Behind Classroom Doors

VI

VI

When I get home, I make my way into the kitchen for some food after realizing that my parents aren't home. They are planners, so they usually go when the client calls because of some idea they had. You’d be surprised how often it happens.

After heating some leftovers, I take a seat at the table and check my phone. There's a buzz before a text from Hunter pops up on my screen. We had exchanged numbers since we're working on a project together.

Hunter: When and where do you want to meet up for the project?

Me: Any day this week, I'll be free. You can come over to my place.

Hunter: How’s tonight? It's only Five, and I'm not busy.

Me: Yeah, that sounds fine. See you soon.

I text him my address and put my empty plate in the sink. My phone rings again, and I pick it up.

"Hello?"

"Babe? What are you doing?" Dean answers on the other line.

"Nothing, didn't you just drop me off like half an hour ago?" I question with a small laugh.

"Yeah... However, I wanted to know if you wanted to get dinner?" I smiled at the offer.

"I'm sorry I just ate and...I'm expecting company," I tell him, biting my lip out of habit.

“Jenny or Becca?" He asked in a light tone, thinking it was one of them.

"Neither...Hunter's coming over so we can work on the project for History." It’s quiet on the other line. The silence scares me a little. "Dean?"

"I don't think he should be over there with you alone." He answered. "I'm coming over." I hear shuffling on the other end.

"Wait what? No, I'm perfectly fine with him by myself." I insist, but his humorless laugh sends shivers down my spine. “Why are you laughing?”

“Because you’re naive. I don’t want him alone with you, Liv. That’s that.” I stand there, shocked by my boyfriend's words.

"How dare you say that to me. Thanks for the concern but I think I can decide for myself.” I argue back.

He sighs heavily. I picture him running his hand over his face." Babe, I-"

"I have to go." I interrupt and hang up on him. I have zero interest in hearing anything he has left to say.

How can he say that? Only because a guy is coming over. It’s not like I’m going to cheat on him. Maybe it’s because he doesn’t trust me. That very thought is ridiculous we’ve been together for over three years, trust should be a given at this point.

I jump at the sound of the doorbell ringing. Composing myself, I go to the door and open it. There Hunter stands in a simple t-shirt and jeans. His light red hair is messy, but it’s not a bad look for him. He holds his bag over his left shoulder.

"Hey, come on in." I invite him as while holding the door open for him. He walks in and looks around the room.

"You have a nice house." He compliments to which I smile.

"Thanks." I gesture for the dining room table, he gets the hint, setting his bag down and taking a seat. I drag my chair out and sit next to him, watching silently as he takes out his notebook for our class.

"Okay, so I thought that we should talk about some key factors that started the Trojan War not just the Trojan War." He starts looking through his notes. I nod along as we get to talking about said vital factors.

He's a lot smarter than I expected him to be and I'm impressed. Within two hours we finish the project, and as I write the last line, I drop the pencil onto the page with a laugh. "This is good." I compliment admiring our work.

He laughs too, "Yeah it is, your good at putting ideas together." I smile at his compliment.

"I love to write. It's a hobby of mine." I shrug. "And besides you had perfect ideas for me to put together."

He puts his notebook back inside his bag. "I should get going, but I had a good time, surprisingly."

I draw my eyebrows together. "Surprisingly?"

Hunter shrugs." Just that it's homework and not very fun. Also, I half expected Dean to be here."

I look down, "Yeah well some things I can handle on my own." I say quietly.

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't mean it like that.” Hunter scratched the back of his head nervously, “You seem perfectly capable it’s just...Dean seems like the controlling type.”

“How so?” He can be persistent on some things, but I’ve never considered him to be controlling.

“Just that he never lets you leave his side. I’m sorry if I’m overstepping my bounds.” He apologizes.

"It's fine. I'll see you in school?" I question, realizing he said nothing wrong.

"Definitely." With that, he waves goodbye and leaves.

I sigh and walk up to my bedroom. I take a shower and change into my comfortable clothes before getting in between my sheets. My phone keeps blowing up, but I ignore it. Dean had no right to say what he said. I deserve the same respect.

Deciding not to think about it I close my eyes to let sleep take over me.