Chapter 17
"Are you coming with us, Ami?"
I'm taking a break from my homework.
"No, I'd love to, but I have an internship tomorrow."
"You're always at that internship, what about us? We miss you."
I'd like to say I'm working to earn money or something, but in reality, internships don't pay, and I'm working there because I'm really interested.
"I promise that next weekend we’ll have fun."
"I hope so," Adele gets up, kisses me on the cheek, and runs off to class.
"Do you really like the internship?" Yara sits down next to me and sips her juice.
"Yes," I nod and smile.
"Well, at least Danylo works with you, it's not lonely with the two of you."
Danylo.
I had completely forgotten about him. This week I've been studying and couldn't miss classes, so we haven't even seen each other, and tomorrow we'll be together again on the night shift.
I don't know why, but this thought makes my heart beat faster. Probably because he's already learned too much about me, and I don't want to tell him anything else.
Or do I?
When I'm with him, everything is different. The world changes. I change. And I haven't decided yet whether I like it or not.
"Amelia?"
"Ah," I snap out of my thoughts, "yes, yes, it's really good."
I pretend to be busy with my homework and continue writing my notes. Yara and Lily start talking about something and forget about me, which is actually to my advantage.
I don't know why I've been distancing myself from the girls lately. I miss them, but I keep pushing them away. I'm so tired of everything.
"We love you," the girls say in unison when they are leaving.
"I love you too," I answer sincerely.
For years, I was cold and rude, so few people wanted to talk to me, but for some reason, after Danylo and his words, I stopped being like that. I stop building that fortress that protects me from the outside world. And to be honest, I'm not happy about it at all. I need to remember who Amelia really is. I am the cruel, broken, selfish Amelia.
"You have an internship tomorrow, so I suggest we make sushi tonight," Sebastian texts me.
"I'm in," I reply, and now I run to the dorm with even more incentive.
On the way out, I notice him. It's a miracle that in the three years I've been studying here, I only noticed Danylo in my third year. He seems to be quite popular at our university, and if we had a hierarchy, he would certainly be in charge of everything.
Some of the girls try to talk as loudly as possible, but Danylo doesn't notice them at all. He tells his friends something, and they laugh at his jokes.
Danylo is the type of guy who doesn't need to take a long time to get ready for something, because he always looks like he just stepped off the catwalk.
We haven't seen each other for a week, and I've almost forgotten how cute his smile and dimpled cheeks really are. I look away from him just as he notices me.
He nods at me, and I do the same in return. Tomorrow is going to be a hard day, and I need to stay as far away from him as possible.
When I get to the dorm, Sebastian sends me a text saying that he will be there soon. I quickly change my clothes and run to take a shower.
"I can't remember the last time I had sushi," I moan as I enjoy my meal.
"Same. I've been trying to eat properly lately." I giggle.
It's not that Sebastian is addicted to fast food, but yes, he is. He can't imagine a day without a burger or pizza.
"And why is that?"
"I decided to be in a better shape."
"But you're already in a good shape," I'm surprised.
Even better than he needs to be. Although Sebastian is a weirdo, he spends a lot of time in the gym.
"I don't know," he shrugs, "I don't like it."
"Maybe there's someone you've started working out for?" I play with my eyebrows and smile.
"No, Ami," Sebastian turns his head to the side.
He's lying, asshole.
"Tell me," I insist quickly, touching his leg.
"There's no one, Ami, we just hang out sometimes."
"Is that what they call it now?" I put the chopsticks aside and put my hands together.
"I don't want to say anything yet, today we might be good together, and tomorrow we'll be strangers."
"Pessimistic philosopher, you are twenty-six, I’m already waiting for nephews, and you’re still looking for the "perfect girl".
"Not the perfect one, Amelia, but the one with whom I’ll feel comfortable, you know that feeling, right?" he asks me.
I know, I really felt comfortable with Danylo.
With Denys. I meant with Denys.
Not Danylo.
"Yes," I nod, hoping Sebastian doesn't notice my quick change of expression.
"Don't worry, if I fall in love with someone, my sister will be the first to know," he ruffles my hair like he always does, and I hit his leg like I always do when he messes up my hair.
"Your punch is stronger now, you've been working out?" he mocks me.
"I've been practising how to defend myself from assholes."
"And how's that going?"
"As you can see, it's not progressing yet, assholes keep appearing in my life. "
"And what about Danylo? He seems cool."
If he means the sexual desire that I've just realised has been haunting me since our first meeting, then yes, Danylo is cool...Very cool…