28

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When I woke up later that day from my nap, I studied for a while and happily went for a stroll around campus. I was so excited about the fact that I finally have a secured job. I had already calculated how much I would make before the new year begins and I was already thinking of working extra days to get more money if Clark would allow it.

I stopped at the campus park and sat on one of the benches, taking in the few people walking around in groups or alone. I took in a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air blowing around. I was at peace for the first time in a long time and I felt hope.

"Jackie?"

I shook a little out of fear when I heard a familiar voice call my name. I placed a hand on my chest and tilted my head to the right to look at my roommate, Andrea. She was standing with some books in her hand and her hair in a messy bun on top of her head. Her glasses were resting on her pointed nose and her eyes looked tired, probably from the stress of her studies. Their exams had not begun, and I was glad I had not chosen medicine when I wanted to before writing my final exams. It was expensive, time-consuming, and stressful but I admired their hard work because they saved lives.

"Hey, Andrea. What are you doing here?" I asked and shifted on the bench when she motioned with her hand. She sat down with a heavy sigh.

"I was passing by when I saw you. Well, at first, I thought it wasn't you but wanted to confirm if it was you or someone else," she replied. "Came here to enjoy the scenery?"

"You could say that," I said and leaned on the back of the bench.

"So, how're your exams?"

"It's alright."

We stayed quiet for a minute, enjoying the scene created by the security lights lighting up the place, especially the reflection of light on the small pond in the middle of the park. I enjoyed the sounds of crickets in the small bushes and trees and the sounds of the voices of people around the park. It was serene and peaceful.

"So... How's Lucas?"

I wanted to laugh at the tone she used but held myself back. I knew she was going to ask me about him one of these days. 

"I don't know, Andrea. I haven't spoken to him in a while now. What's up?" I asked back and she shrugged.

"It's nothing serious. It's just that, I haven't been able to stop thinking about him," Andrea said with a wistful sigh.

"You don't even know what he looks like," I said, remembering she only saw his car and not his face.

"True but I feel like whoever drives such an expensive car will be good-looking. Secondly, I love rich men because I want someone to spend on me."

I rolled my eyes, realizing the type of girl she was. 

"Tell me, Jackie. Are you going to give him my number or what?" She asked in a desperate tone.

"I don't know because we aren't that close, but I'll see what I can do," I said, and she squealed.

"Thank you so much. You've got my number, right?" She asked and I nodded.

We had exchanged numbers during the first semester we met even though we barely call each other. The only times we called were to ask about things in the room or if any one of us were around to pick up something for the other.

"Do you think he's romantic?" Andrea asked.

I groaned. "I don't know. I don't know that guy like that and I've told you he's bad news. Like the bad boy type of bad news. He doesn't care about people's feelings, Andrea."

She shrugged. "You've told me before, but a bad boy is my type. They are good in bed, hot, sexy, protective, possessive, and love hard when they fall for someone for the first time."

I grimaced as I wondered if there was something wrong with her in the head. Lucas Hamilton was not looking like someone who can change and the way she identified him made me uncomfortable as I was sure he wasn't good in bed or whatever she meant. Andrea must've read a lot of erotic books that she didn't know what she was saying.

"...and if he's so bad, I will change him as I said before," Andrea said and nudged my arm with her elbow. "He'll be one lucky man when he falls for me. What do you think? Am I a perfect girl for him, hm?"

I rolled my eyes. She was too desperate for my liking that I had to keep quiet, so she would not speak again.

We ended up staying for two hours in the park before going back to the dorm. As I lay on my bed, I switched on my phone and opened my SMS app. I stared at the blinking cursor as I tried to convince myself that what I was doing was the right thing. I had my reasons, and this was the only way out of my predicament even though I might end up regretting it.

I sighed and typed out a message. After I did, I stared at it, contemplating if I should add the recipient.

Me: Hi, it's Jackie. Can we talk? It's about what you said the other day and I need a place to stay.

With a little courage in me, I added the recipient and hit the envelope icon beside the end of the message. I watched as it loaded before it successfully got sent. I quickly turned off my phone and placed my phone under my pillow. My heart was beating too fast that I could not believe I had done such. 

I shut my eyes tight, forcing myself to sleep while praying that the message was received with a positive mindset.