I’m already nervousforher.
She passed the re-do. I don’t doubt that. So why do I feel nervous?
After what feels like forever, Diana finally approaches our desk and sits down quietly. This time, her eyes are wide and her face is as red as her lips, which are pressed together as if she’s trying to contain herself.
“How did you do?”
Before she can answer, Scott resumes the lecture. Dammit, why couldn’t he wait a little longer?
She leans closer to me. “After class,” she whispers before focusing her attention back to the front of the class.
I don’t think the clock ticked slower than in this lecture.
By the time class comes to an end, I stand right outside the classroom, waiting for Diana to follow. I add my second earphone in, music in full blast, any surrounding sounds muted by the guitar strings.
I’m not sure how much time has passed, but in the next instant, I am nearly tackled to the wall by a pair of thin arms and a body. Removing both headphones and re-adjusting to my surroundings, I then see Diana in an attempt to hug me.
That catches me by surprise. I never thought of her as a hugger—or one whose love language is physical touch—but I’m not complaining.
“Thank you, thank you,” she repeats, squeezing me tighter. “Thank you.”
My arms wrap around her frame and pull her closer, soaking in this very moment. I don’t think a hug like this will be a daily occurrence for me, especially a hug from her.
“So, it’s good news?”
She pulls back with eyes brighter than the lights in the building. “Carson, I got a ninety.”
My eyes widen. “Wow, that’s crazy.”
Diana giggles. Wow, that girl just about never giggles, so it’s a surprise to hear it. This girl is just full of delightful surprises, isn’t she?
“I know, right? Granted, it’s not as high as what you got the first time, but this will save my grade, Carson. Thank you. I owe you big time.”
I shake my head in response. “No, you don’t owe me anything.”
“Like hell, I don’t,” she protests. “I will pay you back for this in some way.”
“D, you don’t need to—” I begin to say before she stops me.
“It’s one thing to pay for butterbeer but that’s all I’ve done.” She places one hand on her hip. “You really don’t know how to be selfish, do you?”
My brain comes to a screeching halt at the question. I’m not sure Diana was serious about it but that question hit me like a ton of bricks.
I know how to be selfish, right? I’ve been selfish multiple times in my life. Like how I’m always the designated driver, regardless. But then again, it puts the stress off anyone else who—
My fingers clench. Holy fuck, she might be right.
She then mutters something about running late for work, grabs her book bag from the floor, and meekly smiles at me before turning away, and briskly walking off, leaving me standing by the door without a word.
“What just happened over here?” Bailey asks as she appears right next to me.
I blink and turn to my cousin. “Geez, give a guy notice, why don’t you?”
She rolls her eyes at me. “Whatever, man. Since when were you seeing someone? I didn’t think that was possible.”
“I’m not seeing anyone,” I correct her. Though, as I stare off in the direction of the library, I wish that was a lie.
Bailey doesn't need to say anything but that gleam in her eyes speaks many words. Five of them being: I'm in real fucking deep.
