No matter how annoying and cold I thought Aiden was before, this is just ridiculous. This is a whole new level of crazy aggressive and standoffish. He looks sick, and I don't want to be responsible for that. If nothing else, this conversation can help me sleep at night. At least I can say I tried no matter what happens.
So of course, my only option is to ambush Aiden on his way to our last period together. I find him in the halls right where Ethel said he'd be, amidst a crowd breaking in two to let him pass. There's a fear about it. It's never been that way before. They look afraid to be in his presence... and worried. When they look my way, it doesn't get any better.
I hesitate, then walk towards him.
Someone in the crowd grabs my arm, stopping me. It's a girl with blonde hair and wide eyes. She shakes her head furiously at me, tugging me away.
"What?" I ask.
Before she can answer, she pulls her hand away as if burned. She looks behind me and lowers her head a bit.
I turn around, and he's looking in this direction. I say, "Aiden." It comes out almost as a question.
He spares me an uninterested glance. "Do you need something?"
The hallway clears out real fast.
A few people linger though, including the blonde. She gives me a desperate look, and then looks back at him. "I'll help her get to class," she says. "Come on."
I turn away from her and towards him. "I need to talk to you."
She sighs. She gives me one last look, and I can't tell if it's a warning not to hurt him or not to get myself hurt. She says under her breath, "I hope you know what you're doing, Luna, " and then she leaves with the rest of the people. She does give me a sympathetic look though.
I stare at him. He stares at me. Class is probably starting, but I don't think this conversation can be rushed. It's just Art after all. I think of all the people who walk in and out of that class without repercussion. I think I'll be alright.
But clearly Aiden doesn't share that sentiment. He walks away.
"Aiden," I follow him. "I'm trying to talk to you."
He's walking at what appears to be a normal speed, but compared to me, he might as well be running. These people move so fast. I all but chase after him.
My heart starts pounding somewhere between the 900 hall and 200. "Aiden," I say again. We're almost at our class, and I'm slowing down quick. I throw a weak arm in his direction. "I said, I'm trying to talk to you, dammit." I hunch over, breathing hard. So much for that.
He doesn't spare me a single glance.
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