Chapter 25: Stranger.

Wednesday.

Day 11.

Issa.

What had I just agreed to?

When I finally left Cam at the pool and went up into my room, I couldn't do anything besides sit in bed, wondering why the hell everything that was going down was happening to me. Then all I could do was pathetically sit and sleep through the rest of the day, not wanting to leave my room, or talk to anyone ever again for that matter.

Talking alone with Cam had been something I was dreading and I didn't expect to have to do it any time soon until it happened just like that. After what had happened between me and Cam in my normal life, I couldn't stop thinking about how much I really missed him. This Cam didn't want me, but I knew damn well I wanted him. But I also wanted George. I was such a hypocrite.

Making my mess of a life even worse, I was still having the weird dreams. Only this time it was simply the man from my last dream, holding me again. And then, just like last time, just as I went to look at his face, I was awake. It was annoying, but at least it wasn't another psychic lunchroom scene to try and figure out.

These dreams about the stranger were vastly different that the ones that ended up coming true. This one felt like it already happened, like I was tuning in from the future, seeing something from my past. Only issue was I had no idea who the man was. 

What the hell was wrong with my memories lately?

Despite the lack of memory, today seemed like a much better start to the day. I didn't have a raging headache like I normally did, and I could already smell the pancakes cooking in the lunchroom. That was all the encouragement I needed to get up from my bed.

Still inhaling the scent of the, maybe blueberry pancakes, I went over to my closet and picked out a nice outfit. I was actually trying to look good with todays clothes, unlike yesterdays, which has been a lazy day with sweatpants and slippers, mirroring exactly how I was feeling. 

For at least today, I would try to look approachable.

I finished putting the clothes on and stared at myself in the mirror for about two second, then when I saw the horrendous bags under my pale eyes I quickly sprinted over to my makeup and applied a little. Now that I didn't look like I could pass as a ghost, I was ready.

I take a step towards my door, ready to leave when it flings open. Thankfully I had already dressed completely when suddenly Lectra and Wes both busted into my room like it was theirs, as usual.

"Yeah, come on in guys." Neither of them sensed my sarcasm and trudged on in. Both of them, more aggressively that normal, mumbled small 'mornings' to me as they made their way inside. Lectra sat herself down on my bed while Wes stayed in the doorway, arms crossed. They both looked utterly exhausted. Nobody spoke so I took over;

"What happened with you two?" Lectra flicks her eyes at Wes, who wouldn't make eye contact with either one of us. It only took me a few more seconds to realize that Lectra was clearly pissed.

"Go on. Tell her what you did." Lectra finally spoke and the tone in her voice helped me confirm that she was indeed mad, mad. Uh oh.

"It's not really any of her business." Feeling slightly offended by his words, I stay silent.

"Yeah, well it wasn't any of mine either, but I had to wake up to see it, so now it kinda is!" Not sure whether I should be amused or upset about them fighting, which never happened, I once again stay silent and just observe the movie playing out in front of me.

"It's not a big deal, Lectra." Like she was about to spring at him and start choking him out, Lectra was off of my bed and pacing closer to Wes. When finally she stopped just a few feet away, she bluntly states;

"Not a big deal?" She stops snarling at Wes then she turns to me and adds;

"Wes thought it wasn't a 'big deal' to invite over some girl into our room while I was asleep last night to sleep with her. I woke up to her butt naked this morning trying to get dressed and leave him dumb ass." I can't help it, the laugh leaves my lips before I can even try and control it. Lectra doesn't even flinch when she adds;

"Wouldn't you be pissed too Iss?" Truthfully, I might have been a little upset about it. Personal space meant alot to me. But living here, alot of the time we didn't have too much privacy. I should know, the whole situation yesterday with me, Blake and Cam was a big reminder, which only proved my point more.

