Chapter Eighteen- I don't bite

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Chapter Eighteen: I don't bite.

The alarm buzzed on, jerking me up, as I desperately and vigorously tapped my hand here and there on the side table— where the alarm clock probably should be, to make it stop. When the buzz finally died, I sat back up, yawning and desiring for some more sleep but, it wasn't a possibility.

I climbed of the bed and tossed aside the curtains blocking the window. It was still dark outside. I smiled as the cold breeze hit my skin, giving me goosebumps.

I'd never woken up this early in my entire life and that too for someone else! He better appreciate all this.

I rushed into my closet and grabbed my sky blue jeans and long baby pink shirt, which was a little transey. I ran into the bathroom not wasting a single minute of my precious time.

After a quick wash, I scrambled into my fresh clothes whose material was cold against my skin. Water dripped from my blondes but, there was no way I was wasting time drying them with the loud dryer, making my parents suspicious as their room was on the same floor as mine; just on the other end of the hallway.

I tried to soak some water off my hair with the help of the towel and clutched some of my hair at the back of my head. I wore a single line of eyeliner, fresh coat of mascara, and a little lip gloss over my lips.

Wearing my comfy heels, I grabbed my bag and without even causing a single noise, I strolled downstairs directly towards Marissa's room.

She had to be my knight in the shining armour!

What if—

Just shut up, Elle. There's no what if here!

I flickered the lights on of her room, as I made my way towards her bed.

Marissa was peacefully sleeping with her mouth tad open. As much as I enjoyed the hilarious scene in front of me, I had to destroy her bubble of dream.

This wasn't the way I exactly planned on but, I was left with no choice.

Thanks dad.

"Hey..." I whispered in her ears—louder than I should, jolting her up but, immediately, I kept a hand on her mouth, restraining her from screaming for GOD.

"It's me. Everything's fine, I just need your help..."

I removed my hand once she opened her dead shut eyes and realized I was no thief or serial killer. "Ms. Michelle, its 4:30 in the morning. What are you doing in here? Is everything alright? Are you hungry?"

I opened my mouth to speak but, not before she started again.

Her eyebrows scrunched up as she added, "And you're all dressed up? But, you're grounded...aren't you? Today's no school."

"Oh, god Merissa! You ask so much... At least let me speak?" I snapped, annoyed. Mornings are never my best suit.

"Sorry, Ms. Michelle." She sat up properly and waited for me to explain.

Her eyes were puffy but, I bet not more than mine. I was sacrificing my beauty sleep!!

"I have to go somewhere. I know I'm not allowed to go anywhere other than school but, todays' Saturday; which means no school. Please, Marissa, I will explain you everything on the way. But, not right now. We've to leave before my parents wake up. Please please please??" I hissed because I didn't want my parent to get even a zilch bit curious.

"You do know what Mr. Reynold said, right? I can't disobey him... What will I say to him if he finds out that you're gone? Or if he calls for you?"

"You can set the pillows in my bed. And simply tell them I'm mad that they've grounded me so, I refuse to come out of my room or even talk to anyone... And, trust me, they'll leave it on that. They don't care much to stay home for me... They have their significant meetings today."

I added before she could say anything,

"Marissa it's about someone I care. Please... He's not well, he needs help, and he doesn't have anyone to take care of him. Please. You always taught me to be nice and help people. Now, I am doing what you asked..." "Please" I kinda strangled her in her own precious upbringing values.

Cue taping my own shoulder, inwardly. 'Nice move.'

But, I meant it. I cared for him. I mean, at least I started to...

"Fine. But, only on one condition."

I hugged her immediately, "Anything. I promise."

***

I knew that if he woke up before I'll get there, he will never let me help him and his shabby apartment. He was sick and the surroundings mattered in the improvement process. He had no one to look after him. He hardly had any washed clothes or food in his refrigerator—leave alone the healthy foods.

And there was only one way to do it; when he's sleeping. The sedative had to be strong enough to keep him out for at least few more hours.

"So, you're telling me that this is the same guy who broke your phone, who insulted you, beat up Justin, went for an illegal fight—for which you got grounded by your dad, and you're still helping him?" Her face scrunched up in distaste. I didn't expect her to understand when I, myself couldn't comprehend anything!

