Author's note: Hey everybody, I am really sorry for taking this long to update my new chapter. I wanted to complete it real bad but I had my pre med school entrance exams going on. Thank you for all your support. I really appreciate it so much. :)
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The next few days were uneventful. He called and texted several times, but I did not response. Yes, I was ignoring him. He was out of town for some kind of a business tour and that made me feel a bit relieved. I didn't have to be afraid of anyone pouncing on me, whenever they wanted, for a while. I wanted to relax and make the most out of this time.
New semesters had just started and I wanted to concentrate more on my studies. After all this is what I came here for. College was going great except for there is this guy, Arthur. He is that popular guy in the college, whom, everyone wants to date but he kind of wanted to date me. I used to be bullied constantly back in my high school and was the one, girls decided to be mean towards but now I was getting the kind of attention, I, could have never imagined of before. Everything was right except for the situation I was in. The dark secret, that, nobody knew of. Neil. I hated him to the core but also there were moments when I had flashbacks of the time we spent together and I can't lie to myself, but it did make me moist down there. I felt like I missed him. There we go again, I am being delusional about things I am never going to get. I constantly kept myself reminding that once he gets married, my ordeal is going to be over. I will be a free bird and I never have to see his face ever again. Deep down, I knew that every word he said to me back in the cottage, about him having certain feelings towards me, was all a lie. He just probably wants to enjoy his last months of being a bachelor.
*********
"Hey" Arthur said, handing over an envelope to me.
"Oh, hi Arthur. What's this?"
"Open it."
It was an invitation. He is going to turn 19 this upcoming Sunday and wants to throw a party at some fancy place.
"Be there at seven. I will be waiting for you" he said with a smile and lots of expectations.
"Umm...I am not sure if I can make it."
"Why the hell not?" he asked surprised.
"I don't like to go to parties much. Besides there's, also loads of assignments to complete."
"You are kidding me right? You have to come, Lillian. It means a lot to me."
Arthur always looked like he genuinely liked me and maybe I like him too and if Neil did not decide to fuck with my life like this, I maybe would have started dating him too. What could go wrong if I went to this party anyways? I need a break. I need people in my life so that I can take a break from the other half, the dark side of my existence.
"Sure I will be there."
"Cool."
He gave me a quick hug and left for his classes.
********
It was Saturday already and I need to buy something for him and also select a dress to wear. Shall I wear the dress that Neil gave me? No way. I would rather burn it. I am going to throw on something from what I already have. What can I gift him? I decided to order a watch for him, on Amazon. I received it in a day, just like they promised.
********
Sunday evening I decided to wear a little black dress, leave my hair lose and throw on a pair of sneakers for the party. I looked okay. Not that I cared. I reached the venue and Arthur greeted me. I wished him and then handed the gift bag to him.
"Wow. Thank you so much for this but honestly this wasn't required."
"Typical social conventions, you see" I said with a vague smile.
"You showed up. I already got the best gift I could wish for, on my birthday."
Yes, it was a cheesy line but undeniably very cute and polite. I guess I kind of blushed and smiled awkwardly. We went inside and the place was jumping with loud music, dance and booze. I looked too decent compared to the girls there. I did not know most of them. The birthday cake was cut, greetings were engaged and the music turned up louder.
"Wanna have a dance with me?" Arthur asked.
"I can't really dance."
"Don't worry."
We hit the dance floor together and I kind of awkwardly started moving my feet and hands. I knew I looked dumb. Arthur tried to say something but I could not make it because of the music. He held my hand and pulled me out. We both went outside.
"I want to ask you something."
