Feeling Defeated

Mariela's POV

Even if I felt so conscious that Archer was watching me while I was studying my lessons, I didn't have a choice but to continue reading since I needed to answer some of my assignments. And when I am done, it is almost two o'clock in the morning.

I set my alarm clock at six o'clock in the morning since I wanted to leave early, and when I was done putting my books in my bag, I stretched my legs and arms since I felt so tired, and I couldn't stop myself from darting a glance at Archer's sleeping figure, and I ended up staring at him.

He looked like an angel, and there is no doubt why those girls were crazy about him, and I couldn't believe even if he was sleeping, he still looked so hot and handsome, and I realized I needed to stop myself from gazing at his attractive face if I wanted to have a rest. I don't have enough time to watch him sleep since I only have four hours to sleep, and I know I need some rest, or else I will end up in the hospital, and I don't want to add to my mom's burden.

I couldn't stop myself from taking pictures of Archer while he was sleeping, and I also took a selfie of myself while he was in the background. I know it was stupid since I don't like him as my best friend feels, but I couldn't stop myself. I felt so horrified when I heard my phone shatter after I took his picture, and he moved, and I felt glad he didn't open his eyes, and I needed some proof to show Valerie I wasn't lying the moment will tell her everything. She needed to learn about my experienced sleeping at Archer's place.

The moment I heard the buzzing of my alarm, I wanted to sleep another ten minutes, but when I remembered where I was, I suddenly got up and turned off my alarm. I opened the fridge, and I got the bacon, and I got some tomatoes and eggs. I rummaged through his cupboard, and I smiled at what I was looking for, the pancake mix. I cook egg fillet, pancakes and I cook bacon.

After I was being done cooking, I got my towel, and I walked to the bathroom; I walked without a sound since I didn't want Archer to wake up. When I darted a glance at him, he was still sleeping like a baby. I couldn't stop smiling even if I was inside the bathroom as I realized I felt like I was one of the girls he spent the night with; I released a sigh as I reprimanded myself in front of the mirror above the sink, and with heavy steps, I came closer to the shower and started taking a bath.

I got dressed quickly, and then I couldn't stop myself from feeling so hungry as I could smell the aroma of the food on the table. I get a plate and eat some pancakes and egg, and then I get one apple from the fridge, and I put it inside my bag for my snack this morning, and I know it is too much, but I think Archer will not mind since there are still apples inside his refrigerator.

I took a post-it from my bag and pen, and then I scribbled a note for Archer and put it on the fridge door for him to see the moment he got up. I didn't want to go, but I didn't have money to pay him, and I needed to go to the library early since I needed to meet up with one of the students I got to tutor, and I didn't want to disturb Archer on his sleep.

I took my bag and my suitcase and deliberately got out of his room, and I made sure I hadn't left anything because I knew the moment I got out, I couldn't get back inside since Archer didn't register my fingerprint on his biometric lock.

"Goodbye, Archer," I mumbled as I took one last look at his handsome face, and I got out of his unit as I slowly closed the door, and I sighed heavily before I walked to the elevators while I saw some girls looked daggers at me, and I think they are one of Archer's fans.

"What?" Valerie asked in a loud voice, and she earned a warning from the librarian. We always find time to meet before our classes start, and the library is one of our favorites, especially if I need to meet one of the students I need to tutor. I love earning extra cash and helping them with their assignments, and I felt so grateful I am gifted with intelligence; if not, I don't know how I am going to study in college.

"Shh, lower your voice, Val," I said.

"How can I lower my voice when you are telling me you slept at Archer's place? I didn't realize you like him too, Ella; how could you mock me so many times, and you told me to stop my craziness with Archer, and now here you are telling me you came from his unit. I don't know if I can forgive you for what you did, but you are my only best friend." She declared, and I could see the hurt on her face. And I couldn't stop myself from laughing, which I needed to cover my mouth.

"Look at you now; how can you afford to laugh when I am hurting." She added.

"You didn't let me finish; allow me to tell you what happened," I said, and I narrated to her everything that transpired, and she became more disappointed with me.

"How could you not tell me about what happened to you, Mariela? Do you still consider me as your best friend?" She asked, and I nodded my head at her.

"Of course, Val, how could you ask me that kind of question," I responded.

"And why didn't you tell me last night you don't have a place to stay? You should be thankful you ended with Archer and not with some pervert, and I couldn't believe you didn't text me right away; it could be my chance to introduce myself to him, Ella; I hate you." She said as she pouted her lips.

"I am sorry, okay, please, I don't want to bother you, Val, you already have too much on your plate, and I don't want you to worry about me besides, if I didn't end up with Archer, I am sure I came to you last night," I responded.

"No wonder, you left in a hurry from the Resto Bar, and I thought you already come to your senses that you needed to give yourself a break that is why you didn't want to work overtime last night, and I couldn't believe you have nowhere to go, for heaven's sake, Ella, you could have hurt yourself." She ranted, and I know my best friend was worried about me.

"Please forgive me now, Val, I have his pictures," I said, and I could see how my best friend's lit up, and I know she had already forgiven me.

"Send it to me right now if you want me to forgive you." She stated, and I couldn't stop from giggling, and I sent her the pictures, and I could see how her face blushed, and I smiled as I realized she would become crazy if I told her Archer is sweet and caring, but I don't want to make Val crazier about his crush.

"Val, I need to go to the other table now; my student is here," I said, and she nodded her head.

"I will wait for you here, and please watch out for the time, Ella, if you don't want us to run again from here towards our classroom." She responded.

"Yes, Ma'am," I said as I got up and walked towards

my tutee.

He was one of the football player varsity, and I could tell he was intelligent, but because he spent most of his time training, he couldn't answer his assignments most of the time. Carl is good-looking and famous, and he has a cheerleader girlfriend, and I like his attitude since he is not the arrogant type. I could tell he also came from a well-off family as I could see his expensive things, and he lives near Archer's neighborhood with his girlfriend.

"Thank you for your help, Ella." He said, and I smiled at him.

"No, problem, Carl, you know I need this, and if you have friends who need some help with their reports, please, don't forget to give them my number," I said. I got up right away after I said goodbye to him, and I saw Val already waiting for me near the library's exit, and I walked faster towards her.

"Why are you looking at me that way, Val? Did I do something wrong?" I asked.

"Can you honestly tell me nothing happened between you and Archer?" She asked, and My eyes widened.

"How can you ask me that question, Val? You know me, besides I will never lie to you." I responded.

"Are you sure, Ella? You can tell me the truth, you don't need to hide it from me because I know he will never take a look at me even if we cross paths, but with your beauty and figure, I could tell he will take a second look." She declared.

"Hey, you need to believe me, Val, and of all people, you should know I will not lie to you." I softly said.

"And why did he has to post on his Instagram account that he was looking for you ASAP, and he was asking his followers to send him a message about your whereabouts?" My best friend asked, and I realized it was no use that I turned off my phone and Archer is not someone I can mess with, and I felt so defeated as I looked at my best friend's face.