Part 5
The university was now back in session at the end of the first week. The heads of the institution hosted a welcome-back party at which the professors and staff of the university were in attendance at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers event hall. It was a meet-and-greet. This way, the old staff would get to meet with the new staff and lecturers, and the new ones would get acquainted before the semester resumed fully.
I got to see a few familiar faces: Jerome, Xena, and Daniel. I had stalked Daniel’s social media page to keep up with his life and affairs, but it was harmless. I wanted to know he was safe, and from what I saw, he seemed to manage his life well so far, which was a good thing. I wish sometimes that things could have gone a different way. Sometimes, I wish we just remained friends and never attempted relationships, but we did, and I had to live with that reality forever.
Our gazes met, and we stared at each other for a while. His eyes, however, looked void of any and every emotion, and I looked away before guilt would make me do something terrible.
I did not know why I would feel guilty. We ended things amicably.
‘After you cheated physically and mentally on him.’
I moved to the bar corner in the hall and demanded a glass of sparkling water. I needed to count down the hours left in this suffocating event.
“Long time no see.” I heard Daniel say it from behind, and I spun around to meet him, almost splashing the contents of my glass on myself.
“Daniel… Yeah, umm. Longest time no see.” I stumbled upon my words but still reached balance.
“Yeah, well, I had to disconnect and reconnect. I didn’t know a vacation could do wonders, but it did.” He shrugged, and then he eyed me with curious eyes. “How have you been?”
I nodded and took the glass to my lips to take a sip. “It has been good so far. I can’t complain.” I mumbled the rest to myself.
“How’s Zion?”
“He’s doing great. I left him with Diya before coming over.”
“Cool, somehow I missed him. I missed you as my friend and trusted accomplice in trouble.” He smiled, and I chuckled.
“I missed you too,” I said, hugging him before I could stop myself.
He tightened his grip on me before pulling away and scratching his head. “I hope Aaron Hart is treating you like you deserve.”
His name took me back to the discussion we had three weeks ago. I told him I was going to think about his proposal, but I have not given a response since then. I was scared.
Now, unlike before, I knew all about who a mate was and what their responsibilities were. I also knew who an alpha was and what his responsibilities were, and I didn’t think I was caught up for it. I wasn’t proud of saying this out loud, but I feared giving too much and not being able to cope when he would finally leave, as if I hadn’t given up too much of my heart already.
Yes, I thought I was ready for it, but I wasn’t. I am a coward who chickened out. I wanted to be the brave girl Aaron always said I was, but that was not happening, and I didn’t know how long it would take to summon the courage.
I knew the longer I stayed sceptical, the less time he had, but I didn’t know if I was ready to deal with reality. Besides, things had gotten awkward again. He must have sensed my withdrawal because he gave me space as well. Though he never neglected his duties as a father, he didn’t come over to pick up Zion as often as he used to. Instead, he would send his brother, Ivan. He was giving me all the time and space I needed, and I still couldn’t make up my mind.
I guess the new spelling of coward was Zera.
“We aren’t dating.” I trailed off, and my eyes caught sight of Aaron walking in through the hall entrance with grace and confidence.
He had his elbow out, and the pretty brunette, who had a cheerful smile on her face, had her hands around it. Once fully inside where people were, he took her hand around his elbow and slowly patted it. The lady smiled at him, and she looked beautiful with that adorable smile on her face.
I didn’t have the right to be mad. It’s been three weeks since he waited for my response, and I failed to give him one because I wrapped myself up in fear. But it didn’t make it hurt less.
‘He must have found someone who wasn’t such a grown child and could decide.’ My mind judged me.
A part of my heart clenched at his affection for her. It didn’t feel right that they both looked good, and I turned away only to face Daniel, who stood beside me, unwilling to go anywhere. I knew he also saw Aaron and could see the tension that came upon me.
“Don’t worry, I will ask nothing.”
I wouldn’t answer even if he asked, though.
After another hour, while I stayed glued to the bar, Daniel took his leave. He said something about meeting up with the new professor, Wole, who would head the physics department.
I stayed at the bar, wishing the hour would run faster so I could leave this nightmare called a party. I had kept my gaze on Aaron and his new girl earlier. They had gone to meet with the vice-chancellor, and they seemed to be having the time of their lives with how happy they were while talking to him. The image took another shot at my heart, and I vowed never to look at him again. My heart was too fragile for this pain.
If they had served alcohol, it would have been better, but sadly, they didn’t. I had to deal with this night the way I knew best: by doing nothing.
“A glass of sparkling water for me and the lady bartender,” Aaron said, and I knew he had made his way over to me. He must have seen me and figured I would stay here the whole night if given the chance, and he took the bold step.
Not that it made me feel any better.
“I want no more sparkling water,” I grumbled under my breath, but he heard me, and I knew what his next question would be.
“Then why are you still here?”
Isn’t it obvious? Because I don’t want to face you. Or deal with the image of you and Ms Perfect at the back.
“Because I want to,” I answered, and we wandered into silence.
The bartender served the two glasses of sparkling water, and while he reached for his and took a drink, I didn’t touch mine.
He dropped the glass and ran his hand over it. “I waited,” he said, breaking the silence that had lingered between us. “You never gave your answer.”