It’s Friday and still no real contact with him. He walks out of his room and goes straight to the coffee pot. He barely whispers good morning before fixing himself a cup. This is so frustrating. I let down all my walls to come back to this apartment, willing to attempt to give this a try and I’ve been shut down. This was a mistake. I should have never let him kiss me. I should have stayed longer with Caleb’s parents.
I’d try to start a conversation but I know it’s no use. He’ll do nothing but mutter a word here and there so I stay quiet. He doesn’t even finish his coffee before his phone rings. He stares at the name on the screen before looking at me and answering. I can’t lie, I’m curious why he felt he needed to look at me first but now he’s talking and it doesn’t take long to realize he’s talking to a girl. He’s having the most casual conversation as if I’m not standing right in front of him.
He’s laughing and carrying on, talking sweet. I want to gag, or go run into my room but I stay there drinking my coffee and act like he’s not affecting me. The last words I hear him say before he hangs up, feels like a knife to the chest.
“I’ll see you tonight,” He has a date. I want to pry but I don’t know if it’s my business. He was just hitting on me a week ago and suddenly, he’s onto the next flavor of the week.
He hangs up and acts like nothing just happened but I’m bothered by this. “Who was that?” I ask curiously.
He stares at me for a minute before responding. “Her name is Natalie. I have a date tonight.” He says like it’s no big deal.
I feel a lump form in my throat as I process his words. Cory has a date tonight? “Where are you going?”
“Probably 80’s night. You don’t have to worry about me. I’m a big boy, Sybil. I may or may not be home tonight, so don’t freak out if I don’t show up.”
My jaw hits the ground and anger flashes in my eyes. Did he really just say that to me? I’m already dressed for class, so I grab my backpack and sling it over my shoulder and head towards the door.
“Whatever Cory.”
I walk out pissed off at him. I’m jealous of this Natalie girl. I know I have no claim on Cory but who the hell is she to just come walk in when last week he made it seem like all he wanted was me?
Chapter 27
Cory
Sybil is so hot and cold, I never know what’s going on. Just when it seems things are looking good, she pulls away and I know why. I’m not Caleb. She’ll never be happy with anyone because no one compares to Caleb. Even though he could have gotten her killed, she still holds him up high. I can’t blame her I guess, I mean he was my best friend. I officially met Natalie a few days ago on campus and she’s gorgeous. She’s got these bouncy brown curls and brown doe like eyes but she’s not Sybil. Point is, I’m killing time and I know this is a shitty way to do it.
She just stormed out of the apartment. I’m surprised she didn’t slam the door on her way out. I feel like an ass but what can I do about it? She wants to be cold, I can be cold too. I can play her game. I’m just one-upping her.
The day flies by and soon I’m back home getting ready to go pick up Natalie. I used to get into the whole 80’s wardrobe but tonight, I’m just wearing jeans and a white polo shirt. Sybil is sitting on the couch with her laptop in front of her working on a paper. I’m surprised she’s even here right now. She looks up at me for a minute before turning her head back to what she’s doing.
As I open the door to walk out, I wait to see if she’s going to say something but she never does. I suddenly regret this decision but I keep walking towards my truck. I drive in silence until I reach Natalie’s apartment. I knock on the door and moments later she lets me in.
“Hey, Cory, I’m almost ready. I just need to grab my earrings. Come on in.”
I walk in and grab her hand pulling her closer for a kiss. “I’ll wait right here.”
She blushes and walks quickly down the hall. I take a look around her apartment and suddenly miss my own, the one Sybil is in. I’m snapped out of my thoughts when Natalie comes bouncing out in a black and pink polka dot sweater and pink legwarmers. I can’t help but think of Megan right now and I begin to miss her. Thinking of Megan makes me think of Sybil and I quickly shove that to the back of my mind.
“You ready babe?” I ask grabbing her hand.
She giggles and nods her head yes. She locks up on her way out and we make our way out to the truck. She begins to talk non-stop the minute we start driving. I’m pretty sure I’ve just heard her entire life story and I couldn’t tell you anything she just said. I just smile and nod my head the entire time and she continues to talk. I can’t help but smile harder as we pull up at the bar. With all the music inside, there’s no way I will be able to hear her talk once we’re inside.
I lead her to the bar and order us a round of drinks. A few drinks later, she musters up the courage to ask me to dance. Billy Idol is blasting on the dance floor and people are everywhere. So many memories flood around me and I smile because all of them are good. My beer goggles are on and I let my inhibitions go as I pull her closer to me. Songs switch and we continue to dance. She looks up at me and gives me a devilish grin before leaning in to kiss me. I kiss her back greedily, and she moans into my mouth.
I abruptly end the kiss when the DJ begins to talk. “Sybil, Sybil, Sybil…damn girl. Long time no see.”
I look over and see her standing there in the spotlight looking so beautiful. I almost forget Natalie is standing in front of me with her arms around my waist. Sybil yells something back towards the DJ and he just laughs. He threatens to play her song and she just smiles and shakes her head. ‘Like A Prayer’ by Madonna comes on and she twirls alone on the dance floor before stepping up by the DJ booth. She takes the microphone and begins to sing to the crowd. Everyone sings along with her and God she looks like an angel up there.
