CHAPTER THREE

RUN

The dark sky glittered with numerous stars spread across it unevenly. It appeared as though someone had sprinkled glitter against a dark background. A cool breeze blew, rustling the lush leaves and threw my light tresses on my face. I lied there on the bare ground, cold and slightly wet ground pressed againt my body, and gazed at the sky. My breathing was short and hurried considering all the running, I had been indulged in.

Finally, I sat up groaning. There was no way getting rid of that memory. No matter how much or how fast I ran, it was going to stuck. The wound was fresh and the description was sour.

"Screw his guts," I said in exasperation. The mute version of Brandon Rodriguez's blabbering mouth played in my head.

If only I had not made the mistake of running away from him in the morning. But still, who does that? Couldn't he understand a small fact that there could be a reason of my run? Publically announcing my ill-mannered behavior was the final resort left in his mind?

I could thank the God for not blessing me with his worn-out mind. But that was for later, right now I needed a way to burn out this specific memory in my brain. However, I couldn't get enough time, as my phone vibrated in my jeans and I plucked it out to answer the call.

I sighed. "Not exactly the person I wanted to talk to." Yet I was hitting the green side. "Yes, Musa?" She giggled on the other side.

Yeah! Laugh all you want.

"I was just wondering when would you come home?"

As it was really the matter. "Don't know."

"Oh, don't hide way. Come home and be safe. Prince charming could be searching you in the woods."

I jolted up screeching. "What?"

"Exactly,"She said, dissolving into laughter and I could hear muffled laughter behind her, too. Clearly, the drama was appealing to their dull lives. Kudos, Stella. You've earned them a great laughter. "I hope you're moving fast from your favorite track."

"Yeah, I am." I clicked off, now several foot away from my last spot. I could not stand the idea of facing him again now. Last time was enough. Stella Solaria had been dragged once again into the golden spotlight and the idea alone was really crushing. Meeting him once more was going to prove fatal and was going to dug me a sure grave.

But, maybe I wasn't completely out of luck. A dimly lit apartment appeared as I turned around the corner and a smile in relief broke out on my lips. I vaguely recognized the house as that of Bree's, but the old chevy parked near verified it. The very next moment, I was casually ringing the door bell.

"Yes." The door swung open and out came a wildly dressed young lady. I had to narrow my eyes to adjust my sight before the bright colored demeanor Bree was rocking. "STELLA!" She screamed recognizing me. Pulling me inside,she shut the door behind me.

Her blue eyes popped out because of her blue short dress and now they bulged more because of the surprise I had given her by showing up at time like this. By the looks of her, I could judge that she had returned from a crazy party. One, her apartment was clean. Two, the infamous vomit mark on her car could hardly be ignored. Mascara streaked down her defined cheekbones and lipstick smudged her perfect lips. And then came her blown up hairstyle. God, she put Einstein's hairdo to shame.

"Bree, are you alright?" I hesitated. It wasn't definetely a perfect time. "Did I bother you?".

She waved off, snapping out of her daze and looking almost offended. "I was just surprised. That's all." She clarified. "And don't mind me," She pointed to herself. "It was a wild night." She dragged me along to her sitting area.

I visibly relaxed. Somewhat at peace that now I had enough time to work out some stuff. Obviously, Musa wasn't exactly a reliable source of information. Even if she was my friend, there was a great risk of trusting. And maybe she was right about Brandon searching me, but there could be a certain chance that she was creating situation that made me run home. Coming to Bree's home was a reasonable choice.

It wasn't like I was afraid of Brandon. I was just afraid of the attention he drew. People already had enough to talk about me and he was going to offer me another deal to deal with. Not on my to do list. Honestly.

I was shaken out of my ambiguous thoughts by Bree's voice. "So, Stella... what's bring you here?" She questioned, settling down opposite to me on a plain couch.

Straight to the point.

"I'm hiding."

"From the quarterback?"

I sighed. So, she was aware, too. I resisted the urge to slap myself. "Yeah."

She smiled at me through her stained eyes while her face gave nothing away. "It was amazing, you know." She said, after a beat. "The famous football player whining for some grateful words from a girl." I choked at her response. Eyeing her astound, I realized she was dreamily sighing.

No, Bree. Not you, too.

Who could've ever thought that Bree Martin, who barely paid attention to boys, was gushing over Brandon Rodriguez?. Of course, there was no hiding that he was a physically blessed creature. With his brown long locks, soft brown eyes and chiseled features, he looked utterly handsome. And then there was his perfect way to lift one corner of his lips. But, oh well, he mouth needed a service.

Bree proceeded her slurred blabber as I myself got distracted by the morning scene. The way Brandon approached and stopped me in the middle of the cafeteria. How people focused all their required senses on us, eager to get some meal for their gossips. When Brandon crossed his arm across his chest and huffed like a kid, rekindling the whole scene in front of the whole cafeteria. Purposely or not, his move left me in a new spotlight for people.

