The Beta's Catch novel Chapter 24

-HER-

I take a shower right away before addressing the hickey. Fortunately, I am able to cover it considerably with a foundation. It's still visible after that but I hide the rest by letting my wet hair down.

I soon go downstairs for dinner and as usual, everyone is already on the table and I join them. The conversation is not directed to me today and I am grateful for that. The twins keep mom and dad busy with their chatter.

Though today I find it hard to cope with the chatter. I want to be alone for some moments. The more I see my parents and the twins talk, the more it feels like all the energy is draining away from my body.

I try to eat fast so that I could finally go to my room and be alone. I look at my family and wonder how do they talk to so much or is it me? Is something wrong with me or I am just different than others.

It's not like I don't like talking. I do but at certain times. Maybe I am too tired today.

"Chew your food properly, Cybele," Agatha tells me when she notices that I have halfway finished my dinner already. Everyone's eyes are directed to me for a second before they continue taking.

As soon as the dinner is over, I am relieved to get back into my room. I collapse on my bed and sigh deeply. The softness and familiar lavender scent of my bed help me relax. I lay there with my eyes closed for some moments.

'You seem like an introvert,' His words echo in my head. He made a good analogy. A smile creeps on my lips for no reason as I think of the things that happened between us today. The tips of my fingers find the mark on my neck.

I shiver when I touch the spot. I shouldn't feel very flattered about the kiss but it's easy to get carried away with feelings.

Feeling the tiredness creep into me again, I decided to go to sleep early tonight. Tonight, sleep embraces me like an old friend as I sink deeper into the mattress. The warmth makes me feel safe and at home.

I fall asleep easily tonight. I don't remember seeing any dream. My brain just keeps repeating the kiss again and again. I wake up hot in the morning.

Since I went to sleep early yesterday, I am awake very early today. Everyone else in the house is sleeping. I take a cold shower before settling down with the essays and other assignments that had been given throughout the week.

The early hours of my morning are spent productively. I decide to have breakfast in my room before I continue doing my work.

It's the afternoon when I receive a text.

Lisa: Hey, what have you thought about today?

First, I decide not to reply to her text but soon, I find myself typing the reply anyway.

Me: Nothing, really. Why?

Lisa: I've got the passes for this cool party. Do you want to come?

I contemplate her offer in my mind for some time. Whenever I think of any parties, the memories of the incident in the fresher's party comes back to haunt me. I think I am starting to hate parties. Besides, there are going to be people at the party. A lot of people.

I have dealt with too many people this week already. I want the whole weekend to myself. I want time to unwind and recharge otherwise, I am going to crash on Mondays.

Me: No. I'll pass.

Lisa: I'd have loved to have you.

Me: Next time :')

Lisa: Let me know if you change your mind before the evening.

Jake: Please? I really want to talk to you.

Me: About what?

I hold my breath as soon as he marks my last text as seen. My heart speeds up when he starts typing the reply.

Jake: Are you upset with me?

His text takes me completely off guard. I am left thinking about the kiss again. Should I be upset at him? I mean, logically I shouldn't be talking to him right now. He does not seem to have any good intentions.

I must admit that I enjoyed the kiss though I am not going to admit this to him.

Also, he is a player. I should be avoiding him like a plague... but I cannot tell him over text, right?

I don't want to come off as rude but I also don't know how to tell him what I feel about him. Heck, to be honest, I don't really know what I think about him.

I admit that I have developed this strange infatuation about him, which, if acted upon, could do some serious emotion and mental damage to me.

He is probably doing this to take advantage of me. I should not waste my time on him. It's better to have my walls higher since the beginning rather than regretting later for not having any walls at all.

Me: I am busy. Ttyl.

I hit the reply button and put my phone on silent before keeping it away. I get up from my bed and go back to my study table. With a deep sigh, I continue doing my work.