GEMINI.
I went over to Percy's place again this morning, my was mind consumed by the nagging feeling that something was really wrong and yet, still no sign of him. His twin sister who has remained calm through everything dropped me off at school earlier, her parting words echoing in my mind: "Don't worry, Percy will come back when he's ready."
He still wasn't picking up my calls, and that has only left me with an unnerving sense of unease. Just what was he up to?
Argh! I hate not knowing things!
"Sorry!"
I frantically called after a student I'd bumped into and she only gave me the stink eye and kept going. Sighs! I need to focus.
I have been absentmindedly walking towards the direction of the lunch area on campus, my thoughts consumed with worry about Percy's whereabouts and the moment I entered the lavish cafeteria, I was immediately enveloped by an eerie silence that seemed to cling to every surface. The large hall was suddenly bathed in an unsettling stillness, punctuated only by the soft hum of hushed conversations and I realized, all eyes were on me. Their collective gaze weighing heavily upon my skin. I feel like an insect pinned beneath a microscope as my every move is suddenly being scrutinized and analyzed.
People whispered to each other, their voices barely audible, yet their eyes never wavered from me. The air was thick with an almost palpable sense of anticipation, as if everyone was waiting with bated breath for something to happen. I shivered, despite the warmth of the large space, my mind racing.
Just what on earth is going on?
This wasn't the first time I've noticed people looking at me strangely today. On my way here, I'd caught snippets of hushed conversations, the words indistinguishable, but the tone unmistakable. I'd ignored it then, chalking it up to mere curiosity, but now, I'm not so sure. What had I done to warrant such attention again? Was this about the incident with my project two days ago still?
I knew I should have waited for Ohio to accompany me to the cafeteria when I decided to grab a drink, but my need for urgent drink had gotten the better of me.
What should I do now? I wondered looking around the large hall, unsure of how to proceed, and suddenly a firm hand closed around my wrist and I was pulled out of the cafeteria, my feet stumbling to keep up with the sudden movement. My heart raced as I turned to face my captor, and my eyes widen when I came face to face with Percy.
He looks okay, I couldn't help but sigh in relief, but the question of where he'd been for the past two days lingered in my mind. His eyes, those piercing green orbs that seemed to see right through me, locked onto mine, a hint of amusement dancing in their depths.
I'm so confused!
What is he doing here of all places?
Percy doesn't buy or eat the food they sold on campus. He ordered from five star restaurants and he preferred the privacy of his office on campus. So, why did he come here today?
Did he come looking for me?
Percy didn't say a word. He just kept holding my hand and leading me along. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me because of the looks we were getting from everyone. And I immediately tugged my wrist free from his grip the moment we stepped into the private room.
"Where have you been? And what was that about?" I demanded, trying to process this sudden turn of events.
I know he hates questions but my emotions are scattered all over right now, probably somewhere between relief, anger, and confusion. I'm feeling everything at once.
Maybe a few days ago, I wouldn't have dared to talk to him like this. Then again, back then I'd only thought of him as a rich, dangerous, mysterious figure who seemed to embody the very essence of power. But now, something has shifted between. After spending the weekend with him I've had a glimpse, a different side of Percy, one that was vulnerable, kind, soft spoken and very human. And that experience has changed everything.
Percy is just looking at me as usual but his expression has transformed into one of our innocence, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
"Hello to you too! I've been around...uhh, what was what about?" He asked, his voice was low and smooth, as if he had no idea what I was talking about.
I narrowed my eyes at him and he chuckled.
What the heck is going on right now? Why is Percy acting like a different person all of a sudden?
Does he not think that him disappearing for two days without saying anything is a big deal? I'm suddenly both annoyed and embarrassed for some reason. He probably thinks I'm a lunatic.
Out of frustration I started pacing back and forth, I'm sure my eyes were flashing with all the emotions I'm currently feeling as I thought about everything that has happened to me in the past few days.
"The whole school is buzzing because of what happened over the weekend, even though they don't know the whole details..." I began after a while of pacing, referring to the humiliating incident when those guys dumped me in the swimming pool.
