“I was but I decided to take a break and come find you.” Adrian takes me by the arm and he gestures a friendly nod towards Michael. I feel his grip tightening around my arm as I smile at Michael. Adrian leads me out of the room and he escorts me back. He forcefully pushes the door open and I stumble into the small room. Adrian runs his fingers though his hair and I notice that his eyes are raging.
“Why were you eavesdropping on my conversation with Michael?” Adrian says in a bitter tone. I am a little stunned by him and I feel annoyed by his harshness.
“You were talking about me, so it does not really count as eavesdropping.” I say a little too sarcastically. Adrian rolls his eyes at me as he moves closer. He reaches out and lifts my chin with his middle finger. I look at him and he stares at me motionless. Adrian moves even closer to me and he takes a deep breath.
“Baby, I meant every word that I said and if you choose him I will be out of your life for good.” I instantly clasp his face in my hands. I run my fingers along his stubble and he gently closes his eyes at my touch.
“I only want you,” I say as I lean and kiss him. He grips my head as he pulls me tighter to him.
I make my way back to my room after a long day of classes. I flop onto my bed and I kick off my shoes. I stare at the ceiling as I hear my phone ringing. I quickly reach into my pocket and I take it out to see, a blocked number.
“Hello,” I say as I answer the phone.
“Alanna its Alice,” I immediately sit up as I hear her voice.
“Hi… how… are you?” I say quietly.
“I am okay. I was wondering if you talked to Adrian yet.”
“Actually I haven’t.” The phone is silent as my words echo in my mind.
“I see may I ask why?”
“I have been busy with college work. Graduation is tomorrow, I guess I could talk to him after the ceremony.” Alice quickly responds.
“Actually I was hoping that you could talk to him tonight. I am going out of town tomorrow and I will not be back in New York for a while. I would really like to see him before I leave. Do you think that you could arrange that?” I roll my eyes as Alice is again putting me on the spot. I listen to the desperation in her voice and again I feel compassion towards her. I lightly exhale as I reply.
“Adrian is staying at Chatwal Hotel. Come by around seven and I will make sure he is there.” Alice agrees and she thanks me. I hang up the phone and throw it onto my bed. I sit up fully in the bed and I begin to dial Adrian’s number.
“Alanna I was just about to call you.” Adrian says as answers the phone.
“Oh yeah what about,” I say coolly.
“I am on my way over to you. I am going round to Maggie’s and I need you to come with me.” Adrian says in a kind voice. I bite my lip as I reply.
“Okay, how long will you be?”
“I am about ten minutes away. Why?”
“Just wondering how long I have to get ready.” I say nervously. Adrian lets out a laugh.
“Okay baby see you soon.”
I rush over to my closet and I begin to pick through my outfits. I slip on a black dress and I loosen my ponytail. I apply a touch of lip-gloss and I make my way back over to my bed. I sit nervously as I wait for Adrian. I cannot believe that I am agreeing to meeting up with Alice. My heart is pounding as I think of Adrian’s reaction. I quickly try to reassure myself that everything will go smoothly and that Adrian will not be mad at me.
We sit in the car as we head over to Maggie’s apartment. I look at Adrian and my nerves are out of control. I begin to pull at the collar of my coat as I desperately try to convince myself that everything will be fine. Adrian talks on his phone and I am glad that he is. I would hate for him to see my anxiety as I fear that he would realise my plan as soon as he looked at me. The car comes to a stop and Adrian quickly ushers me out of the car. He takes me by the hand as he walks me up the stairs and into Maggie’s apartment.
“Hello,” Maggie greets us as she invites us into her small home. Adrian and I walk over to the same tired sofa and we gently sit.
“How have you two been since we last spoke?” Maggie says as she hands me a plate of finger sandwiches. I politely refuse, as I am too nervous to eat.
“We have been fine and how are you?” Adrian asks as he takes a bite of the small sandwich.
“Good, hold on I don’t think that Emma knows that you are here.” Maggie quickly rises from the seat and she makes her way over to a door. She firmly knocks and Emma instantly opens the door. She smiles as she sees us and she briskly walks over.
“I had no idea you were stopping by.” She says as she flops herself down onto the seat. I gaze at again in astonishment. Her beauty is divine and I cannot tear my eyes from her.