Chapter Two _ Weird Feelings

AUDREY

It felt good to finally be a part and parcel of the University of California, Los Angeles. It had been our dreams — the five of us. It was a blissful transition into the world of high school to the college of our dreams. I came back with high hopes of meeting my friends again and starting the new semester as a freshman. Instead of everything going as planned, I found out that I was developing a soft spot for my best friend. What a weird way of starting a semester.

His words were still echoing in my head. "You are way more special..."

The statement was endearing, but come to think of it, this wasn't the first time he said endearing words to me. But, this was the first time I was taking it to heart. Because, sadly, everything had changed. During summer holidays, I thought my missing him and craving for his presence were because we didn't see each other much during our last days in high school. Now, it all made sense. The distance made me realize that my heart has grown fonder of him.

But the point remained that I was his best friend. No matter how special he said I was, he would never see me as a potential date material.

I pondered over these as I sat in Evie's car, on my way home. First day in college was fun, but let's cut to the chase; things weren't going to be the same anymore. I was looking at the way college girls flocked around him, just like high school. I couldn't help the jealousy that enveloped me. He was supposed to drive me home today as promised, but he bailed out because he had a date, with this freshman that was as 'hot as fuck' as he described. Exactly why I said I would never be more than a special buddy and best friend to Liam. He commented on my height and my beauty but just out of courtesy for a best friend — best friends should always compliment each other, right?

Thinking about it now, I remembered that I didn't even compliment him like I always did. Maybe because his handsomeness was now having an effect on me, that I practically forgot my loyalty to him as a friend.

Usually, I was always the first to tell him how good looking he was, without even taking it to heart.

Now, those compliments were stuck on my tongue, and saying them out might not be the best idea. I needed to sort out this weird feeling first.

"Drey, are you okay?" I heard Evie ask, as she glanced at me, briefly.

"Yeah, I am. Why?"

She shrugged. You seem distracted. You are not even flowing with the music. Is Maroon not your favourite music artist anymore?"

I forced a smile. The last thing I needed was Evie seeing through me.

"Of course I am, just tired."

She nodded slowly. "I get it. Your department is really a lot of work." Then, she gave me a once-over.

"I didn't get the opportunity earlier to tell you about your outfit today; it looks cool and lit."

I could already sense the 'but' that would follow after the compliment. There was always a 'but' when it comes to my fashion sense. "But what?"

Her lips curled up in a smile. "But it looks masculine, and we as your friend aren't comfortable with it any longer. Maybe that's why guys aren't so keen on asking you out."

"The last I checked, Liam isn't complaining."

"He won't because he sees you as his best buddy. I am talking about Lislie and Patty. We all dress feminine. You are the only one amongst us that dresses masculine. We just want the best for you."

I sighed. This wasn't what I wanted to dwell on. My fashion sense was okay for me. And it wasn't as though I was interested in any guy at the moment.

"Just take me home."

Evie nodded, touching my shoulders softly. "I am on it."

I folded my arms across my chest and stared ahead. I didn't know what was wrong with me. Hell, I wanted to know. To know why the image of Liam was stubbornly stuck in my mind's eye, refusing to let go.

As Evie dropped me off with the promise of coming later to check on me, and we saying our goodbyes, I dragged my feet slowly to the front door of my house. I remembered leaving this house, a couple of hours ago in anticipation of seeing my best friend and my other friends after the summer holidays. But, coming back here, I was besieged with multiple questions that needed to be answered.

I flopped myself on my bed as soon as I got to my room.

The first day could have been interesting and thrilling if not for this weird feeling that persisted, from the first time I set my eyes on Liam till now.

I sighed. Undressed and grabbed my towel heading to the bathroom. I needed to have a shower and rest my nerves.

Maybe I was hallucinating or infatuated by Liam's more mature body. He now looked every inch like a full grown man. His chest and shoulders had become broader, his arm muscles flexing out. And those red lips...

Shit! I cursed as I rubbed soap inside my eyes while thinking about Liam. Quickly, I rinsed my eyes and continued showering.

Evening rolled by, and I found myself on my bed, with my laptop in front of me. I was trying to put this weird feeling in words so I could ask G****e what it was. I was still trying to form my words when my phone rang.

I glanced at it — I placed it beside my laptop. The caller ID revealed Lislie. We didn't really say our goodbyes because she left in a rush, saying she had some errands to run for her mother.

I picked up and pressed the phone to my ears. "Hello Lis, what's up?" I tried to sound casual, so she wouldn't start asking me what was wrong with me.

"Hello, beautiful. I'm sorry I left in a hurry. I know I was supposed to drop you off."

I shrugged as though she would see me. "It's nothing dear, I understand. Hope you are home now?"

"Yeah, I am. I just wanted to invite you for a party of one of our classmates in high school. She invited the five of us."

No, I wasn't in the mood to attend any parties. Worse still, I felt shivers just with the thought of setting my eyes on Liam. I needed to deal with this shit. I didn't want to start acting all weird around my best friend.

"I don't think I can. You know..."

"No way. I won't accept any excuses, Drey. I will drag you down there if I must. So, be ready at 7. 30, yeah?"

"So, you are saying I must attend even if I don't want to?"

"I'm saying you should have fun with us, and not avoiding social gatherings like a plague. This is no longer high school; it's freaking college."

"So, because it's college, I should let loose and fly?" Lislie chuckled from the other end.

"Sweetie, I will pick you up okay? And wear something nice!" She finished and hung up, even before I got a chance to reply. I sighed and threw the phone back on the bed.

Resting my head on my throw pillow, and thinking of how weirder this night was going to be.