Chapter 14: Hurting

Leila's POV

I stumbled out of the shop and sauntered towards my car. I could hear Reese's rushed footsteps from behind me but I simply ignored them until he gently grabbed my arm and yanked me back.

I snatched my hand from his grip and glared at him. "Leave me alone Reese, I don't want to talk to you right now. I did a few seconds ago but I'm done talking!"

"You're over-exaggerating Leila, stop making things worse than it already is!"

I clenched my jaw tightly and bit back the tears that pricked my eyes, threatening to spill down my cheeks as I peered up at him.

"It's already worse Reese. You know that you're all that I have. I have no family members and you're the closest thing to home for me right now. So to see you barely acknowledging the fact that I'm BROKEN and HURT and I need someone I love and trust already shows me that things have already gotten worse!" I shouted as I poked at his chest furiously.

"Stop talking ridiculously Leila. You do have me and I'm not going anywhere, no matter where I am, how often we text or see each other, I'm here for you and I'm sorry!" Yeah, that half-assed apology isn't gonna work on me.

"You aren't leaving but your feelings are. You know it and I know it. I have to go, Reese, I have a class in the next hour." I mumbled as I pivoted on my heels and unlocked my car.

He didn't say anything nor stopped me from leaving and god it stung. It stung so badly that I held back a sob as I slipped into my car and slammed the door shut.

He never stopped me.

He just let me go.

I don't know if we just broke up or not but right now I wasn't in the right state of mind. I pushed my key into the ignition and stared into the rearview mirror. He stood there watching me, a blank stare just lingering on his face.

I wanted to wipe it away with something, anything. . .even my fist.

He just looked calm and collected. Like nothing ever happened, like I didn't just pour my heart out to him and he didn't just so-call apologize.

With a sigh, I pulled off the side of the road and drove away.

•••

I was currently in the student's lounge looking for something to do other than sulking over Reese. I shouldn't have left and I shouldn't have overreacted like I did but I was hurt and I had to let some of my anger out on him.

I continued trying to distract and occupy myself with my graphics and web design assignment. Something I actually loved doing. Something which in the meantime can take my mind off my argument with Reese.

At least this way I'll stop feeling sorry for myself.

Right now I was supposed to create a small web page based on either one of the three of these topics; gun violence, the death penalty or substance abuse. If our web page is informative enough, eye-catching and all in all presentable and good enough to be published on the web then our marks would get a major boost.

After a few minutes pondering on what topic I should pick, I felt someone lightly tap my shoulder and I tilted my head towards the person and smiled in confusion when Drake appeared beside me.

"Hey!"

"Hey, wassup?" I asked warily and he scratched the nape of his neck nervously as he lowered himself down onto the computer chair beside me. "I wanted to talk to you about something." He mumbled.

"Yeah what is it?"

"I want to get something for Sam. Her birthday is coming up and I don't know what to get her. Any ideas?" He asked and I shrugged as I turned my attention back towards the computer, "just get her a necklace or something. You know Sam doesn't really like material things."

"No, no, you don't understand—" He sucked in a shaky breath and I frowned deeply as I turned towards him once again. "Drake, what's wrong?"

"I wanna tell her that I love her! I want her to know that I do by getting her something she'd adore?" He squeaked and a smile slid onto my face as I shook my head lightly, "Drake, you don't need to get her anything. Boys don't understand that not everything needs to be said with material. If it comes from your heart and it is true, knowing Sam that should be enough. Because if you leave - god forbid- the feeling in your heart weighs more than a necklace or a ring. Love doesn't need a price, it needs honesty to make it flourish."

He stared at me in disbelief and parted his lips in shock as he fished for his words. I chuckled softly and grabbed his hand before giving it a soft squeeze. "Just tell her, don't worry about getting her anything. And if you do get her some chocolates and flowers. Cliche, yes, but it works every time."

He nodded his head softly and smiled, "thank you so much, Leila. That means a lot to me, and I'll let you know how it goes if Sam doesn't get to you first." He exclaimed and I flashed him a smile as he shot up from the chair, leaned down and planted a kiss on my cheek before pivoting on his heels and disappearing down the hallway.

I placed my hand on my cheek and chuckled amusedly.

Wish I would get my own advice in return. Why couldn't Reese see that he was all I needed. It felt like I was emotionally blackmailing him by telling him he's all I have but even he knows it. He knows that I truly love him and if he did truly - well if he still truly loved me then he would make time for me.

No excuses.

I sighed deeply and collected my items before placing it under my arm and logging off the computer.

This assignment will have to wait for tomorrow.

For now, all I need is rest.