Only adding a difficult twist to it all, it was also kind of hard to get any action, especially with a roommate. I knew Lectra had a small crush on Wes here at the school, and she was most likely just jealous. I also knew if I didn't just take Lectras side eventually, we would be here all day ranting about it, which was why I said;

"Yeah, a little. Who was it?" Lectra smirked triumphantly now, winning the argument in her mind. I now eyed Wes, who finally looked back at me, sensing my curiosity and proudness for him for getting some. He smirked ever so slightly, enough for just me to notice, then he was bragging;

"Claudia. You know, the hot guard." I hear Lectra beside me scoff at his statement, then she was adding hatefully;

"Anyone with a pair of tits is hot to you, Wes." I could tell this was about to go downhill again fast. Only proving me right once again, Wes was saying;

"Must be why you're not hot to me then." As soon as he finished talking, and before Lectra could even react, I was up in Wes' face, spewing venom at him without a moments hesitation;

"Okay, that was too far! All Lectra does is care about you, and you say that to her? Are you really that dense?" I can see the instant regret inside his eyes, but it means nothing to me at the moment. Before I can say anything else to him, Lectra was by my side, taking ahold of my hand softly, pulling me from ripping him apart. Then she was, too calmly, saying;

"I know you didn't mean that Wes." It was far too calm for what he had just said to her, which only worried me more. Still holding my hand, Lectra was then moving me out of my room, closing the door behind us, leaving Wes behind. As soon as we were out of his sight, Lectra let go of my hand, to which I immediately grabbed again.

Then her eyes hovered up to look at me, and for the first time since I'd met her, I saw sadness in them. The bundle of light that had always filled her seemed to have vanished instantly then. All I could do was watch as an even sadder smile curved up from her mouth. She then opens her mouth to say something but all that follows is a shudder, and I knew all she probably wanted to do was cry, but couldn't. It was tearing me apart to watch her suffer, so I quickly stated;

"You can stay in my room as long as you want. We can take some of your stuff out later today?" All she can do is nod lightly, then we were walking down the hall. I was leading us towards the lunchroom, then I realized she probably had zero appetite right now, but I knew it would definitely help her feel better to get something to eat. Especially if it was blueberry pancakes, like I had previously suspected. Trying to smile in hopes she would too, I state;

"I know you're probably not in any mood to eat right now, but I'm gonna force you." Reluctantly, she smiles back at me, so I continued;

"Mainly because it's frickin pancakes!" This time a giggle rises out of her then she was saying, almost normal sounding;

"What is with you and damn pancakes?" I shrug, maybe too aggressively, and answer;

"I have a feeling it's gonna be blueberry ones too." I wiggle my eyebrows at her, once again too aggressively, which ends up making her laugh some more. It was then that I noticed the guard standing just down the end of the hall ahead of us keeping watch of the doors to the cafeteria. It was Claudia, the guard who started this whole mess.

She was definitely just as beautiful as Wes had described her to be, she even had a kind older face, telling me she was alot older than most people here. Her hair was a long auburn wave of all I could describe as perfect. It was when I met her green gaze that I snapped out of her trance she had me in, remembering Lectra next to me.

Thankfully Lectra hadn't noticed her yet, but I didn't have a single idea what to say or do to draw her attention away from the only way we could walk. I had lost hope, knowing there was no way she wouldn't notice her standing there, when I notice a flyer hanging on the wall. Briskly, I rip it off the wall and hand it to Lectra. She takes it and starts reading;

"Oh cool. Cam's holding another party for us. Man, he's been having alot recently." I was glad her attention was now down and reading when we finally walked past Claudia and into the lunchroom now. I had felt like I hadn't been breathing for 10 straight minutes when suddenly Lectra taps my arm, getting my attention;

"Earth to Issa. Did you hear a single word I just said?" Not even trying to play it off or find an excuse, I simply nod a no at her. She shakes her head with a small smile then repeats;

"I said-Cam's throwing another party for us. At the outdoor pool." I finally snap out of it and take the flyer from her. She wasn't lying. 5-10 pm on Monday, at the outdoor pool. That was when I remembered again. Monday. That was only five days from now that I'd have to talk to the Boss. Why had Cam made it so soon? I wasn't ready.

Feeling like I was going to barf, I crumple up the paper and shove it in my pocket. Lectra gives me a concerned look but I draw her attention away by announcing;

"Let's eat. I'm starving!" She seems to forget about how weird I was acting and begins walking over to the food with me. I shake myself out of my pity party and look down at the food in front of me, and I immediately hear a sharp chuckle next to me coming from Lectra;

"You were right, it was blueberry pancakes. I mean, of course you were right you crazy psychic, you." I wasn't even surprised. I hadn't dreamt it up this time, but I somehow just knew, not just from the smell, it was just a weird feeling. Kinda psychic if you will, like Lectra had said.