“Wow, she’s really good.” Natalie yells into my ear.
“I guess so,” I say when I really want to say more.
I don’t know if I’m upset or not that Sybil came here tonight. I know she’s here alone and that worries me, although it shouldn’t. I grab ahold of Natalie’s hand and lead her up to the bar. I need to keep the drinks coming, especially with Sybil here tonight.
***
Sybil
Not long after Cory walked out the door, I decided I was going to go to 80’s night too. I don’t want to sit here alone and I don’t want him making any stupid decisions with some girl he doesn’t know. I tease my hair and put on my tight pink sweater with my black miniskirt. I can play his game too. I finish applying my makeup and grab my keys. I head out the door with a smile on my face. Oh sweet sabotage.
When I arrive at the bar, the music is blasting loudly. Billy Idol is on and I make my way up to the bar and order a beer. An eerie feeling hits me and I turn to scan the crowd. I have the oddest feeling someone is watching me and I have a feeling it’s Cory and I haven’t seen him yet. The bartender slides the beer to me and I pick it up feeling extra cautious of my surroundings. What was I thinking coming here alone? I grab the beer and carry it onto the dance floor with me. I’m trying to keep a low profile but the DJ immediately notices me and calls me out. Well, if Cory hasn’t seen me yet, he knows I’m here now. The DJ plays my song and I begin to dance alone but that won’t do. I jump up to meet the DJ and take the microphone and begin to sing along despite the fact that feeling is following me. Everyone sings with me, like always and I can’t help but smile knowing he’s out there somewhere watching me.
The song ends and I curtsy before leaving the stage. A few guys approach offering to buy me a drink but I politely decline. I finish my beer and pay for my own. I don’t trust random people to buy me a beer. I’m standing at the bar waiting for the bartender to wait on me, when I hear his voice. I look a few people down and there he is. Standing next to Natalie with his hand on her back. I scrunch up my nose and continue to wait patiently. I continue to look around, still feeling uncomfortable and I look back towar
ds him to find his eyes on me. The bartender places my new beer in front of me and I pick it up with a smile on my face. He looks like he doesn’t know what he should do so he just gawks at me. I only stick around a little longer by the bar before I return to the dance floor.
A guy comes up to me asking if I want to dance. He’s really hot, with his blue eyes and blonde hair. I smile and accept his offer and he immediately pulls me to him as the song changes and we slow dance.
“What’s your name?” he asks against my ear.
“I’m Sybil and you are?”
“I’m Jake. Nice to meet you Sybil.”
“Likewise.” I say as my eyes roam the crowd.
Not even a few feet away are Cory and Natalie. His eyes are on me the entire time he dances with her. She looks like she’s talking his ear off ,but I guarantee he hears nothing. I look away from him and laugh obnoxiously at something Jake just said. I look back as the song changes again and Cory and Natalie are nowhere to be found. Hmm, maybe I’ve made my point.
I decide once this song ends, I’ll head home. I’m tired and I feel I’ve proven my point. Jake leans in and tells me something and I can’t help but blush. Just as I’m about to reply, I’m jerked away.
“What the hell?” I say as I look up to meet Cory’s eyes. “What the hell are you doing Cory?”
“No Sybil, what the hell are you doing?” he retorts.
“I’m dancing, you know like you were doing with Natalie” I spit out.
“Are you jealous Sybil?”
“Hell no I’m not, now let me go.” I say trying to jerk free of him.
“I don’t want to let you go,” he says quietly. I have a feeling I know what he’s saying.
“You already did Cory or you wouldn’t be here with her.” I reply.
“You are jealous. I knew it.”
“Fuck you, Cory,” I say jerking hard enough to free myself for good. “I deserve fun too. I have a life.”
He leans in, I can smell the liquor on his breath. “I wouldn’t fuck you Sybil, but I would make you feel good inside and out. You’d never want to be with anyone else ever again.”
His words turn me on but I quickly remember I’m upset with him so I brush his words off. “Cory, you’re drunk. Let me bring you home.”
“No I’m fine Sybil. Enjoy your night.” He whispers before walking off.
I don’t even look for Jake, I walk past Cory and Natalie and walk out the doors. I just want to go home now.
I try to block out most of the night when I get back to the apartment. I take a shower and then go lie in bed. His words that I brushed off inside the bar haunt me. I can’t believe he said those things. Do I believe that he could actually do that? Oh God, yes I do. I think of his words one last time before I let myself fall asleep.
***
I remember Cory saying he may not be home so I didn’t put any pants on as I step out of my room. My t-shirt is long enough that my ass isn’t hanging out. I scratch my head and yawn as I walk into the kitchen. My eyes grow wide and I try not to gag when I see Natalie sitting at the table drinking a cup of coffee out of my coffee cup. She looks up and sees me standing there. She suddenly looks a little embarrassed, like she’s been caught. I want to speak up and say something but Cory comes walking out of the room and stands behind me.
“Oh, good morning Sybil,” he says with a menacing tone.
