He Didn’t Kidnap Me. Not Exactly novel Chapter 75

Chapter 75

“I’m not alone,” DeLuca replied. “I’m waiting for someone.”

Oh.

Right.

That would be me.

“What for?” Mabel asked quickly, not caring about how intrusive she sounded.

“I need help with something regarding one of my classes.”

Her eyes lit up instantly. “I can help.”

“It’s fine.”

“I don’t mind,” she insisted, already stepping closer. “What is it?”

“I said it’s fine.”

“I’m good at this stuff. Trust me,” she pressed further. “I can start helping before the person gets here, and maybe when they do, you’ll just discuss it with them instead.”

She was persistent, and now there was a pause. A brief one.

Then, “Alright.”

That was what it took and Mabel’s smile widened like she had just gotten the rarest Fortnite skin.

She sat beside him immediately. Her friends followed, and just like that, I was replaced.

Not that I cared.

I stared for a second longer, then stepped back. Because there was absolutely no reason for me to walk into that.

No reason to deal with Mabel.

No reason to insert myself into something that already looked… handled.

So I turned and left.

Simple Problem avoided.

It was also interesting because, wasn’t she the same person telling her friends not to prickle Nathan by getting close to DeLuca’the other day?

Something about Nathan not liking it?

And now she’s’ practically setting up camp beside DeLuca.

Fascinating. Truly.

I shook my head lightly and continued walking, and just then, my phone buzzed. I raised it to my face.

Aria: How’s your day going, girl?

I beamed. My friend!

Me: If I’m being honest? Somewhere between boring and quietly tragic.

Her reply came almost immediately.

Aria: Mine is worse. I’m in a class that feels like it’s actively draining my will to live. Why is the lecturer moving like he hasn’t slept in weeks?

I let out a small laugh.

Me: Okay. That sounds serious.

Aria: It is. I might not survive. If I do, it won’t be the same person.

I shook my head, almost laughing.

Aria: Where are you? Let’s make our bad day slightly less bad.

I sent my location after that and she arrived faster than expected.

“Hey, girl!” she said, sliding into the hallway with that same bright energy.

“Hey,” I replied, smiling back. We fell into step easily, like we’d been doing this longer than we actually had.

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