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brOOKLYN

I threw myself into my studies that whole next week. Jenny and Dane would see one another off and on campus daily while I stayed in the dorm. It’s been six days since I have seen or spoken to Eli. It’s getting a little easier with no contact, but my heart is still aching.

Gathering my books, I head to the college library to get some extra studying in. I sit at a quiet, wooden table towards the back and take out my English book. I’m a few chapters in when I hear the chair next to me pull out. Looking up from my book, I see Chase standing there.

“Is this seat taken?” he asks with a nervous smile on his face.

“No, feel free.” I gestured to him to join. We are quiet for a few minutes before we both try to talk at the same time.

We both let out a little laugh, “Let me just start okay, Brook?” I am glad to see him, to know he is okay. To see a familiar face again. “I just want to say I am truly sorry for that night. I wasn’t in my right mind. Hell, I hardly remember any of it. But I shouldn’t have pushed myself on to you.” Thinking about it has my skin crawling.

“No, Chase, you shouldn’t have. But it’s in the past. I am sorry as well. What happened to you was so out of line. What he did to you was insane and I know he wasn’t happy with himself after it all. If I were you, I would probably lay off the alcohol.”

My words trail off as I give him a small smile. His eyes lock on mine as he gently grabs my chin, tears starting to swell in his eyes.

“I am okay. What’s done is done. Nothing is your fault, Brook. You can’t control what he does. And as for the drinking, I am done. I also moved out and am living back on campus now.” I nod my head in understanding.

“That is probably for the best. I doubt you two will be friends again anytime soon.”

“I shouldn’t have even said anything to you about him. It wasn’t my place.” Dropping his hand from my face, he looks off as if remembering the conversation.

“No, Chase, you shouldn’t have, but that is in the past. I have already moved on.” He gives me a sincere smile and lowers his head to look at the ground. “I am just glad you are okay,” I say as I look at him again.

I give him a sweet smile and then continue, “so, have you and Eli talked about it at all?” I’m not sure if he is willing to open up about it.

“Nah, I haven’t heard from him, which is probably for the best.” My heart drops a little to have no idea what he is up to. “You really loved him, huh?” he asks, looking down at me.

“I think I felt a lot of things too quickly. Lust, love, who knows? It was over before I could ever figure that out.” Looking back to my book, I turn the page.

“Well, just know, Brook, I never would have hurt you like that.” Looking back up at him, I see it. I see his sincerity in that statement. If I was a smart woman, I would give him my full heart, give him everything I have, but that’s not the case. I gave away too much that it wouldn’t be fair to him.

Looking into his eyes I say, “I know, Chase. And you don’t understand how much that means to me. But you are my friend. I don’t want to lose that.” I see the little glimmer of hope leave his eyes quickly. Nodding his head, he stands to leave.

“You are fucking perfect, Brook. Don’t let any asshole make you feel any less.” Then he turns and leaves before I can reply. Tears start to sting my eyes. I quickly gathered my books and backpack and made my way to the ladies bathroom. Running into the stall, I quickly locked the door behind me and sat on the toilet.

Tears fall down my eyes as I try to keep my sobs quiet. As I sit there, the bathroom door opens as a group of girls come in laughing and chatting.

“Yeah, Eli is having another big party tonight. I guess it’s a themed party. Leather and Lace.” The girls giggle in unison. “Yeah, I bet he is going to be on the prowl tonight since I heard he dropped Ashley.” I cup my hands over my mouth, trying to not make a sound.

“Girl, you already know I will be first in line for his fine ass.” They all giggle again. “Only if you beat me to him.” I hear them doing a high pitch squeal, then open the door and leave. Jumping up and out of the stall, I make my way to our dorm where I find Jenny, sitting on her bed typing on her laptop.

Busting through the door, I shout out, “Get ready, bitch, we are going to a party.”