"Yes. He's not that bad. He's just complicated and complex, I guess. One minute he's like any other normal guy but, then something always gets to him as he starts to behave otherwise. I just want to help him being normal..."

She furrowed in utter confusion at me. "Eyes on the road, Marissa." I giggled. Adding, I assured her, "I know you probably won't get a word I just said. But, he's worth it." I just confessed it out loud.

He's worth it. He is.

"Okay, if you say so..." She smiled brightly at me, in understanding.

"Take two rights, then we'll be there." I stated.

Soon she parked the car alongside with that old huge tree—which had started to become a familiar figure to me!

I smiled, as the first ray of sun touched the ground.

"It's beautiful." I said, looking at the sunrise.

"Indeed, it is." Marissa spoke. I smiled at her and nodded. "Let's go." And we strode up to 3B.

"Okay, before I let you in, I—"

"I won't judge him with the mess he's been living in." She said, reading my mind. Or probably understood looking at the neighbourhood and his dingy building.

"I love you." I half hugged her and slowly pushed the door inward to open it.

"Come on, in." I whispered, opening the door for her.

As she stepped inside, I closed the door shut and quickly spotted him, still sleeping on the couch and not to mention in the same position in which I left him.

"He's really battered." She noticed the wounds and winced, imagining his pain, I guessed.

"I know... let's just get started, shall we? Especially, before he wakes up and kicks us out?"

Her eyes went wide at the mention of kicking out part.

"Just kidding." Chuckling, I lied to her. Because, I knew he could really kick me out.

And here I was trying my best to comfort him!

I picked up the things from the floor, which Marissa neatly placed perfectly in a desired place. It was just one room apartment with one door for lavatory. His single room was at least big enough for a centre table, sofa, and a small wooden cupboard.

Well, the room was divided with Kitchen, which was at the entrance of the apartment— at the left. Only few half empty shelves were there and a counter top. In the corner, his refrigerator was situated with nothing but, few bread pieces and a jam container—which eventually turned out to be empty.

After half an hour of hard work, marissa and I plopped down on the bean bags which he had other than a single long couch in his all-in-one room. I looked around and felt proud of all the cleaning we did.

Just for a second I thought as if it was dark all over again. I avoided the dizziness arousing inside my feeble body.

"I should make something for both of you and head home. Mr. and Mrs. Reynold would be awake any moment, longing for a cup of coffee."

I smiled at her, nodding my head in understanding.

I yawned twice as I stretched my legs a little and rested my head against the wall. Suddenly, my eyes felt extremely heavy as I couldn't get enough sleep last night. But, I knew that I...should...not...fall...asleep...in...his...apar—

***

I felt the sunrays warming my body. I smiled to myself, as I realized it was Saturday and there's nothing in the world for me to do other than sleep!

Where's marissa?

Where's my bed coffee?  She knew I liked coffee in my bed on the weekends.

I stretched my muscles and cozyly wrapped my blanket around me. I finally opened my eyes and realized I wasn't in my own room. And then, the reality hit me like a slap on my face.

Oh, god! For how long I've been sleeping?

My neck got sprained form sleeping in an incongruous position, I looked down at my wrist-watch. It read, 9:30 am.

Oh my freaking god!!!!

Just as I was about to get up, I realized I wasn't on the bean bag anymore. I was lying on his couch with the same red blanket over me. It was one which I wrapped on him last night.

Does that mean....? OH MY GOSH!!! Did he really picked me up and laid me here?

This was exactly what I was talking about... he cares—if he wanted he could've simply let me sleep on the bean bag with no blanket to protect me from cold—but, he just didn't like to confront his feelings. Feeling like actually caring for someone?

I felt a sudden heat on my cheeks, which we usually call blush. I flipped some of my hair in front to hide the unwelcomed emotion.

I quickly brushed the heat-y feeling away—which I never felt for anyone.

I stood up, folding the blanket and keeping it on the couch, tidily.

The kitchen was empty and so was the bathroom.

'Where is he?'

Oh, god! What happened? Did someone abduct him? Maybe the guy who's been calling him for the money kidnapped him?

