Page 98 of Naive in Love

I think about how he purposely stopped and talked to me. He could have walked by, minded his own business, but he checked on me. I am utterly grateful for this. I run through every scenario during class, and it’s clear to me that there is no safe way for me to leave class if Caleb is still waiting on me. With about fifteen minutes left of the lecture, I decide my only option is to text Ethan to come escort me.

I hate the idea of placing him in this situation, but I’m scared.

Me:can u leave class early and come get me?

Each minute ticking by has my chest tightening a bit more. Finally, three minutes later, his text comes through.

Ethan:whats wrong

Me:caleb is waiting on me outside my class. Pls come get me. humanities bldg. #318

Ethan:on my way

I’m able to breathe just a little better but am worried about what will happen when Caleb sees Ethan.

Me:don’t do anything. I don’t want u to get in trouble

I text him nervously, hoping to avoid further difficulty.

Ethan:I’m coming to get u. if he stays away things will stay cool

I whisper to David next to me, “Can you walk with me? At least until I see my boyfriend. He should be out there.”

Me:r u here yet

The professor is getting ready to dismiss class.

Ethan:around the corner tell me when you’re walking out

A couple of minutes later, she dismisses us, and I send the text letting him know I am coming out. My heart is racing. David walks behind me, his hand on my back as we follow everyone out. I see Caleb standing—arms crossed, glaring in my direction—right outside the door. My legs feel like they might give out on me at any moment. I look to my right, where the next hall intersects, and see Ethan leaning against the wall.

I turn to him immediately, praying my legs get me to him. I can still feel David’s hand on my back, which gives me some comfort since my back is to Caleb now. I walk into Ethan’s chest, and his arms encapsulate me.

“Hey, I’m David.” I hear him speaking to Ethan, but it begins to sound far away.

“What the fuck are you doing here, pretty boy? Haven’t I already told you to stay out of our business?”

My body begins to feel like jelly, and I’m lightheaded and dizzy.

“Hold her.” I feel arms.

“You have no business here. She’s mine now. She’smygirlfriend. Come near her again, and you’re going to have a real big problem.”

Arms are holding me up, voices, but my eyes aren’t focusing.

“Fuck you. She and I are back together. That’s why I’m here. She texted me begging me to forgive her for her childish behavior. I’m taking her with me.”

I feel a hand on my arm and horror hits me like a ton of bricks.

“Baby girl.I need you to wake up.” Ethan’s voice is far away.

Where am I? My head is throbbing, and my body is weak. I need to open my eyes. Slowly, my eyes open, and I focus on Ethan, who is right in front of me.

“Baby. Shit.” He presses a soft kiss to my lips and takes a big gulp of air. “Can you sit up for me?”

I can’t answer, all I want to do is sleep. Why does he want to wake me up?

“Where am I?” I croak.

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