Page 27 of Love: Take Two

"I needed a change of scenery," I answer, reaching down to pick up the papers that fell when she sat down. She gives me a thoughtful look while sipping her drink.

"Look, Awa. Please feel free to tell me to fuck right off if it's none of my business, but did something happen with you and Noah? I feel like it's been weeks since I've seen him around."

A month, actually. Not that I've been counting or anything.

Ever since the night that I try not to think about but that still haunts my dreams, Noah's been a ghost. First, it was his gym schedule. Then it was extra tutoring with his TA. That was already weird, since we'd been studying for weeks, and I never knew him to get less than an A-. But hey, I was trying to give him the benefit of the doubt.

When I stopped by with some of the egg rolls he likes, he thanked me but sent me away, saying he was in the middle of some drama with his roommates. And then later that week he forgot about our session.Forgot!

Of course, I still keep seeing him everywhere. Reading in Doheny Memorial Library. Eating in Seeds. I saw him walk into Ground Zero a few days ago; I'm not deluded enough to pretend that's not another reason I'm here now. But ever since that night, unless we're in class, it's like I'm invisible.

I may not know firsthand, but I've seen this play out a thousand times in film. The nerdy girl starts dating the jock, only for him to drop her when they finally have sex. I used to pity that girl, wondering how she couldn't see through the jock's schemes. Now, Iamthat girl. Thank goodness we didn't go all the way. We went far enough, though…

I clear my throat, turning back to my concerned roommate.

"Things got too busy with class, so we decided to stop meeting up." I don't elaborate because that story is just as likely to be the truth as anything.

Do I believe his new behavior is because of a packed schedule? No. Do I have any way to get the truth about what really went down? Also no. Do I really want to know if how he's been acting has something to do with that night? Something I did wrong without realizing?

…No?

"Well," she says tentatively, clearly not buying my story, "I'm glad I ran into you. I fly home tomorrow afternoon. Since you'll be here over break, would you water my succulent again?"

"Sure," I reply. My family can only afford one flight home per year, which I usually save for the summer. This year, I'm hoping to intern at an agency, but my parents willbothbe flying in for graduation next year. I can't wait.

"You're the best," she beams before gathering her things and heading out like a whirlwind. It's the same way she arrivedat my table, and I smile to myself. At least some things don't change.

"Is your friend coming back?" a girl with carrot-red hair in choppy layers asks. I shake my head.

"I'm actually leaving, so you can have my seat too." This place is way too loud and active to get any real studying done.

"Thanks!" she chirps. She turns to someone behind her. "C'mon, Noah! I lucked out and got us two seats."

I freeze, halfway between sitting and standing, with my mouth wide open. Noah's spotted me too, and he looks just as stunned. Reflexively, I take another look at the girl who wants my seat. She's tall and willowy, like Kirsten Dunst in "Spider-Man 2".OK. So that's his type.

"Noah, hi," I croak. I straighten and pull my backpack and laptop bag onto my shoulder.Kirsten(or whatever her name is) looks between us.

"You two know each other?" she asks. In her voice is confusion, but also annoyance. What girl wants another girl to interrupt her date? Or whatever this is...

"Not really," I say, saving everyone from an awkward pause. "He's just in a few of my classes."

"Oh,"Kirstenmurmurs, more subdued now. "Well, thank you again."

I nod and exit the cafe like the back of my shirt is on fire. I may have even left my headphones.Whatever. Maybe Noah will recognize them and give them back to me in class.

I'm out the door and about to sprint as fast as I can in beige pumps when I feel a hand on my arm. I reel around, knowing without looking that it's Noah.

"Let go of me," I demand, my voice deadly quiet. Noah releases me immediately and steps back to give me more space.

"Whoa, whoa, Awa. You ran out so fast, you left your headphones."

He extends his hand, offering up the tangled wires.

"Thanks," I snap, grabbing the headphones and turning to leave again.

"Wait!" Noah yells. I stop, but I don't turn. For once, I'm the one who gets to turn their back on someone. I hear his sigh.

"Awa, I don't understand why you're acting weird. It's not like Emma and I are on a date, and it's not like you and I are together either."