I've to call 911!

But, before I could really make the call, I heard few noises coming from outside.

I rushed towards the door and opened it wide to run when I bumped into someone hard. "Ow," I groaned rubbing my crushed nose. I gazed up and met pair of beautiful brownie eyes.

Thank god!

"You're okay..." I hushed more to myself.

Mistakenly, I hugged him in my panic state. I didn't want to do that! Did I?

It was just me clinging onto him while his arms paused halfway before wrapping around me. But, at least he didn't push me away.

"Ehmm..." He cleared his throat, pulling me out of my daydream.

Pulling away, I awkwardly looked on the floor. "Sorry. I thought someone kidnapped you..." I confessed innocently.

"Why would you even think that?"

I craned my neck up to look at him. I had to!!! Because, his tone wasn't the usual one when he said that. It was amused.

My heart swelled like a balloon on the sight in front of me. He was breathtakingly smiling!! He was freaking smiling at me!!!!

As soon as he noticed I was swooning over his smile, he changed his countenance back to his typical scowl.

"Um. What are you doing outside? You shouldn't be walking..." I grabbed his arm and pulled him back inside on the couch.

He just rolled his eyes.

It's okay... I'm getting used to his cold behaviour.

I strode back to close the door and then latched it. Call me paranoid. What if someone really came and kidnapped him?

"I see what you did." He said and I immediately halted biting on my nails.

"You're welcome. I had to get it clean otherwise how would you get better and help me in decorating the gym. So, call me selfish." I smirked at him and helped myself with some water.

"I feel fine. You can go, now." He was back to pretending to be the bad person.

Smirking, I made my way towards him, "Good morning to you too and I'm not going anywhere."

"Won't your parents worry or your friends look for you?"

"Guess not. I handled everything."

"For me?"

He raised his brow at me. I guess he was feeling full of himself.

"No... I told you. I'm doing all this for myself. Why would I do it for a jerk?" I winked at him but, this time his countenance didn't stirred.

Reluctantly, I walked closer to him, scrutinizing his injuries. His nose and lips seemed better but, the bruise on his cheek was tad bit darker than last night. He looked fresh and clean. He must have already bathed. He was clad in khaki pants and black t-shirt—showing off his masculine physique.

"Let's get you bandaged!" I announced and pulled out the medical kit I brought.

I knew he didn't have one and didn't even considered to buy one.

I opened it and splashed some antiseptic liquid on the cotton. I kneeled down before him—to be his eye level, as he flinched away, while his eyes glaring at me.

"I don't bite. You know that right?" I let out a sarcastic laugh but, it was just a cover for my hurt. Why does he always flinch away with my touch? He can't hate me this much... Can he?

He spoke, "I don't trust you."

"Neither do I." I smiled and slowly dabbed it on his forehead, he winced but, composed himself.

I took out the bandage and slowly with my trembling hands, I placed it on his small wound on the right side of his head. Once I was done with that, I used the other tube medicine which Gabe prescribed for the bruises to lose its pain and colour...

"You have to lift your t-shirt for this one." I said, grudgingly. My heart was thudding loudly in my chest. I just couldn't do that. How could I? I felt my cheeks flush again. Every cell in my body danced at the thought. But, it was out of option.

"I'll do that." He took the medicine away and I stood up relaxing, trying not to stumble as I felt dizzy again.

Oh... I am hungry. Last meal I consumed was yesterday's breakfast. I should better eat something before I blackout in his apartment.

I had my back on him, giving him the privacy he needed.

"Do you want something to eat?" I asked checking what Marissa made for us, walking towards the kitchen—which was six feet away.

I took the silence as a yes and examined the fridge. It was almost full with all the important groceries. Marissa must have bought all of them.

I saw a note on the counter top, which I didn't notice earlier.

'Couldn't make anything for breakfast, as I got late purchasing the groceries. At least now, you can prepare something. Please be back before 3 pm. –Marissa'

Not a problem. I knew how to cook few things.

"Evan, Pancake or toast with some bacon?" I asked, crouching down to take out the utensils I'll need.

I straightened up and instantly jumped back, holding the shriek in my throat.

