Chapter 8

“How about going to the bowling alley with the others later on?” Lena asked. I was supposed to be studying at the library but my mind won’t function, and I was just blankly looking at the same page for over an hour now.

“No thanks. I’ll pass,” I murmured.

Gabriel wrapped a hand around my shoulder and pulled me into a hug. “What’s wrong?”

I must have looked pathetic, cause it’s not normal for Gabriel to act so caring. Well not unless there’s something major going on…not that my situation was something major or anything.

“Nothing really…” I said. Actually, I was feeling pretty empty these past few days. I don’t know if it’s because of Maya constantly attacking me verbally or that Robin knows it and doesn’t really do anything about it, but I feel dead inside.

It’s true that Robin does almost anything to make me feel comfortable, but sometimes I feel like he deliberately distances himself from me.

“What are you doing?” Robin’s voice got me back to the present. By the time I was aware of the scene around me I was already hugging Gabriel back. Lena had a protective hand around my shoulder. When did Robin even get here?

“She’s hanging out with her friends, why?” Lena answered back, but Robin was glaring at Gabriel and totally ignored her.

I caught Gabriel smiling impishly at him. I quickly pulled away from him and got up, packed my stuff, and grabbed Robin’s arm. I had a feeling he would fight him right here in the library if he could.

“I’ll see you guys later,” I said before pulling him out.

He stopped midway and wouldn’t budge no matter how I pleaded with him. He was set on waiting outside the library until I tell him why I was hugging Gabriel.

“I’ll tell you…when we get home,” I said…pretty frustrated now. He was supposed to pick me up half an hour ago, and take me home. My home…so I could get my laptop. I should have gotten my car but he wouldn’t let me, and now I’m stuck with begging him to take me home.

When I did get him to take me home, he was so pissed he would keep making weird comments on how I was being stupid, and haven’t changed ever since 8^th grade or something like that.

“What’s to be so angry about? It’s not like you really care anyway…we’re just getting married for the sake of grandfather,” I finally said, but I regretted it the moment I said it.

I saw pain flicker in his eyes for a split second before he threw the car keys at me and I caught it. “I’m leaving first. Come back once you’re done,” and then he was gone. I ran out and called out to him but he wouldn’t stop.

“How do you want to get home like that? Wait!” but he had already turned the corner and was out of sight.

-----------------------------------------------------------

It was around 7 PM when and I was still at home. I’d decided to finish my assignment there before heading back. I was already done by 7:30 and drove to Lena’s house since it was on the way. Gabriel dropped by too and we watched a movie.

I was getting ready to leave at 10 when Gabriel stopped me. He looked worried, I could tell. He must have noticed I wasn’t being my usual self.

“What happened?” he asked. When I didn’t answer he pulled me into a hug. “I’m sorry, but if he keeps being so irresponsible then I can’t let you marry him. You shouldn’t force yourself.”

I slowly shook my head and tried to force back the tears threatening to come down. I was just feeling lonely. Robin seems to be distancing himself from me, and mum still hasn’t come back.

“Thanks,” I muttered.

He finally let go and I reluctantly drove back to the Hughes mansion. What caught me off guard was the fact that Robin was sitting outside on a chair, with his arms crossed against his chest…waiting for someone. I was guessing he was looking for me.

“Hey,” I said. He seemed to be deep in thought because he didn’t notice me until I sat next to him. “What are you thinking of?”

He finally looked at me, blinking. “You’re late. You got me worried,” was all he said.

I reached out for his hands and gave him his car keys. “Thank you…for this.”

He stared at the keys in his hand for a while before looking back at me. “I’m going to a party tomorrow. Will you…will you go with me?”
 

I smiled. He was being nice to me again…that was all I needed for now. “Of course.” I had to agree…no questions asked.