Or maybe I just had a good sense of smell.

•••

Lectra and I finished our breakfast as we sat next to just Blake this time, no Wes. He hadn't even shown up to eat at all, and I could tell Lectra was waiting to see him the whole time. It was weird at first, but when Lectra finally started eating and talking with me and Blake, it felt less awkward.

I also noticed George never showed up again. I hadn't seen him for a couple days, which was unsettling. Not that I wanted to see him, or cared, or anything like that. Yeah right.

Now I was with both Blake and Lectra again in my room hanging out. Well, Blake was mostly there because we needed help hauling some of Lectras heavy things out into my room, like her mattress. I know I told her I was okay with her staying with me, but now that it was happening, I was beginning to feel all too crowded. But of course I wasn't about to kick her out, although I did think she should be the one kicking out Wes.

As if reading my thoughts, Blake spoke up, saying what everyone was thinking;

"Remind me again why Wes isn't the one moving his shit out of your room instead?" 

"Good point. You should ask him. You're big and hulky and can beat him up for me, right?" Lectra was now eyeing Blake, who was oblivious to her stares. He steps out quick, so I take the opportunity to whisper jokingly;

"Hey, that's my eye candy, not yours." She smiles, looking like her old self already then whispers back;

"You two aren't really together though, so dibs." I give her a look that says 'back off' playfully, then she was puffing up her lip and pouting;

"But Iss, he's just so pretty, I-" Just then Blake was walking back into my, and I guess Lectras, room. He had a big grin on his face, that told me he heard every word we had just said about him.

"Look, ladies. I don't mind sharing." I knew he was joking, at least I thought so, but I wasn't quite sure Lectra got it, because she was dramatically falling hard into my bed, pretending to faint as she said;

"I am so in." Blake stares at her a second longer to study her, then he just laughs. Then I notice his face goes redder than normal, obviously bashful. I see him lean up against the doorframe, getting kind of sweaty from moving things, then he was watching the two of us again, sitting comfortably on eachothers beds.

"So, why is it you two are relaxing, and I'm the one working?" Lectra lifts her head up to look at him again, then with a lip bite, she was saying;

"Well, have you seen yourself? You've got the shape for it, not us." I gasp at Lectra, pretending to be offended as I say;

"Hey speak for yourself, I'm absolutely ripped." I flex what little muscle I had and I hear a fake gag come from Lectras end.

"Okay, rude." She laughs then gets up from my bed and looks to Blake to say something, but freezes in place. I sit up, looking from her over to the door where she is frozen looking at.

"Hey Issa, can we talk?" Standing just behind Blake in the doorway was George staring at us, looking totally lost at what we were doing. Blake turns around sensing our stares, and instantly jumps, startled by George behind him now. He looks back at me as I get up from the mattress in the middle of my room then make my way over to George, putting on my best performance.

"Okay, what then?" George looks around in the room at Lectra and Blake, then states;

"Not here." I roll my eyes at him, but I knew what he had to say was probably about the Boss, so neither Lectra or Blake could know.

"Fine." Just before I turn to leave, I look at Lectra then Blake. He was smiling at me mischievously, and I know he had the same idea as I did. Before I get the chance, I was being pulled up into Blakes arms, right in front of George, and was being kissed. I hear a small cough behind me coming from George, obviously having seen enough, so I finally pull away from Blake's embrace and turn to him.

His eyes are slightly narrowed at the two of us, not amused in any way when he says;

"Now that you two got that out of your system, wanna go?" I simply nod then George was walking down the hallway as I followed closely behind. Before I get too far away I turn to look at Lectra in our room, looking kind of sad again. Damn it Wes.

•••

At the end of the hall, George takes me to Cam's office. I knew I was in no good state of mind to be with both George and Cam right now. I felt myself start to heat up and begin breathing harder, ready to pass out as we got closer to the door. We finally get to the door and I know I probably looked like a hot mess to anyone watching me, but I couldn't stop.

