Page 81 of Through You
Apolo turns to me. “Don’t be a party pooper, we’re watching a movie.”
Claudia looks at me, and her icy stare is crushing. “Your food is on the table, and you can heat it in the microwave. Or are you not familiar with how to use one, sir?”
Apolo keeps his lips pressed tight to prevent him from laughing. I move a little closer to the sofa.
“I want a fruit salad. I like it freshly cut and served.”
Apolo snorts. “Don’t be a pain, Artemis.”
“I’m not talking to you.”
Claudia stands up.
“It’s fine, Apolo. Pause it, I’ll be right back.”
Apolo shoots me a hostile look but I ignore him and follow Claudia into the kitchen. I know I’m acting like a jerk. I just can’t stomach watching them together. And I find it hard to control the urge to separate them. What if something else has happened between them in the past months? I imagine her in Apolo’s arms, kissing him. Or even worse, making love to him. My chest tightens.No, Artemis. Don’t let your mind go there.
Claudia efficiently chops each piece of fruit, and I can’t stop myself from thinking back to the morning after the night when we kissed and she let me touch her. I recall how much fun I had teasing her.
She’s wearing a comfy dress that looks more like a night shirt, reaching to just above the knee. Her red hair is loose and a little messy on the sides. It’s grown a bit; it almost reaches her waist.
I miss you.
The words are stuck in my throat. Claudia finishes and presents me with a plate full of fruit. She then washes her hands and leaves the kitchen without giving me a second glance. I suppose we’re back to the cold-shoulder treatment. I make my way back to the living room with my fruit plate, only to find that Apolo and Claudia are no longer alone. Ares and Raquel are seated across from them. Raquel smiles at me when she sees me enter.
“Oh, hi, Artemis.” Raquel gets up. “I wanted to see you.” She hands me an invitation. “It’s for my birthday party. Maybe you’re not interested, but it would be nice if you could come.”
This girl’s joy and positive energy are contagious.
“Ah. I’ll try. Thank you for the invite.”
“Great!” she replies, giving me a thumbs-up.
Ares eyes me with distrust. His expression immediately changes when she turns around and walks toward him. The doubt in his eyes is replaced by a look of pure adoration. Who could have imagined that this girl, who looks like a sprite, would bring my heartbreaker brother to his knees?
Ares gets up and takes Raquel by the hand. “We’ll be in the rec room. ASuper Mario Kartrematch awaits.”
Claudia raises an eyebrow and shares a glance with Apolo.
“Sure, a rematch . . .”
Raquel blushes. “Um, well. I hope to see you at my birthday.”
She follows Ares down the hallway that leads to the rec room.
Claudia and Apolo share an amused look, acting as if they know something no one else does. It bothers me that they can communicate just by looking at each other. I need to stop feeling this way; it’s eating me up inside. I head to my room before I say or do something I’ll regret, making matters worse, which tends to happen anytime I’m near Claudia.
After my shower, I go downstairs to get a glass of water. To be honest, I want to check if they’re still sitting together on the couch, enjoying themselves. I’ve imagined the many possibilities and outcomes of what could happen between them. But when I enter the living room, I find it empty. I’m this close to cheering for the peace of mind this brings me when I notice them coming out of the kitchen. Both have wet hair, which I suspect is from having just showered, and they’re dressed nicely. Are they going out? My stomach lurches. My god, this is a horrible feeling!
You’re jealous. Alex’s voice echoes in my head. It’s beyond me how he can get a rise out of me without even being in my presence. Claudia is wearing a short skirt and a blouse with a plunging neckline. She carries her jacket folded on her arm. They greet me with smiles and walk past. I clench my fists and keep them glued to my sides. I want to keep my mouth shut, but I can’t.
“Where are you going?”
They don’t turn.
“Just out,” Apolo replies.
Were they seeing each other all this time while I was drowning myself with work in order to avoid running into her?
