Chapter 14
What were they to each other, friends or acquaintances .They had nothing in common or they know about each other, except a few basic details. She felt on the edge in his presence but she was assured that he will never hurt her.
She wanted to ask him what their relationship was yet could not voice her thoughts because of fear or disappointment. May be few things are better left unsaid, at least for the time being.
Adele jolted when Dante shook her shoulder.
"Where were you lost, I called you twice, "Dante asked.
"Oh no, did we already reach, "Adele looked.
"Ya, be careful, "Dante said as she hit her elbow.
Adele was fidgeting with her figures thinking what to say, while Dante was patiently waiting as if he had all the time in the world.
"I had the best time today, I have never eaten such delicious food before, thank you for everything..., "Adele was interrupted.
"You need to stop doing that, "Dante frowned .
Adele raised her brow in confusion.
"Stop thanking me all the time, we may have such encounters in the future .I don't need you to feel like you are indebted to me,"Dante raised his hand when he saw Adele wanted to argue.
"Let things be as they are, stop complicating it ,"Dante's voice was stern this time.
"Okay, "Dante commanded in a low tone.
Adele gulped even though he was being nice to her yet his voice held such authority that it made her unable to say no. She nodded her head and he gave a small smile satisfied with her response .
"Remember this weekend we are going to the art exhibition, "Dante stated.
Adele bid goodbye and went away .While Dante tightened his hold on the steering wheel such that his veins were popping out. As always he started the vehicle once she was out of his sight.
Adele was on her way to library when she met Zoey. After some initial chit chat she asked Adele to join her.
"Oh no ,I need to submit these papers by the weekend ,"Adele rejected.
"Every Wednesday we gather at the backyard to chill and relax, it's just an hour or so. Classes and deadlines gives so much stress it's better to take a break now and then. I promise you can leave as soon as you don't find it entertaining,"Zoey persuaded her.
Zoey had a sweet personality and made one comfortable in her presence ,also she had a way with words making the other party to give into her requests.
"Come on ,give it a try .What's there to harm ,"Zoey pouted.
"Sure ,"Adele accepted reluctantly.
"Let's go, don't freak out the way is a bit bumpy ,"Zoey warned her .
True to her words, Adele even slipped twice on her way to the destination.
It was a open space where an old classic movie was playing on a projector ,mats were placed on the ground so that the clothes could not get dirty by the wet grass .The students were scattered all over ,few chit chatting ,few laying down and listening to music through their ear phones and few munching on the hot pizza .
The vibe and the atmosphere were very cozy making one relax very quickly.
"Go ,take a seat .I will join you ,"Zoey instructed and went to greet other people .
Adele noticed that Zoey had a sunny personality making it was easy for her to have conversation with other people .They listened attentively to her with a smile on their faces as if they adored her.
Someone was yelling her name and when she turned around it was none other than Hudson. He came running to her and patted her shoulder in a friendly manner.
"What are you doing here, I thought you were busy with studies, you didn't even answer my texts, you leave as soon as the club ends and it's like you disappear as soon as college ends. It's hard to get you, tell me the truth is you purposely avoiding you, "Hudson kept on blabbering.
Adele let out a sigh as he kept on making assumptions without giving her a chance to answer.
She was not avoiding him, it's just she was caught up with her life and also she had no interest to hang out regularly with him.
"Here ,take it ,"Zoey passed a box of pizza and water bottle to her.
Hudson took a huge slice of pizza from Adele's box and Zoey angrily screamed at him.
"Let her eat it you want one go take it from the stall,"Zoey growled.
"No,I am fine .I can't walk so far ,"Hudson said in a lazy tone.
"Adele, you can join our study group, also I can introduce my friends to you ,"Zoey suggested.
"Sure,"Adele agreed.
She wanted to try joining study groups, if it clicks then it will be easier to keep track of her studies. The vast syllabus and pressure of deadlines surely stressed Adele like every other student, also with cultural clubs and part time job at bookstore it felt like twenty four hours were not enough to do it all.
"Do you two know each other, "Hudson frowned seeing Adele with a compacy for the first time.
"Of course, I invited her here . Seniors are supposed to care take of juniors ," Zoey stated.
"I am ready to but unfortunately she never gives me a chance ,"Hudson pretended to be sad.
"May be she prefers me over your ugly self,"Zoey said smugly.
"Only you could say that , by the way why are you not replying to my messages," Hudson complained.
"Oh no ,I am not falling into your trap again . If things go wrong I am the one to the blamed ,"Zoey refused.
"Come on don't be a party popper , even if we get caught at least we will have fun ,"Hudson's eyes gleamed.
Hudson and Zoey started to argue then playfully hit each other , Adele noticed that they both looked comfortable with one other.