I want to turn around and slap him for being disrespectful bringing her into this apartment. Technically this is his apartment and I have no say but I would never have done this if it were mine. I do turn around but I place my hand up to his face and feel his scruffy skin. He hasn’t shaved yet but it looks amazing on him. My hand moves to wrap around his neck and I lean forward planting a kiss under his ear.
“I missed you last night.”
His body stiffens and I can’t help but laugh. Natalie suddenly stands and looks at us like we’ve lost our minds. She barely gets two words out before telling Cory she’ll just walk to her place and she walks briskly out the door.
Cory pulls back and glares at me. “What was that for? I don’t understand you sometimes, Sybil.”
“What don’t you understand Cory?” I challenge.
“You. I don’t understand you. I told you how I felt and I thought we were on the same page but you keep pushing away. It’s because I’m not Caleb isn’t it?” he says throwing his hands in the air.
“You think that’s what this is Cory? Well you’re wrong. I have tried and it got me nowhere with you.”
He grabs my hands and pushes me back against the counter. My heart begins racing in my chest and he leans forward, so close I could almost taste him. “I want you, Sybil. I shouldn’t but I do. I want you so damn bad, but I don’t want you unless I can have all of you.”
I stare at him and so many emotions flood through me, I think I might faint if he wasn’t standing so close. I let his words sink in and suddenly, I feel like I need to get away. I continue to stare at him with scared eyes and whisper, “I need to go.”
He steps back watching me as I run to the room to change and grab my keys before I run out the door.
Chapter 28
Cory
Natalie was never supposed to come home with me. That wasn’t the plan. Truth is, we were both drunk and I just came straight home without thinking. I didn’t even sleep with her. I couldn’t do that knowing Sybil was just a door over and she’s who I really wanted to be with. Morning was a little awkward with Natalie lying beside me. Don’t get me wrong, she’s beautiful, but she’s not for me.
I hated myself when I saw Sybil standing in the kitchen looking at Natalie. Natalie looked uncomfortable, but I really didn’t care about her. Sybil is in nothing but a shirt and damn I can’t take my eyes off her no matter how hard I try. She makes it worse when she rubs my face and tells me she missed me last night. She’s playing this game well. Natalie quickly mumbles she’ll walk home and leaves before I can offer her a ride.
I don’t get Sybil. I don’t understand why she pushes me away. I mean I pretty much do understand. Neither of us thought things would end up this way but here we are struggling with these insane feelings. She was my best friend’s girl and now I want her to be mine.
We talk for a few minutes and I can’t help but push her against the counter and really tell her how much I want her. I wait for her to respond and say she wants me too but she pushes away. Again. She runs to change clothes and then runs out the door. I know where she’s going. It’s the only place she goes when things get rough. She has no one to talk to anymore. Megan was her only friend. She’s going to the cemetery. I run my hands through my hair and let out an agitated sigh. Maybe I’m coming on too strong.
I sit around waiting for her to come back and when she doesn’t I start to get worried. I text her but she doesn’t reply. It’s been almost three hours and still no reply so I get in my truck and drive down to the cemetery. Her car isn’t there. I get down and walk towards Caleb’s grave. I wonder deep down how he would feel about this. He trusted me with her when he died and I’ve held my promise. No one would have ever guessed at the time though that Megan would die only months later and Sybil and I would be alone to pick up the pieces.
“Hey Caleb,” I say to the cold grave. “I miss you man. I wish I could talk to you to figure out what the hell to do. Although, if you were alive we wouldn’t be having this talk. If you see Megan, will you tell her I miss her? Watch over her up there man. Things got fucked up so fast and I tried to control them. I tried to save Sybil but it seems we’re saving each other. I would never make a move on your girl you know that, but God I don’t know where these feelings came from. Maybe it’s because we’re all each other has and we’ve been a rock for one another. I wish there was some way I could know I have your blessing to really, truly care for her. I’d never hurt her Caleb. I’d make sure she was more than taken care of. Anyway, I won’t talk much longer. I just wanted you to know we miss you. I love you brother.”
> I wipe a tear from my cheek and turn away as I walk back to my truck. I check my phone and there’s nothing. Fuck. I have no clue what to do. After thinking about it, I decide to call Caleb’s dad. If anyone knows where she is, it may be them.
“Hello?”
“Hey David, its Cory.”
“Ah, Cory. I’m assuming you’re looking for Sybil, am I right?” he asks.
“Yes, sir. She left earlier a little upset and I haven’t seen or heard from her. I’m a little worried.” I admit to him.
“She’s fine son. She’s here sitting under the magnolia tree. You two have both had it rough, just give her time. I know you must think you’re doing wrong but I couldn’t think of anything better. You two know each other better than anyone else.”
“I’m just glad she’s ok. Do you mind if I come by and talk to her?”
“Come talk to her. You two need each other.”
“Thank you, sir.” I reply graciously.
“You’re welcome.” He chuckles before ending the call.
I drive faster than I should but I don’t care, I need to see her. I need to fix this with us now. I pull up and see her lying on the grass under the tree reading a book. The wind blows her hair across her face and she gently tucks the strands behind her ear. God, I need to be beside her now.
Saving Us Page 18