George reaches to open the door and I can't help but blurt out;

"I don't want to see Cam right now!" He stops and turns to look me in the eyes, hearing the cracking of my voice, then seeing the tears flowing like a waterfall. To be honest, I hadn't even noticed I was crying until the very moment he did.

"Hey. It's okay, Cam isn't here. It's just the two of us right now. Alright?" George had pulled me in and was hugging me before I knew it. He had one arm pulling me up against his warm chest and the other smoothing over my hair. I had to bite down to keep myself from hugging him back, my arms simply dragged down along my sides limply as he held me tight.

"Okay." The word came out like a breathy whisper and I'm surprised he heard me. He finally pulled away from me, and I hated just how lonely I felt without his touch now. He looked me in the eyes once more, as if making sure I was okay, then he was unlocking Cam's door and walking inside as I followed.

"You can sit wherever." The first place I see is a big bean bag chair, so that's where I decide to sit. As soon as I sit, he's studying me with concerned eyes again.

"You sure you're okay?" I don't know what came over me, but I was rolling my eyes at him like I didn't care that he was actually being super sweet, then I was saying;

"Why am I here?" George now looked annoyed as well, but only so little as he states;

"Cam told me he talked to you about the Boss. Just wanted to make sure things were clear, since Cam probably wasn't very. Being you two don't get along very well and all."

"Yeah, thanks for that by the way. It's nice to know that not only did Cam kidnap me, but there's also someone else to help him kidnap more people." George instantly goes cold looking, like he wanted to tell me something, but couldn't figure out how to say it. Totally at a loss for words, all I can say is;

"What?" 

"He didn't tell you? I figured he would have." I can only sit there and give George a blank expression. I had no idea what he could be referring to until he says;

"Cam wasn't the one who took you Issa, it was his Boss. Cam never wanted any of this. He's being forced to, just like the rest of us." It's a good thing I was already sitting, because I was starting to feel faint again. I didn't want to admit it, but part of me knew Cam couldn't be a bad guy. The other version of him was nothing like this one, he could never hurt a fly. I was almost feeling relieved, but he was still the reason I was here. 

"He was the one who got me drunk that night George. He's still the reason I'm even here. It doesn't change anything." As if I had just slapped him, he flinches then gives me a frustrated glance before he starts wagging his head back and forth like a dog shaking off water from it's fur.

"Are you kidding me? I just told you he was forced to do it, and you still won't forgive him?" 

"Forgive him? You're incredible." I laugh as I speak the last word while shaking my head right back at him, unable to believe a word he was spewing. He thinks I can just forgive Cam just like that? He really doesn't know me at all. 

George then suddenly sighs loudly, getting control over his anger while he let's his head roll back on his shoulders smoothly as he changes the subject, seeing I was a lost cause on Cam.

"Nice show you put on out there with-Blake, right?" He still didn't believe we were together. I mean, we weren't together, but I sure did want him to believe it so he'd be jealous. Otherwise everything me and Blake have been doing would have been all for nothing, which just irritated me even more.

"Are you that full of it you think I'd just do it for show? Believe it or not, I like Blake. He's good to me." George scoffs, looking at me narrowed eyed but amused;

"Oh yeah? What's so special about him?" He leans against Cam's desk then makes direct eye contact, waiting for my answer. I hated how kind of inviting he was looking as he sat there with his cocky smirk I was so used to, and I only got madder admitting it to myself. This time I stand up from the bean bag chair, stepping closer as I bluntly state;

"Well, he for one doesn't cheat on me." The instant I finish speaking and he hears what I said, a flash of pain went through his eyes, then he was up off of the desk and up in my face. It wasn't like he wanted to hit me, I knew he couldn't, wouldn't, somehow. He only looked like he was waiting for me to say something else hurtful to him. If that's what he wanted, that's exactly what I'd gladly do.

"And look at him compared to you. He's gorgeous." I knew it might have been too far, Wes had basically said to Lectra earlier that she was ugly too, even though she really wasn't, not even a little. The same goes for George too. He was just as, or even more attractive to me than Blake was, but I said it anyway. I was word vomiting, just like Blake had with me when we first met, and I couldn't stop.

"He treats me better in bed too." Me and Blake hadn't even gotten close to sleeping together, but I knew it would have George blazing. Just as expected, his eyes basically burned red at the sentence. He no longer looked hurt by my words, just straight up pissed as he grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer to his hate filled face.

