Page 38 of The Gargoyle in the College

She chuckles as if she doesn’t hear me. I’m going to ask about that, but Ryan’s almost back and I’d rather he know nothing about this stupid talk. Can this museum visit be what they make up? Just so I’d end up spending more time with Ryan because these two think that I won’t go out with him alone?

Holly...

Maybe they meant to help, but I don’t need this kind of help.

I don’t have imaginary friends anyway, even though my mind drifts to Gisett almost at once. He may not exist for others, he exists for me. At least he shows up for me and lets me see him.

Well... That does sound like an imaginary friend.

Except he’s not my imagination. Not at all.

He is probably somewhere enjoying the sun and staring at the street. Or maybe he curses the sun for being too hot as he waits there, taking on the prestigious job of a statue.

I just don’t understand gargoyles.

“Laura, what are you doing? Chatting with your imaginary friends?”

I roll my eyes. “Stop it. There are no imaginary friends in my head. I don’t imagine friends, unless all of you are imaginary.”

They laugh and my cheeks warm up at that. I hope they will drop it.

One of my friends muses, “Look, won’t it be great if there’ll be someone who takes care of you at times, who you can talk to, and who you take care of at times?”

I silently roll my eyes. These people just want to be dating someone. I don’t mind being with someone, but I’m sure not making it a priority just like that.

Gisett’s mildly upset face shows up in my mind, but his handsome grin when he told me he saved me comes up too.

Is he someone...

But he’s a gargoyle. And... he can never be with me out in public. Not to mention... The normal thing to do is to date another human, right?

I steal a glance at Ryan, who’s too busy chatting with the group to catch me. If he’s really looking to date me, maybe I can give him a chance.

But something about that doesn’t sit well with me.

It doesn’t take long before coffee is gone, and we should move onto the next show room. I stand, letting out a breath as I tell myself to focus on the exhibition instead of stupid relationship stuff. There’s a time and place for everything.

Ryan collects all the cups and tosses them to the bin. I pick up my bag, but my gaze follows his back.

How bad will it be if there can be something between him and me?

I don’t feel the same way for him compared to Gisett. I don’t know which is better or worse, it’s just different.

Gisett is the big gargoyle who can’t seem to peel himself away from me, but he’s not that annoying. Yet...

I should stop all these silly thoughts until later...

Chapter 19

Laura

I arrive at my dorm room, waving goodbye to Ryan, who insisted on walking me back here. He and I live on the same floor, after all. I don’t see a reason to refuse that.

I close the door after he’s gone. Finally, I’m done with people for the day. I put my backpack on the couch as I head to the bathroom to wash my face.

Wait...

I head to my bedroom instead. It is empty, like it should be. Maybe Gisett isn’t around. I don’t think gargoyles hide under a bed.

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