She's an A

Chapter 7 - Visible Signs

    Lenette was disappointed when she reached their favourite study place that night. Nicholas is not there. She smiled bitterly and let out a heavy sigh. She is not used to being treated like this by him. This is the first time in three years. From the time they met, Nicholas has treated her like a gentleman, assisting her in whatever she has been doing. He has been always there for her, always texting her updates and whatever she needs to know before going to class. Now, she has not received any message from him for two whole days. She was the one who texted him and initiated conversation with him. 

    The next days even surprised her. Nicholas came to class but constantly distanced himself from her. He always came 5 minutes later than the time and always sat at the last seat at the back of the room, the seat near to the door exit. Whenever class is done, he has already gone first. He never approached her or waited for her so that they can leave the school together. He did not go to their favourite study place anymore. Worst, he did not talk to her anymore. There was one occasion when he saw him talking to a male friend on the isle and he saw her passing by. However, he never greeted her. He just looked at her without any expression at all. 

    Lenette was confused. What is this man doing? Is he not her friend? Her heart got heavier as the days go by. She is getting the message that he does not want to be with her anymore. It could have been better if he told her straight. However, she was left midair, unable to guess what is happening around her. She is getting hurt by the day. 

    One night, she finished her class and walked to the gate to get out of the school premises and proceed to her favourite study place. She walked with head down while holding books on her right hand. She was so deep in thought that she did not realize that she is meeting someone. It was too late when she bumped into him, and her books fell on the ground. She was about to fall when a man's hand grabbed her waist and held her body close to his. Surprised by what happened, she looked up at the man's face. Staring at a handsome face before her, her jaw dropped. This man looks like a god. With deep eyes, high nose and cleft chin, he is a picture of a rich and powerful Prince Charming. She swallowed and blushed. 

    "I-I'm so sorry," she said slowly and lowered her gaze.

    The man said nothing but stared at her eyes as if reading what is inside. His face is stern and cold. After a while, he let her loose and helped her restabilize her stance. After doing so, he picked her books and gave it to her. All this time, she has been starstruck that she was unable to move fast and help gather her books. After that, he left without a word. 

    That was the only time that Lenette recovered her composure. Who is that man? She thought and quickly followed where he went. However, he is already nowhere to be seen. What a handsome face but cold aura, she thought and moved on. 

    Passing through the gate, she went out of the premises. Walking a few blocks away, she noticed a familiar figure that she is familiar with. Nicholas? She said on her mind and stared at his direction. He is really there. He is not alone. In fact, he is with some guys, those guys who are known to be drunkards and smokers in their department. What is he doing with them? She wondered. I never thought he was close to these people. She frowned. Nicholas, what secrets have you been hiding from me? 

    She stared at them and tried to comprehend what they are doing. Oh, they are smoking. Are her eyes deceiving her? No, they really are smoking on the corner near the school. She frowned and stared all the more. Do these law students know that they are breaking a local law? There is a law in their city regarding the prohibition of smoking in non-smoking designated areas. Obviously, the place where they are smoking is not a designated smoking area. What are they doing?

    In an unexpected surprise, Nicholas lifted his head and saw her. Their eyes met. For a second, he showed a surprised expression but after a while, he continued what he was doing and took his eyes off her. Lenette was totally shocked. What is with the cold treatment, Nicholas? She asked in her mind. Why are you treating me like this? Her heart got hurt by this single instance. 

    She walked fast and reached the study area. As usual, she went to her favourite spot and left her things before proceeding to the counter to order. This time, Lyra was there. She nodded to her politely as a form of greeting. 

    "I know what you would order so I had it already prepared for you," she said and smiled again.

    "Oh thanks, Lyra. I appreciate this," she said and brought out her wallet. After paying, she attempted to take the tray and leave the counter when Lyra stopped her. Holding her hands, she said in a soft voice, "Lenette, I'm sorry."

    She frowned. "For what?" she said, confused.

    "Look, I have been seeing you study alone for days now and I never told you anything."

    "What do you mean?"

    "Are you and Nicholas not together anymore?" she asked instead.

    "What?" she smiled bitterly. "Lyra, you know that Nicholas and I are just friends."

    "Are you sure?"

    "Yes..."

    Lyra nodded her head. "Then maybe nothing is wrong that I cannot see you both together then. It's just that I have seen you together everyday in three years..."

    Lenette frowned. Deep inside, she felt that there is something deeper to Lyra's statement.

    "Lyra, do you know something about Nicholas?" she asked out of curiosity.

    "Well, yeah. That's what I was supposed to tell you. Anyway, you would not care since you are just friends."

    Lenette was puzzled. She got more serious.

    "What do you mean?" she asked again.

    "Well, for days, I have been spotting Nicholas in bars, and he has always been with a lady."