"And then, you disappeared after they destroyed my project without a word." I paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Then, there was that little stunt of you having food delivered to me through your sister for two days straight, even though she won't tell me where you've been!"
My voice is now rising in a semi-yell as I spoke and Percy raised an eyebrow but I honestly don't care right now. I have to vent!
"And let's not forget how she dropped me off this morning and handed me a 'care package' too!" I added, using air quotes to emphasize my point, my eyes never leaving Percy's face.
His expression has now transformed into one of pure amusement, his eyes crinkling at the corners, he looks like he's trying not to laugh.
"Care package?" He asked stifling his laughter and I could tell he was thoroughly enjoying my little rants of frustration. I glared at him, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks.
"That's what she called it!" I snapped. "And this isn't about that!" I added, trying to convey the absurdity of the situation. But Percy just held up his hands in a mock surrender, clearly enjoying my dilemma.
I shot him another glare, but he just chuckled and leaned against the desk, looking like he was having the time of his life. I sighed, feeling my frustration worsening.
Okay, fine. I'm willing to admit to myself that the whole thing about his sister ordering meals for me wouldn't have happened if I hadn't forgotten to eat a couple of times...a lot of times! And the little 'care package' incident wouldn't have happened if I hadn't rushed to his house this morning without having breakfast first. But can you blame me?
I have literally been worried sick about why he left without saying anything except asked me to sit tight, and I'd stayed up all night fixing my project. My brain was still foggy from lack of sleep when I left my dorm this morning, because all I could think about was why he hasn't been around. I feel like I was running on fumes, and Percy's nonchalant attitude towards everything is not helping!
I'm pacing in the middle of the lavish office, the soft glow of the mid-morning light casting a warm ambiance over the space. The walls, adorned with rich wood paneling, seemed to whisper secrets of the past, while the plush carpet beneath my feet muffled the sound of my nervous pacing. Percy settled into the chair, his eyes never leaving mine as I continued to vent my frustrations.
"As if I wasn't popular enough because of what happened over the weekend, those guys decided to mess with my project because they think there's something going on between us," I said, my voice rising in indignation. "You just had to personally come in there and pull me out while holding my hand. You basically just confirmed their rumors that I'm yours!" The air seemed to vibrate with tension as Percy looked at me and then with a smirk he said.
"It's not a rumor though. You're mine."
His gaze seemed to burn with an inner fire, and I could feel the weight of his stare like a physical touch.
"What?"
Is he joking right now because I really can't tell.
"Don't tell me you've forgotten already. You promised yourself to me when you agreed to help me sleep better, remember?" Percy asked, his voice low and husky, sending a shiver down my spine. I felt my heart skip a beat as I met his gaze.
"Yeah, I promised to help you sleep without your meds but that doesn't mean I belong to you, okay?" I said slowly as if emphasizing every word and he scoffed.
"I can't believe you're backing out because of what those guys said." He said shaking his head while clicking his tongue.
I'm speechless! Like, what do I even say to that? It's not just what he said. It's the way he said it. He actually sounds disappointed like I'd actually promised myself to him before and now I'm going back on my word. There's no where in our agreement did I promise myself to him. Am I reading too much meaning into this?
"Don't let what those people said bother you. As for the ones who messed with you, I've handled them. Though, I don't think I punished them enough for what they did to you." he said coldly, his tone has shifted, as if he can barely containe his rage.
The intensity of his words sent shivers down my spine, and I couldn't help but wonder what he had been up while he was away. Was 'handling' those guys the reason he hadn't been around? The thought sent a mix of emotions swirling through me-fear, gratitude, and a hint of excitement.
I know, I know! I'm a mess!
Percy's expression softened when his gaze met mine, and his eyes seemed to melt with a warmth that made my heart skip a beat. The tension in the room disappeared, replaced by a sense of warmth, as if the world outside had melted away, leaving only the two of us. I feel like I was drowning in the depths of his eyes. The sudden fluttering sensation in my tummy is both exhilarating and terrifying.
What is this feeling I'm having? Why does his words have such a profound effect on me? Why is he protecting me with such ferocity? I can't help but wondered, my mind racing with different questions.