"Bree," I suddenly jumped, gaining her attention. "Can I use your washroom?" I needed some space and some peace to think about the current matter. She nodded, pointing to the washroom and slumped in the couch. After a quick smile, I dashed to the washroom, closing the door behind me.

Bree Martin could be classified as an acquaintance. We shared a class together and it was the only time we met up with each other. Knowing her address was a mere chance. It was during the last semester when her car broke down in the parking lot and then I offered her a ride to home. I was not very good with adresses, but by luck I remembered this one.

So, considering the circumstances, I couldn't spend the night here and my assignments from today were still pending. I had to go home, but I did not want to face Brandon. Debating in my mind for some minutes, I finally decided to call Helia. A lie was least expected from him which made him the best option.

"Stella? Where are you?" He picked up after a ring.

I sighed, slumping against the cold wall. "Is Brandon at my apartment?".

There was shuffling on the other side and then the response came after a pause. "Hey, Stella." Riven. I had to close my eyes. Probably, something was going on.

"Where's Helia?"

"He had a sudden urge to pee... So, where exactly are you?"

I didn't respond. Instead, I analyzed my reflection in the mirror. My bun was blown and my face was flushed. I realized the time and thought about my assignments. Surely, someone was hell-bent to make the day worst for me.

"Earth to Stella!" Riven's grumpy voice alerted me.

I tapped my foot urgently. "Riven," I started, giving in. "Tell me if Brandon's at my apartment or not?"

"So little chicken is scared of the Quarterback?"

My jaws clenched up. "Riven—"

"What? Hit a nerve?"

Groaning, I tore the phone away and hit it off. What was I supposed to do now? Run straight into the trap or wait out and let Riven bask in victory. Anger boiled inside me as I remembered his words and then I finally decided what I had to do. Straightening up, I stomped out of the bathroom and ignoring the strange look plastered on Bree's face, I sped out of there.

Whether or not it was a choice, I had to make it because I had to prove Riven that Stella Solaria was not scared. He had taken me for a coward and he had made a mistake. Avoiding the golden spotlight held many reasons, but cowardice was never one of them. Stella Solaria was not a chicken.

Hurrying down the dark streets, I felt a sudden surge of confidence through my body. So be it, I thought, taking a deep breath and turning around the corner, but then suddenly all the confidence drained out as I halted before my apartment. I froze to my spot as I recognized a figure looming in the dark spread over the stairs. He stopped rocking on his feet and turned around to face me. I realized my breath has hitched in my throat now.

He stared at me through his dark lashes. A strange look visible in his dark brown eyes. "Stella." The way he called my name sent chills through my body. His voice was slow and contained. I just stared back at him unable to find my voice. "I've been looking for you."

I gulped, but involuntarily my brows shot up. "Why?" I was surprised at the timidity of my voice.

He was silent for a moment, his eyes scanning me over shamelessly. Then he stopped, his eyes settling on mine. "I wanted to apologize to you. I shouldn't have done that. I-I realized it so late and...I felt so bad for that. I'm so sorry." He stepped down the stairs and walked to where I stood.

My mind raced upon his words. A new emotion erupted in me. I felt slightly irritated. Maybe his words were real. He meant what he said, but why was he doing it with me? Why was he using so many words when a little I'm sorry could've worked. Somewhat that was unnecessary, too. He should've just moved on and ignored that. It was enough.

"Brandon," I couldn't stop myself from asking. My heart hammered against my chest. "Why are you taking interest me? Why are you even here?."

"Huh?" Bewilderment arose in his eyes and then he chuckled. Had I cracked a joke unknowingly?. "Shouldn't a person apologize when he make a mistake? I maybe a jock, but I can talk nice." The undecipherable look shattered, replaced by a twinkle that brightened his chocolate eyes.

Realising I was left with no retort, I backed down. "Goodbye, Brandon." With that I sidled past him and climbed up the staircase.

"But, is the apology accepted?"He called behind me.

The door creaked open as I looked him over the shoulder. "I never demanded one, Brandon. Just do me a favor and let us stay strangers. We are that and we should stay the same. Forget anything happened, forget that I exist. It's better that way." I closed the door after me, not waiting for his response.

It didn't matter.

I didn't care.

But he still stood there and shouted across the door. An answer that constricted my throat. "I don't think so. Not so easily."

I shook my head, edging away from the door. Then I had to disappear myself, Mr. Rodriguez. I couldn't afford you in my life. I didn't possess the power and I lacked the energy. Having you around me was a very hard thing for me. It scratched something deep inside me and I was scared of that.


Hey guys,

I hope you're liking it so far. So, Stella wants Brandon to go away and Brandon doesn't seem to budge. What do you think will happen? Check out the next chap for that. P.S thanks for reading.

Until the next chap, Goodbye and Goodluck!

-Cutecupcake xoxo