Touch of Deception

SEVEN

She was awoken by the sound of her phone and when she checked it, it was from her professor, announcing that they won't be having the class for the day. She only has one class every Wednesday and with the class getting canceled, that means she doesn't have anything else aside from work. 

She looked at the clock and found out it's almost eight in the morning. She saw Gail's note on the fridge telling her the breakfast on the table. And indeed, there was something on the table. Gail's classes every day is at seven o'clock and that means she's the one who cooks breakfast. If she finishes class early and she doesn't have work to do, she cooks dinner. 

She made coffee for herself and sat on the chair. She remembered what happened last night. And she was thankful for Gail for staying with her last night. She knows Gail didn't believe her when she said it was just a bad dream. And she's glad she didn't ask any more questions about it. 

It wasn't just a bad dream. They were flashbacks. She knows it. She doesn't remember much but she could remember fragments about what happened. 

She sighed as she took the food from the oven. She doesn't have anything planned out today. So she decided to go grocery shopping. The store was walking distance from the apartment and she figured she'd just walk. But then she remembered what happened last night. When he felt someone was following her. It wasn't something she should just shake off. 

So after dressing up, she decided to take the long way to the store. She will never set foot in that alleyway ever again. 

She arrived at the store thirty minutes later. She roamed her eyes around. She let out a small smile as no one looked at her. Nobody glanced in her direction. Unlike when she was in her hometown where she's always the center of attention. She learned not to care but it was as if the stares were not enough that they started whispering too. Enough for her to hear. And it was even worse when they were blaming her for what happened to her. That it was her fault. That everything that's happening to her life was the consequence of her actions. If she hadn't gone to that party, it would have never happened. If she had just stayed at home, reading her favorite book, it would have never happened. They like blaming her, the victim. But nobody ever blames the rapist. 

"Good morning, ma'am!" She jolted when the guard greeted her and handed her a basket. She blinked and took it before she mumbled her thanks. 

She chuckled to herself. Who gets surprised by a simple greeting? 

You should relax, Cel. This is not your hometown. This is a different city. Nobody here knows you. Nobody knows your past. 

She looked at the people around and they were doing their own business. She bit her lip as she walked from aisle to aisle, gathering whatever she needs. When she was about to get a pack of bread, somebody was also holding to the same pack of bread. And when she looked at who it was, she blinked when she realized it was Matt Adams. 

Matt Adams again. 

She could see he was surprised too as he was looking at her quite wide-eyed. She was delighted that the math class this morning was canceled because it means she wouldn't see Matt and he sees him in the store instead. Such coincidence.  She groaned inwardly. 

Matt's eyes went to the tray she was holding. It was quite full. Then what he did next was unexpected as he took his basket and gave her the pushcart instead. 

"Take this. Your arms look like they're about to pull off." 

She furrowed her brows at him. And when she didn't move, Matt took the basket from her hands and placed it on the cart. He then gave it to her. 

"Here you go." 

She took the basket still not able to form a response. He looked at the bread and tossed it to her basket too. He then stuffed his hand into his pocket before he said, "It's nice to see you here. Though I know the feeling's not mutual." He chuckled at his last sentence. But she still doesn't know what to say. 

"You're welcome," Matt said before he walked past her. And it was then that she realized what she did was rude. She pushed the cart and tried finding him. And by the time she saw him, he was already putting his goods in his car. 

She closed her eyes firmly. She should really say thank you the next time she sees him. Matt didn't do anything wrong. And she's acting like a snob. Though she still can't bring herself to trust men, she should at least talk to him. Nothing would happen if she keeps staying inside her cocoon. And so she decided she'll talk to him tomorrow at history class. At least to say thank you. 

It was hard for her to make friends. And when she thought it's easier if it's in a new city and with new people, she realized it wasn't as easy as she thought. She even finds it hard to say thank you to someone who just helped her. Twice. She figured she should try harder. 

So the first thing she did the next morning was walking towards where Matt was seated. He was talking to one of their girl classmates and when he noticed her presence, a questioning look plastered across his face. 

She swallowed hard before she said, "Thank you. Thank you for picking my books up the other day. And thank you for yesterday." She stood there and she could clearly see the surprise on Matt's face. It wasn't hard to say thanks. Her pride and her stubbornness made it hard. 

And then she realized what she had done when all of their classmates are now looking at both of them. Heat crept her cheeks and she was about to turn and go back to her seat when Matt's hand was on her wrist. She whirled and eyed his hand on her wrist. Matt must have realized her discomfort because he let go of her immediately. 

"Well, that's...surprising." He looked at her. "And you're supposed to wait for the other person's response before you turn your back, you know." His smile turned into a grin before he stuffed his hands inside his pockets. He then tilted his head slightly as if bowing a little as he said, "Your welcome, Celeste." 

She cleared her throat as she gave him a subtle nod before she went to my seat. The moment the class indeed, she went out. And just as she was about to turn to the corner, she felt someone walking beside her. She almost jumped on her feet when she realized who it was. 

"I just noticed you're quite jumpy around me," he started and she looked at him. Matt looked at her too before he continued, "I don't bite. You don't have to be scared of me. And besides, I already forgave you when you spilled a drink on me. And I won't pester you to pay that." 

"You don't need me to tutor you Math. You aced the entrance exam." 

She felt him look at her and he rubbed the back of his neck as if embarrassed of what she just revealed. "You did your research, huh." 

"I didn't. Somebody told me. You're quite popular." 

"Apparently, not too popular." 

She didn't say another word. And she could feel Matt was just waiting for her to talk. They walked silently and she couldn't help but lower her head slightly as she could see several students looking in their direction. She doesn't like it. The eyes of people--judging, getting curious...she's sick of it. 

And when they encountered a group of guys who greeted Matt, she walked faster. She figured she can't do it all at once. Talking to Matt was one big improvement. That should suffice. And when she was far enough, she looked back. But she wasn't expecting him to be looking at her too. She didn't as much manage a nod. She just turned her back and walked to the exit gate. 

Matt is too popular. Being friends with him would mean people's eyes would be on her too. Curious looks of the students would be on her too. The last thing she wanted is for her past to be known. She moved here to start a new life. And she will stick to that plan no matter what. 

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