we've been messaging a bit, we’re good. I’m not even sure what got into me if I’m honest. I low key liked him but have never thought of taking it further.”
“Yeah, he’s hot. Not worth the drama though.” Bree smirks at me.
“Yeah, I got that.” I roll my eyes at her. “It was nice though, having someone interested in me again, and not just because I’m the poor orphan girl.”
“Maybe you should try dating again, it’s been a while.”
“We’ll see,” I sigh. Ty flashes through my mind as I move back across the kitchen, heading for the archway to our living room, and the stairs. Bree catches me before I get far.
I hear the clang of her bowl a second before her lithe arms wrap around me, she grabs me from behind in a vice-like hug. Heat slams into my body at her proximity.
“It’ll be ok, you’ll see. Come out with me this weekend, it’s a ballet crew outing but we’re bringing extras.”
“Yeah? That sounds good.” I turn, hugging her properly. I inhale, causing her scent to fill my nostrils. My mouth waters.
“Don’t touch anybody.” Ty’s voice rings in my head. Shit.
“Great,” Bree says as she releases me. I squash the urge to close the distance between us again and tilt my head into the crook of her neck so my lips are closer to her skin.So much for no more sinister thoughts.I force myself to step backwards.
“Right, I’ve still got a paper to finish tonight so I’d better get upstairs and write.” I force myself to walk away. My head instantly clears once I’m out of her range. I turn back as I reach the stairs. “Thanks though, for still being my friend.”
“Always, Rory. We may fight but us three are joined for life.” She beams at me before returning to her dinner.