"Phew! You scared me." I bumped down the pan on the island and placed my hand on my heart—for a dramatic touch.

He was leaning extremely close on the counter top when I uncurled myself.

His mop of black hair was same as messy. I bit my lip, remembering the craving that arose last night for running my hand in his silky smooth locks... Even my stomach flipped back and forth at the memory.

Instinctively, I looked away from his strange gaze on me.

"Why did you do all this?" He gestured towards the groceries. He looked pissed.

"I didn't do it all by myself. My maid Marissa helped me this morning." I played dumb.

"That's not what I'm asking!!! Who do you think you're? Some popular rich girl who's pitying a bad boy? I don't need any of it!!! Neither—" His voice reached louder to my ears.

"Shut up!" I fumed, glaring in his eyes. "Just for once can you think that I might be doing this to just help you. What would I want from you?"

"Yeah, right! You're absolutely right! What would you want from a poor guy like me?"

"Wrong. You're again out of point. Evan," I sighed out all my anger.

"I don't get what you're really made at me right now? I don't know what happened at the Brook. I don't understand why you even agreed to the bet on the first place! I don't get what you exactly hate about me... Okay... I'm just trying to help myself. You may can't see it, but I might not be the person you think I am. So, just leave it on that. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon." I smirked at the end.

I knew I spoke too long and he's processing everything in his brain. I repeated myself, "You hungry?"

"Reynold," His voice came.

I looked back up at him, "I can't be friends with you. It's for your own good. You have to stop all this. You have stop coming here and helping me. I'm not used to it and neither do I want get used to it!" He looked distressed but, seriousness peeked in his eyes as he said all that.

I crushed my brows, biting on my lip. I felt as if someone stabbed me in the heart.

"Why?"

"I can't tell you," He ushered in husky voice.

"That's it then. Until, you tell me the reason, I'll continue being your friend."

I quickly added,

"And, Yes, your welcome for everything." I said turning my back on him, starting to make some omelette for us.

"I better save my energy for work instead of arguing with a mulish like you."

I huffed as I turned around with daring eyes at him.

"You didn't just call me a mule!!!" I fake-ly fumed, pointing the big spatula at him.

"Hey! Careful!" He whined and backed away.

"Stay clear of me! I hate being disturbed while cooking." I sneered and I bet I saw another smile on his face.

Aww!

He's adorable.

Only when he smiles.

For the next twenty minutes he quietly sat on the couch and played a random game on his phone. I finished off plating for both of us.

To my surprise, he didn't say anything and simply took his plate from my hand.

I situated myself on the couch a little distant from him.

He took the first huge bite and I could see how hungry he was. He took another and then another. I just took one bite when his one whole bread-omelette sandwich was finished.

I took another one and placed it in his plate. He glanced up from his plate with his deadpanned brown eyes.

"I had some at home." I lied. I had to.

He nodded and continued eating. I just stared at him the whole time, smiling like a crazy person.

He looked like a five-year-old, starved and deprived of food. The ketchup stuck on the side of his lip. He licked the side of his lip and something happened inside my stomach.

It flipped, hard. I restrained myself from watching him eating anymore, and carried on with my own sandwich.

"Thank you." He said, once finished with his meal.

I guess I skipped few beats or my heart just stopped. My jaw dropped as I spilled the half chewed food back in my plate and my eyes bugged out like in cartoons along with the long spring—so it can get back inside.

"You might catch a fly." He said, bluntly, pulling me out of my utter disbelief of what I just heard from Nobody's mouth.

"I've to go to work." He said, looking at the time in his phone.

I nodded taking it as my cue to leave. I knew it would be totally lousy to even try and talk him out for not going to work because of his injuries. But, no matter what he would definitely go. So, I didn't pull anymore stunts.

"Just don't do anything stupid, Nobody. And," I snatched his phone.

"What the—"

"Shhh..."

I saved my number in his phone and gave myself a missed call, "Just call if you need anything."

"Why would I call you?"

"It's okay. I will." I smiled at him.

I knew he will break. We all have our limit.

At least I could count it as the start of something<3

I grabbed my bag from the kitchen counter and walked out, shutting the door behind me.

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