Page 56 of Love, In Balance

When I head back to my lecture room, Pierce is there.

I ignore him, as I’ve been doing since he threatened me.

Today he seems reserved though. He offers no further threats, thankfully and briefly speaks, asking me random questions.

“Seen Lista lately?” he says, looking like he’s trying to act normal.

“Why would I Pierce? I’m not one to try and jeopardise her career. So,noI haven’t. I merely passed by her not long ago but that’s about it. Is that acceptable?” I say, pissed off and wanting him to leave me the hell alone.

“She’s on campus? Right now?” he asks, almost in a mild panic.

“She was recently but I’m not sure if she left. Why?”. I’m becoming more suspicious of him now.

He avoids my questioning and continues to question me.

“How about Drew? Have you spoken to him today? Or the guys?” he says, nervously, looking around.

Am I missing something?

“No Pierce I haven’t. Now if you don’t mind, I’d prefer to go back to setting up my last few sessions in peace. If you’re so worried about Drew and Lista, go and speak to them yourself”.He takes the hint.

My day is mundane, and I just about manage to get through. Everywhere I look, I see the void that Lista usually fills with her presence. I somehow pull myself together and push through, despite feel empty and confused by how everyone around me is acting.

After my second to last lesson, Drew comes in to ask for something. He clocks Pierce, who was present during my session, and his face and fists harden.

He approaches me, and we discuss what he needs. It’s a pleasant surprise that he’s still speaking to me. I guess Lista hasn’t spoken to him about us yet.

I do however notice and find it odd that the entire time he’s in my room, he ignores Pierce. Quite obviously too.

I can feel the tension between them and so many questions are circling my already tired and confused mind.

“Thanks Quin. Have a good one mate” Drew says before leaving. I decide not to comment on the obvious confusion I’m feeling and leave Pierce to stew in whatever he is experiencing right now. Fuck this guy.

“Thanks Drew. And you” I say, before he leaves.

Throughout my entire session, I’m running through everything I’ve experienced today and feel like I’m missing something. Like everyone got the memo, but me.

When I head out to leave, I notice Lista walking through the car-park and decide to stand by the door and make sure she leaves safely before I walk to my car.

She sees me and offers me a brief wave and sad smile as she drives away. I wave back, content that she’s safe. It’s the least I can do.

As I’m approaching my car, Drew runs over to me, panting from running.

“Hey Drew. Everything ok? Callista just left. You missed her by mere seconds. I watched, just to make sure she got to her car safely” I say, filling in the silence whilst he catches his breath.

“Thanks Man. I didn’t realise she was on campus until an hour ago. I tried to rush to get here to walk her to her car but I’m too late, clearly. Thanks for watching out for her”.

“Oh, I mean, no worries. I’ll always look out for her. If I see her going to her car, I make sure she gets to it safely before I go. I mean, I haven’t seen her since she took some time off, but then I noticed her rushing to the study room today and I checked in to make sure everything was ok. So yeah.Iseverything ok Drew?” I ask genuinely concerned and confused about...well, everything.

“Quin. Has Lista not spoken to you since the weekend…?” he asks wide eyed.

“I haven’t spoken to her since last Monday. We…” I stop, considering my next words carefully. “We kissed Drew.Again.I couldn’t help myself. We had our research session at her house whilst she waited in for a delivery and one thing led to another. I was stoked, but then I came onto campus last week and… something happened so I was forced to distance myself from her. I think I’ve fucked up. She hates me. I don’t want her to think I regret what happened, but I had no choice. Ihaveno choice. It’s all for her. I’m doing this for her”.

Drew looks ultimately confused by what I’ve just said, and I’m genuinely scared that I’m about to receive a punch to the nose. All in all, I probably deserve it.

“Wait, hold up. Why did you make sure she got to her car safely?” Drew asks.

After everything I’ve just told him, that’s all he wants to know.

---