#18 Heartbeat

I thought about it when I returned to the dorm. I even talked to Mia and both of us came to the conclusion that Eric was jealous.

"But I thought he's engaged?"

"Who is engaged?" Lily heard me when she just came out of the shower. I told her about what happened in school and she, too, said he did that out of jealousy.

I didn't have the time to think about it because of my overdue assignments. I was never the type of person who thinks back on the past and takes action on it.

"Let's just complete these homework and stop thinking about what happened today."

I hate to admit it but I think my heart beat was a beat faster just now. What he did was like protecting me from a bully.

'No, don't! Amanda, you're engaged.' I slapped my cheeks until it was red but then I suddenly recalled what my sister told me last time.

'After you have found your true love, break that engagement.'

I still remember her nagging me to think of my own happiness first but it's not that I don't want to, I just don't want anyone related to my problematic family background. There may be even more out there that experienced worse, but that doesn't change the fact that it's a problem.

I took out my books from my bag and started doing my homework. It has been two weeks so I had a lot to catch up.

While I was at it, Kate and Carmen just got back from school. They were classmates so Kate would always drag Carmen back despite her not wanting to.

It took quite a while until I was done with my homework. I kept my books back into my bag and took out the school trip participation form to read the details.

The teacher wasn't mistaken about it. It was indeed written there that we're visiting the Frederick estate.

I couldn't care less about that as long as I could have some fun away from home even if it's just 3 days

I asked my sister if she could sign my participation for me so my mother wouldn't know about it but she refused.

"You better not be thinking of leaving your phone in the dorm."

Oops. She read my mind.

I went to check my phone and found a tracking app. I didn't click in and pretended as if nothing happened. I wasn't surprised at all to see that on my phone since mother has already taken control of my phone. 'I wonder if it's actually working.'

No matter what, I think it's best to let mother know about the trip just in case. I can either make a fake signature or let Alice sign it.

I laid on my bed lazily when I realized it was already night time. I took a shower and changed into my pajamas. I made sure my hair was completely dry before typing it into a low braided ponytail. It was a new habit I learned from Lily.

I slept soundly during the night and woke up early in the next morning, craving for pancakes.

I looked at the time and realized there was still some time before the others woke up, so I decided to make them breakfast as thanks for taking good care of me during my stay.

I opened the refrigerator and found some eggs and butter. There were enough slices of bread for everyone too. I brought some ham so I thought I should put good use to it.

I turned on the induction and placed a frying pan over it. I spread butter over the pan before toasting a slice of bread in it. I cut a hole in the middle of the bread to put the egg in it and added some salt and pepper on it.

It took a while to make four people's portions but it was worth it. I tried a bite and I was satisfied with it.

Lily was the first to wake up from the smell of food. "Amanda, you're up early."

"Clean yourself and eat before it's cold."

She wasn't wide awake yet but I'm sure she will be once she has eaten.

I went to wash the cooking utensils I used after I was done eating when suddenly, my phone rang. I went to pick it up and it turned out to be just Eric's morning call.

"You usually just text so why call today?"

"Well you kept complaining about how I text you even though we're literally in a distance close enough to talk." I ended the call without hesitation and resumed washing.

"Who was that, Amanda?" Lily asked while eating her toast. "You sounded annoyed talking to them."

See, Eric? Even Lily sensed that I was annoyed with you. I just don't get why he kept following me around. Doesn't he have a life?

Carmen and Kate woke up soon after Lily was done eating. I changed into my school attire and asked Lily if she could tie another hairstyle for me today.

Once everyone was ready, we wore our socks and shoes. I headed out first since I was wearing slip-on shoes. I would be lying if I said I wasn't annoyed when I saw Eric standing outside of our unit. He had a gleeful smile on his face while saying "good morning".

"Good morning and I hope you are aware that this is the girls' dormitory?"

"I'm not just aware, I know it that's why I'm here."

I gave him a disgusted look in response and ignored him until my roommates came out.

"Oh my, if it isn't Mr. Eric, what brings you to the girls' dorm?"

"I'm here to meet a girl of course."

"Oh, yeah? I hope you found her room then. Let's go, Amy."

Since when did Lily give me a nickname? She grabbed my hand and went to the lift, followed by Kate and Carmen behind us. I looked back and saw Eric was still standing in front of our room. He had a somewhat disappointed look on his face.

I could hear my heartbeat loud and clear, like it could jump out of my body anytime.

'Not again!'