Chapter 15 – Haley
There’s no point in me trying to go back to sleep, so I get up and get dressed. Melissa returns from her run and takes a quick shower. “Do you want to go grab some breakfast in the cafeteria?” she asks. “We have time before our classes.”
“Sure.” It’ll be good to have company right now because I really don’t want to be alone.
We grab our backpacks and head over to the cafeteria to eat.
“Earth to Haley?” Melissa says as she peers at me from across the dining table. “Your food’s getting cold.”
I realize I’m picking at my cheese omelet, barely making a dent. “Oh, sorry. I guess I’m preoccupied this morning.”
Melissa nods. “I get it. School’s a lot of pressure, especially when you’re expected to do well. Failure’s not an option, right? Neither are bad grades. At least, not in my family.”
I nod, smiling half-heartedly as if those are my concerns. They’re not.
Right now, my concern is that someone is making my life hell.
Philip would be pissed if he knew I was withholding this information from him. My parents would be, too.
My phone chimes with an incoming text from Philip.
Philip – Hey babe how’s it going
His message puts a smile on my face. He’s always so upbeat and supportive. He’s my very own golden retriever.
“Who was that?” Melissa asks, nodding at my phone as she spreads strawberry jam on her toast.
“Philip.”
“He seems like a great guy.”
“He is.” I’m still smiling as I text him back.
Me – Good. You?
Philip – fine just missing you :( whatcha doing
Me – Eating breakfast with Melissa.
Philip – tell her I said hi. Have you got time for dinner one night this week?
Me – Sure. I’d love that. Any night is fine.
Philip – I have to work late tonight, but how about tomorrow?
Me – Yes. ??
Philip – pick you up at 6?
Me – Sounds great. See you then.
Philip – I’m counting the hours
Melissa wags her fork at me. “You guys are so cute.” She drinks the last of her coffee. “I’ve got to run now. Have a good day.”
“You, too,” I say, smiling at her as she stands and picks up her tray.
“Later,” she says as she walks away.
My phone chimes again, and I pick it up, thinking it’s Philip again, or maybe my mom or dad.
UNKNOWN – How was breakfast? Did you save some for me?
My stomach tightens, and I feel sick as I set my phone face down on the table. How does he know I’m here? And how in the hell did he get my number?
I glance around the crowded cafeteria looking for a familiar face. If he knows where I am, he must have followed me here.
But all of these people are strangers.
Maybe I’m becoming paranoid.
Maybe it’s all in my head.
I realize now I shouldn’t have thrown all the evidence away. I should have kept it, for my own sanity at least.
I stare at my phone knowing if I called Philip and told him what’s going on, he’d drop everything and come running. I just know he would. Same with my dad. And my mom, too. And Dave.
I can’t eat another bite, so I throw what’s left on my plate away and carry my tray and eating utensils to the return station. It’s time for me to head to my political science class anyway. I don’t want to be late.
I make it to class just seconds before it starts. I sit here listening to a lecture on states’ rights, and it’s all I can do to pay attention. I make a mental note to get a digital recorder like Layla’s. In the meanwhile, I’ll do the best I can to take notes.
When class ends, I walk outside and sit at one of the many picnic tables and try to read my hardcover copy of Jane Eyre for my Brit lit class.
We have a quiz on the assigned reading at eleven.
I find myself reading the same sentence over and over, and none of it registers.
It’s a good thing I practically know this book by heart, otherwise I’m sure I’ll fail the quiz.
My attention keeps getting diverted to the area around me as I search for an explanation.
Is he watching me right now?
The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and my flesh crawls.
When my phone chimes with an incoming text, I nearly jump out of my skin, thinking it’s him again.
Mom – Hi, sweetie. Just checking in. How’s school?
Me – Hi, Mom. Good. Just busy. How are you and Dave?
Mom – We’re fine. We miss you. Can I interest you in a homecooked meal this weekend? Let me know, and one of us will come pick you up. Or, invite Philip. That’s even better.
Me – That sounds great. I’ll ask him.
Mom – Good. Love you!
Me – Love you, too.
I make little progress with my reading assignment, and before long it’s time to head to my lit class. On the way, I run into one familiar face.
“Haley, hi,” Ryan says as we cross paths. “How’s it going?”
“Fine.” Of course, that’s a lie. For a moment, I consider confiding in Ryan, letting him know about the weird things happening. I mean, he is the advisor for my dorm. But before I can say a word, he starts talking.
“We’re having a Faulkner Hall movie night Friday in the community room. I think the movie is Avatar—the first one. I hope you can join us.”
I force a smile I don’t feel. “I’ll think about it.”
“Please do.”
As I continue walking, I know I won’t be going to movie night.