I carefully set the laptop down on a table. This time it’s not because of the money. This time it’s because he was using it to get away from me. That thought hurts the most. He went through all of that trouble and spent all of this money so he wouldn’t have to come over.
So that I wouldn’t bother him. I can’t keep this computer. Not only because he was a dick, but I know that every time I would try to use it that I would think about him not wanting to spend time with me.
I blink quickly, trying to stop the tears. I will not cry in front of him. No, I’m going to be a jerk right back. I pick the laptop back up when I hear the bathroom door open. He takes a few steps out before he notices me standing here.
“Chandler.” He says my name softly. Did I really think he called me sweetness? It’s clear I must have misheard him.
“Berkley,” I snap right back. His eyebrows lift. I walk over to him, shoving the laptop into his chest. He grunts, wrapping his arms around it.
“Chandler—“
“Don’t.” I put my hand up, not wanting to hear his explanation. “I don’t want your stupid apology. I don’t need you to tell me how bad you feel that you upset me. I get it now.” I look up at his handsome face. God this hurts. Is this the whole first love and broken heart thing?
“I can’t believe I ever had a crush on you. I thought you were different from all the other guys. I was wrong.” I step back. His face is filled with confusion. “I can’t be your friend anymore either. I thought you were different, but I guess you were only nice to me because of Davis. I’ll make sure I stay out of your way. I got your message loud and clear.”
Hell, I should have gotten the message when he barely texted me back. Yet I wanted to hang on to the fantasy that I was living in my mind. The one that had him wanting me as much as I did him. This isn’t his fault. The only person I should be mad at is myself. I’ve become one of the girls who chases down men who don’t even want them. Pathetic.
I turn, running up the basement stairs. I hear him call my name, but I don’t stop until I’m in my house with the door locked. I slide down the door, trying to catch my breath. I wipe the tears off my cheeks. A knock sounds at the door, but I remain quiet.
“I know you’re in there.”
I pull myself off the floor. “Go back to Davis. He needs you.” I don’t wait for him to respond. I head to my bedroom, kicking off my shoes. I turn my phone off and pull the blanket over my head, pretending that it will block out the world for the day.
The one perk of always being alone is that no one sees you cry. I jerk awake hours later knowing I missed my classes. There are archives, so I know I can watch them later. I just like being there so if I have a question the teacher can help me.
I throw the blanket off and head to the bathroom. I wash my face before grabbing an oversized hoodie and pulling it over my head as I make my way to the kitchen.
“Chandler.” Three knocks sound at the door. Without him saying my name, I already know who it is.
“You alone?” I ask, my fingers resting on the lock. I can’t see Berkley right now. He’s going to do some let’s be friends crap. I can’t. The only way to get these feelings to stop is by staying away from him. Out of sight out of mind? Doubtful.
“No, I'm having a giant party out here. Gonna make the news for sure. I’m calling it Pandemonium.” I snort a laugh, opening the door. Davis stands there with his boyish grin that breaks girls’ hearts.
“You look better.” I step back, letting him in.
“I showered.” He winks at me. “Now I need food.” He goes for the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water and handing it to me before getting one for himself.
“How are the parentals hanging in there?”
“Busy but happy they can help in some way.” He nods in understanding. “What do you want to eat?”
“What do you have?”
“I have some homemade chicken noodle soup with egg noodles. There are mashed potatoes too for you to put it over.” He lets out a groaning sound, and I know I have a winner. “You doing okay?” I look at Davis over my shoulder as I start to get his food ready to heat up.
“I guess I’m wallowing.” He shrugs his shoulder.