Filmed_ An Alpha Bad Boy Romance(21)

What was better: quietly suffering, or risk seeming like a psycho?

The weekend flew by after that. I spent most of my time studying, trying to keep up with my classes. My social life was beginning to suffer already, but there was nothing I could do about that. I promised I’d make more time for fun stuff the following weekend.

Finally, Monday came, and I felt nervous as I made my way to my film history class. I’d probably see Noah, and I had no clue if he’d sit next to me again or not. He might have been annoyed that I blew him off the other day. Or maybe he was too busy with any of his other conquests to even notice. Worried, I pushed through the door and walked into the classroom.

I let out a sigh of relief. Noah wasn’t there yet. I hadn’t expected him to be, since I was about ten minutes early and he never showed up until the last minute, but for some irrational reason I was afraid I’d have to choose whether to sit next to him or not. Fortunately, I got a prime seat toward the front of the room.

The class slowly filled up, and Professor Johnson began to set up for his lecture. I craned my neck toward the doorway, but Noah was nowhere to be seen. As Professor Johnson began his lecture, I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach.

The period crawled by as a thousand different thoughts ran through my mind. Was Noah skipping because I had blown him off? Or was he sick? Maybe he was too busy getting his rocks off with some slut he met over the weekend. Midway through the lecture, I realized I had barely paid any attention. I was too busy obsessing about what Noah may or may not be doing, and I wasn’t exactly being generous, either. Feeling a little bad, I buckled down and took decent notes for the last half of the class.

Finally, the lecture was over, and I began to pack up my stuff. On a whim, I pulled out my phone, opened my Facebook app, and checked my messages. To my surprise, there was one glowing red notification. I tapped the screen and read Noah’s name. Butterflies leapt into my stomach.

Noah: Hey dots, can’t make it to class today. Could I borrow your notes tonight at work? Thanks...

I hadn’t expected to hear from him, but I felt relieved for some reason. It meant that he hadn’t skipped class because of me. I realized I was being a little silly; Noah doesn’t plan his life around me. I typed him a quick message back, hit send, and put my phone away. I put a reminder in my phone to bring my notes with me to work, gathered my stuff up, and then left the classroom. Suddenly, I wasn’t dreading my first night at the theater anymore. In fact, I was finally looking forward to something.

I walked through the hallways of the student center, feeling nervous. I was a few minutes early, but I still felt like I was somehow late. I always felt that way when going somewhere for the first time, especially for a job or something; I was constantly afraid I’d somehow screw up and get impossibly lost. Fortunately, I found the staircase without a hitch, and walked into the theater’s lobby.

I found Miss Havisham leaning over the box office counter and talking quietly to Chelsea. I was reminded again how Chelsea was always behind that window, and I’d never seen her beyond it. I was starting to think she was a puppet or a really lifelike robot. I decided I’d share that theory with Noah later.

“Hi, Miss Havisham,” I said as I approached. “Hi, Chelsea.”

Miss H stood up straight and smiled wide. She was wearing a long black skirt, down to her ankles, and what was something like ten shawls all piled on top of each other. It was a bizarre and multicolored outfit, although really comfy and warm-looking.

“Linda! How are you tonight?”

“I’m good, excited to get started.”

“Fantastic. I have your uniform shirt over in the office if you want to go put it on. Drop your bag behind here.” She gestured toward the back of the box office. Chelsea gave me a bashful smile.

Great. I knew I had to wear a uniform shirt, or at least I knew everyone else did. For some reason, I was hoping I would be the exception. I was not.

“Will do, thanks,” I said. She smiled then went back to chatting with Chelsea as I placed my bag near a pile of other coats and backpacks, and then entered her office. Inside, I found the shirt wrapped in plastic lying on her desk. I tore it open and slipped it over my head. It fit, although it was a bit too big. I felt a little ridiculous and uncomfortable, but it could have been worse. I could have had to sing every time somebody gave me a tip like the workers at those fancy ice cream places.

I came back out into the lobby and saw Miss Havisham standing near the concession stand, talking to Noah. My breath caught in my chest as I stared at him. He looked perfect for some reason, his uniform shirt unbuttoned two buttons, and his tattoo peeking out. His hair was messy in a good way, and he stood with an easy confidence and grace. He was smiling at whatever Miss Havisham had said, and when I caught his eye he gave me a small nod. I walked slowly over to them, imagining Noah sliding my pink polka dot panties off my goose-bumpcovered skin, and realized that I was wearing the exact pair.