FEMALE DORM
ROOM G5AB
ELISE POV
As I returned to our dorm room, the memories of the argument with Trent still echoed in my mind.
I couldn't shake off the whirlwind of emotions that had left me feeling completely drained.
Max's eyes stared into mine, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief knowing that she was there to listen.
I couldn't hold back my frustration, crying into her shoulder, "Maxxxxx....He slammed the DOOR on my face!"
"Your forehead is freezing." Max's eyes lifted from her reading, and she glanced at me, her brows furrowing with concern. "Rough day?"
I sighed, rubbing my temples into the groove of her neck to relieve the pounding headache that had been with me since my argument with Trent.
"Yeah, you could say that."
There was an understanding in Max's eyes that always managed to comfort me. "Trent?"
My gaze flickered toward her, and I couldn't help but let out a bitter chuckle.
"No, Senza. Of course, it was Trent. Who else would have the guts to?"
Max's reaction was a simple shrug. "Alright. You know where to find me if you want to talk."
I attempted a sarcastic smile. "Jeez... Thanks, Max."
She laughed. "Alright. I'm all ears."
I told the whole story to Max, not leaving out any detail, including Samuel's unexpected appearance and the comfort he had provided me.
Max didn't waste a second to voice her suspicions.
"You know, it's a bit suspicious that Samuel showed up at that exact moment to console you."
I considered her words carefully, thinking over the possibility that maybe it wasn't just a coincidence. "Yeah, maybe. I wasn't too comfortable there. I left after wiping my face."
Her fingers tapped against her book.
"Honestly, I don't understand him. He's acting like a complete puzzle. One minute he's shutting the door in your face, the next he's dancing with you in front of the whole student body."
I bit my lip, the frustration that had been brewing all morning now boiling over. "I know right. He is making me so confused."
Max shook her head. "I don't get why he's being so secretive. And Samuel, suddenly showing up like he's your knight in shining armor. It's all too convenient."
I shook my head.
"I don't care. I don't care. I'm not thinking about him anymore."
Max shook her head as well. "Just be careful."
I remained determined, my expression unwavering. "Hopefully, he just wants to be friends."
"I hope you're right. Or do you want me to investigate?
I offered her a grateful smile. "Detective Maxine to the rescue." I shot a mock salute towards her direction, making my way to my bed .
"Call me that one more time, Elise Redfox, and I will write all your embarrassing stories into a book and sell them. Don't forget... I have an amazing memory."
I couldn't help but zip my mouth and giggle into my blanket.
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DINING HALL
DINNER
As dinner time arrived, the dining hall was abuzz with chatter, and the clinking of utensils filled the air.
Everyone was still sharing stories about the prom ball, and I tried to force a smile as I joined the lively conversation, recounting the parts I could remember from that night.
Trent, his platinum white hair glinting under the warm lights, approached our table with Awesome and Senza trailing behind.
Trent had his tray of food in hand, but there was a noticeable hesitation as he glanced from me to the empty seat beside me and back again.
Max noticed the tension between us, her eyes glancing between us both from above her book.
His eyes met mine briefly.
I quickly looked away, pushing my food around my plate, hiding my unease.
Max shared a knowing look with Bri, her friend's curiosity mirroring her own.
Suddenly, a presence approached from behind Trent, and I couldn't help but stiffen as Samuel, with his calm demeanor reflected in his sky blue eyes, walked toward the seat beside me.
Our smiles met, mine was visibly strained.
A flicker of realization passed across Max's face, and I could sense her silent decision to have a private conversation with me later.
Bri, perceptive as always, shot a questioning look at Max, who responded with a raised eyebrow, silently conveying that there was more to the situation than met the eye.
At the head of the table, Fancy called out to Trent, beckoning him to join their group, as if she could foresee something about to happen.
Trent's gaze remained fixated on the empty seat beside me.
With a subtle shake of his head, he turned away from Fancy, clearly frustrated, and headed to another table.
His presence was replaced by a noticeable silence, a quiet void where unspoken emotions lingered.
Arms crossed and eyes shut, Trent fumed quietly.
Bri continued to watch the interactions unfold, her thoughts racing as she attempted to piece together what was going on.
Samuel, taking his seat, reached into his bag and pulled out a container of banana-flavored yogurt.
"Eli, I got this for you. I remember that it was your favorite."
Bri quickly chimed in with a curious remark, "Isn't Elise allergic to bananas?"
I quickly interjected, forcing a polite smile despite the conflicting emotions. "It's not a problem, really."
Samuel quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, I didn't know."
Bri, barely above a whisper, muttered, "That's strange. Even I knew that."
During our group's conversation, Samuel's attempts to be close continued.
He brushed a strand of my hair away from my face, but I couldn't help but feel awkward, brushing it away myself with a forced smile.
As the conversation continued, Max decided to leave early with Bri, using the excuse of returning a book to the library.
Samuel offered to walk me back to the dorm, and I agreed reluctantly.
He walked me to the door of our room, and there was an unspoken tension that lingered in the air.
Samuel hesitated for a moment before prodding gently,
"Are you and Trent okay? Was he the reason why you were crying in the hallway that day?"
But hidden behind his calm exterior, I detected a flicker of possessiveness in his eyes, a hint of jealousy that was anything but subtle.
I sighed softly.
"Samuel, that day was a confusing day, and I'm still trying to sort things out with Trent. Let's just take things one step at a time, okay?"
Understanding washed over Samuel's features, but a trace of frustration remained.
He nodded gently. "You're right, Eli. You know, I'm here for you, as a friend."
However, my guarded expression didn't provide the answers Samuel was seeking, leaving him dissatisfied.
We exchanged goodbyes, and I entered our room.
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