Living With The Player

**CAMILLA RENÉE **

THURSDAY

8:03 AM

RESIDENCE HALL B.

“Rise and shine, my pretty.”

Miranda’s grubby voice sneered in my left ear. I tossed the sheets over and turned away.

I’ve gotten used to no classes, sleeping in, binge-watching, and ignoring the outside world.

Now I have to *school.*

I picked up my course schedule last week; I took little course load since it’s fall and I want to get the hang of everything first. Today I only have one lecture. It’s general psychology.

I can’t wait. Sense the sarcasm?

“Alright. You can sleep in, but I’m going to class. Unlike you, I’m looking forward to becoming an actress.”

It’s my turn to snicker.

“Hey!”

She whined, pulling the entire cover off my bed. It exposed my skin to the harsh cold since its fall.

“Great. You’re up. I’ll give you ten minutes to get ready and we can leave together.”

She produces a kissing sound, then struts outside the room.

Exhaling sharply, I seat up on my bed and look around.

My hair’s all sticky from the time I spent sleeping yesterday. I figured out sleeping is an excellent way to ignore and avoid all of life’s problems.

Unless fate kicks you in the arse. Then you get nightmares.

I had one. It was about a certain guy whose name I will not mention. He’s attending Cal-U.

It’s a nightmare, but it’s also impossible because, as I’ve quoted many times, Dylan is off to New York.

******

Since Miranda’s absence from my clothing selection thanks to the heavens, I got the chance to pick a simple ash top and blue pants. It’s cold, so I pulled on a black sweater in case the lecture halls are fully air-conditioned, which I suspect.

Unlike high school, I don’t need to carry books around, a bag is even optional, but I need my notepad and personal computer, so I opted for a carry-on. Also black.

I’ve spent nearly half an hour between showering and getting ready. Miranda hasn’t returned, so maybe she went off without me.

Hold that thought.

My phone beeps with a text message. It’s from an unknown number, even.

“I’m sorry about yesterday. I never meant to ruin the mood. It’s like leaving a girl halfway through an orgasm. That experience just stays with you. I’d love to make it up to you over coffee or dinner sometime. Jimmy.”

I have to give it to him; the example fits, and he’s good with humour as well.

Barring my screen, I tuck my phone away in my bag and stand up.

“Camilla!”

Miranda screeches, bursting into our room. Right on cue. I believe we’ll be getting a lot of phone calls for disturbance during the coming months.

“You’re lucky I like the shirt. It makes your boobs all perky.”

She giggles.

First eye roll of the day.

“Can we go now?”

“Of course.”

Stretching out her shoulder, I narrow my gaze, shaking my head with a little butt linking it with mine.

Oh, the first day of class.

****

9:30 AM.

Regardless of the meal plan, Miranda and I got coffee and biscuits before going our separate ways.

Her energy for the first day is unmatched.

I’ve been scanning the entire faculty. Some students are like Miranda bubbling with joy and excitement, others are void like me, and some are in the middle.

I’ve also been looking out for him. I’ve tried keeping him off my mind. It’s not working out well.

Reasons Dylan Emerton could’ve been here.

A; his friend moved in and he wanted to “survey” the place. That’s lame, right?

B; he just wanted to get a feel for the university, orientation is not limited to just students. Does everyone know that?

And C. I’ve been dredging C. The third option is me. He came for me. Coincidence; we were at the same place and time? I think not.

“You will turn around and walk away. You won’t utter a word to me. Not now. Never. You will walk away from me. You will forget everything just like I will and then both of us will return to our former lives because I assure you, I will never give you the chance to hurt me again.”

My exact words that night. He did just that. He followed every word I said. After eight months, why reappear?

“Good morning gorgeous.”

Proximity alert. How do I know? His breath is fanning my fucking neck.

I take a few steps forward, more steps away from him, before turning around.

He’s wearing black and white. Hair is curled backwards. Jimmy has a sex appeal. His smile will make you want to strip. I swallow hard.

“You’re just standing there, if I didn’t know better if you think you were waiting up for me?”

He says cockily.

“Well, you know better.”

I snap.

Was I just standing there and thinking about him?

This is precisely what I do not need. Thoughts of him evading my mind. I’ve put them away for months now. Why come back now?

“Camilla about yesterday…”

“It’s cool. It exhausted me, that’s why I left like that, but you and I are cool. You did nothing wrong by mentioning him.”

I cringe my nose but the smile erupting on Jimmy’s face is exhilarating.

I’m tingling again. Just like in the elevator.

“Well then, the class has begun. We should get going.”

He nudges his head towards the big brown door. I bob mine slowly and strides towards it.