I wasn't scared of his sudden forcefullness, surprisingly. The sight of George looking this pissed at me only somehow made me smile triumphantly up at him. I could feel his breath coming out in hot puffs against my skin now, like he was really breathing fire from his anger. 

My eyes were studying him hard as we stared at eachother, and I felt a weird sensation run through me again. Feeling weirdly confused, I open my mouth to say something, anything, when he rushes forward and plants his mouth on mine.

His hands are running up and down my body frantically as he kisses me long and hard, and I don't pull him off. I don't even find myself wanting to get away, even though I should have. Trying to convince myself otherwise, I shake my head lightly and find myself moaning out words;

"We can't George-" He quickly pulls away from our kiss and looks down at me, then asks out of breath now;

"Is that really what you want?" I knew what I should have said; a big ol' yes. But all that I can do is shake my head no, giving him permission. With a great big sexy smile, George was kicking aside the bean bag chair I had been sitting in and turning me around, so my body was pressed up against the wall. As he moved his body against mine, he tucked my long hair out of the way for him to get a better view of my neck for him to begin kissing.

"I like it when you're angry with me." Had I really just said that? Apparently so, because George was now laughing seductively in my ear now, saying;

"I could get angry more often then, if you'd like?" Shit, his accent was coming out extra thick as he spoke, or maybe it was just that I hadn't heard him speak in awhile. Whatever the reason, it was working for me regardless. The hair on the back of my neck was rising with every word finding it's way into my ear, only making me want him more now.

As if reading my mind, Georges hands were now finding their way up the front of my shirt. I know this should have sent me over the edge, but for some reason all it did was make me realize I shouldn't be doing this here with him. In Cams office.

Trying my best to sound normal, and not still like I was enjoying how his hands felt, which I annoyingly was, I announce;

"No-we shouldn't be doing this. I'm with Blake now." I didn't know why I was still telling him lies, but by this point he must understand because he was stopping and pulling away, now simply looking upset again.

"You really are with him then?" All I can do is nod as I turn around to face him again. Surprising me, George runs his hands through his hair with a smug smile, then he was turning around and taking a huge step away from me, then he begins laughing.

"No you're not. You wouldn't do that. I know you too well." He really seemed like he was going crazy here in front of me, and now all I wanted to do was leave.

"You're in denial." I move over to the door but he stops me by placing a hand on it so I can't open it.

"Maybe. But you can't deny that you still feel something for me Issa." His eyes move over to look at his hand on the door, then he swiftly moves it back to his side, like he just realized he had put it there.

George stares at me waiting for an answer from me but I can't seem to think. All I can think of is how much I wanted to stay kissing him, but instead I force out;

"You want the truth? Yeah George, of course I have feelings for you. But you cheated on me-" I hesitate, almost adding the 'twice', except he wouldn't understand. I hide my smile, remembering actually how crazy this whole thing was, then I exhale and add;

"Like I said, I'm with Blake now." He doesn't hesitate with his next choice of words;

"If you're really with him, then you just cheated this time. Not me." It shouldn't have gotten to me, because I really hadn't cheated on anyone, I wasn't even with anyone, so I couldn't have. But the smug little look he was giving me totally pissed me off, knowing he had cheated twice, and he didn't even know it.

"Screw you. You have got no right to judge me." I also wanted to add that he was the one who kissed me first, but either way he would be right. That I technically did 'cheat'. I don't wait on him to hit me back with whatever argument he had. I was promptly adding once more;

"No, you're right. I did cheat, and I'll go tell him right now. Not wait days or weeks after to tell him." Georges face goes small as I spoke the truth, about how he hadn't told me right away with what he did with Cam here. He knew I was right.

"Go then." His words were harsh but sad, and all it made me want to do right then was lay down and cry. I couldn't even hold it in and cry how I'd like to without Lectra or Blake being there now, so I said to hell with it, and started crying on the spot. It wasn't a sloppy, snot nosed cry like I had done earlier, they were just simple small droplets dripping from my face. It was all I could get out. I felt numb.

I didn't say another word to him as I cried, and neither did he. I only obeyed George's orders and left Cam's office.