Dylan Emerton.

“Out of sight, out of mind.”

I recite.

*But for how long?*

My subconscious questions, a tiny whisper, but a valid inquiry, and it lingers. Throughout Mrs Penelope’s lecture, the question leaves a handprint in my mind.

How long do I get to keep him out without bursting completely? I can’t Kidd myself, he still affects me.

****

General psychology wasn’t all that terrible. I spoke to a few people. Mrs Penelope made us get up and give a little introduction. It’s psychology. We spoke about dislikes, likes, and why we’re studying this course.

Everyone’s answers were similar. Including mine.

I exchanged cell numbers as well, we even have a group chat for just this course.

I didn’t look gloomy ninety percent of the time; I giggled a little at Ben’s corky jokes. He’s a second-year student.

I chortled at Lee’s observations. Good ones even. I had a good day.

****

1:05 PM

“Wanna have lunch?”

Miranda’s text popped in as I exited the lecture hall.

“Sure. I’m famished.”

I answer back, then tuck my phone away.

Seconds later, it beeps once more.

“You never gave me an answer to dinner.”

It’s Jimmy. I recall him muttering goodbye to me. He flirted a few times during the lecture, I find him charming. He’s cute even. If I want fucked up, I’ll be turned on in so many ways.

“You’re a psych major. Take a hint.”

I smirk to myself after replying.

“Well, girls love it when guys pursue them. Am I getting warmer?”

He texts back. I shake my head strolling back to the dorms.

“Ice cold.”

I click send, holding onto my phone and bag.

“Just one chance. *Inserts weepy face.*”

I bite my lips and hold back a tiny laugh.

He’s relentless.

“I don’t go on dates, Jimmy.”

I text back, almost regretting it. Almost.

Jimmy may give me tingling sensations, sexy smirks, good looking hair, but my rule is valid. No boys.

“I’d like to believe I’ll change your mind soon.”

The punctuation at the end of that sentence makes me shiver for some odd reason.Content © copyrighted by NôvelDrama.Org.

I don’t text back. I shove my phone into the back of my pants and hurry to the dorms.

****

“You said yes, right?”

Miranda asks, tossing a shirt over her head. The weather is a little hot, so I might shower before leaving as well.

“No Miranda. I did not say yes.”

Second eye roll. Why bother to inform her of the happenings in my life again?

“Are you delusional! You’ll text you right now and agree to that dinner date!”

She’s stomping her feet. Great. We’ll get evicted for sure.

“I will do no such thing.”

I crossed my arms, narrowing my gaze in a standoff.

“Camilla Renée.”

Full name basis now?

“I told you no dates.”

“We did the pinky swear. We’ll have fun.”

“I don’t see you going on dates.”

I counter happily switching the topic off me.

Miranda jerks. As though I have caught her masturbating.

“You see. You’re as guilty as me. ”

I feign offence, but honestly, I just need the heat of my skin for a few seconds.

“Actually…”

She trails off, exhaling largely.

Wait, a second. Actually, what?

I’m lost now.

“Are you saying you’ve been dating someone this entire time?”

She bobs her head in affirmation.

Oh, fuck me. That’s an unexpected answer.

My best friend has been in a relationship? Without my knowledge?

“Why didn’t you tell me? I don’t understand.”

I chuckle, but there’s nothing funny.

“I didn’t tell you for obvious reasons, Camilla. You weren’t in a good place. I didn’t want to act insensitively.”

I have a huge sigh.

“Who is he?”

I inquire, observing her expressions.

“Uhm…”

“Come on, the secrets are already out and while I’m furious at you for keeping it this entire time, I’m curious. Tell me.”

I arch my brows and wait for a reply.

“Kyle.”

She states. My jaw drops.

“Kyle? Well, I see we both have a thing for guys named Kyle…”

I chuckle mid-sentence, but Miranda’s not sharing in my humour. Her face is stone cold. Then it strikes me. What I missed this entire time.

Her facial expressions yesterday at the mention of his name. The kiss that happened months ago.

Miranda isn’t dating another guy named Kyle. She’s dating my ex-boyfriend named Kyle.

“You’re dating my ex-boyfriend.”

That’s not a question. I’m sure of it.

“Camilla. I can explain.”

Her hands are shaking badly, eyes watering up as she stares intently.

I’m not sure where to focus my anger on. My best friend for lying to me this entire time and hooking up with my ex or myself for not realising it sooner, because the signs were all there.

******

*Author’s Note*

*Tomorrow, I’ll be dropping both chapters simultaneously. I have an event to attend. I’ll drop the next chapter for today in a few hours.*