The Mouse and The Wolf - Chapter 73: Chapter 73

I had the feeling Thisalee was avoiding me during the next week or so. I didn't see her anywhere. I didn't spot her even once, and the campus wasn't that big. I did see Pretty Boy a few times, and every time our paths crossed, he glared at me like he wanted to launch at me.
My friends noticed that something was up between us two. I hadn't told anyone about my encounter with Thisalee, not even Ezra. I didn't want to jinx it. The way Thisalee and I parted our ways gave me the impression there would be part two, but since she was nowhere to be seen, I was starting to doubt my senses.
I couldn't stop thinking about her eyes. Every time the image of them passed through my mind, I was filled with warmth and happiness. I had never experienced anything like that before. As the days passed, I became more anxious, more determined to see her again. Eventually, I was ready to skip classes and meals and even sleep just so I could find her.
That week was the longest of my entire life. When Friday came, Ryder asked me if I wanted to go for a couple of beers. I accepted the offer just to get something else to think about. It was just the two of us at the bar, or at least it was supposed to be like that, but soon enough, I found our little booth swarmed with girls. Ryder had that effect.
None of them were Thisalee. I wanted to ask them if they knew her, but I didn't want to seem like a pathetic creep, so I swallowed that question. I just drank my beer in silence while Ryder was entertaining the flock. Once I ran out, I stood up, told Ryder I'd be right back, and turned around.
And there she was, ordering a drink. My heart almost stopped beating at the sight of her. It took me the longest time to realize that I wasn't hallucinating, and even longer to take the first step towards her.
She was alone again... I had a chance to talk to her... I knew I would freak out if I let myself think about it any further, so I just kept walking. I took a couple of deep breaths when I stopped close to her – not too close so I wouldn't scare her away – and leaned against the counter.
"Hi," I said when she was finishing up her payment and hated the fact that my voice didn't sound as manly as I hoped.
Thisalee grabbed her drink and turned to look at me. "Hi," she uttered, her eyes meeting mine for a brief second. I opened my mouth to ask how she was doing, but she turned around. And left. Without saying a word or even looking back at me.
I could only stare after her. I had no idea what to do. I could follow her, but maybe she didn't want to have anything to do with me? But... What happened to the "until we meet again" thing? Did she change her mind?
After a few seconds of freaking out, I decided to man up and at least go ask her if everything was all right. I hurried after her without buying anything and caught up with her when she stopped to watch the people on the dance floor.
"So... I hope you're doing well," I said, and she turned to look at me.
"I'm good," she said, and turned to look away again.
I was out of ideas. I felt like I was only bothering her, and the last of my courage was already gone. I was not good with ladies like Ryder, or good with words like Ezra, so of course I had no business talking with a girl like Thisalee.
"That's good," I muttered. "Well, I'll get out of your hair then."
I saw her turn to look at me when I turned around, but she didn't say anything, so I started heading back to the counter to get a refill.
And then...
"Are you walking away from me?"
I stopped and glanced at her over my shoulder. "Was I not being a nuisance?" I asked.
"...no," she said, and I turned around to see her walking up to me. "But I must say, I'm a bit disappointed you gave up so easily."
For some reason, I gained more self-confidence when she stopped in front of me, sipping her drink.
"So... you were just playing hard to get," I guessed. "I can play that game, too," I added with a smile and continued my way to the bar.
The second I stopped by the counter, I almost died when I realized what I just did. I walked away from Thisalee! She was willing to have a chat with me and I. Walked. Away. I proceeded to order my beer. I'd need to get completely hammered so I could even try living with myself from that point on. I didn't dare to look back. I was absolutely sure Thisalee would be already gone and refused to talk to me ever again.
"So, you do have balls."
I almost died again when I heard her voice right behind my shoulder. I turned to look at her, doubting my senses. Why would someone like her want to have anything to do with someone like me?
"I guess," I smirked and took a better look at her. My God, she was gorgeous! The warmth and the happiness were there when I stared at her green eyes. "So... Should I even ask how things are between you and that pretty boy? He usually looks like he wants to rip my throat out these days..."
She snorted in amusement. "I haven't talked to him after that, so I'm guessing not that great. I'm not complaining, of course. He was a bit of a douche," she said, giving me a small smile.
"Why were you dating him in the first place?"
"I wasn't, but he apparently was telling people we were," she said, her expression turning annoyed.
I wanted to point out that it sure had seemed like they were dating, but I decided not to – it wasn't any of my business anyway.
"So... are you seeing anyone right now?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
"Nope."
I didn't have big enough balls to ask her out right then and there, no matter how much I wanted to. I peered at Ryder, who gave me a curious look. I decided to ignore him, seeing that he had now four girls surrounding him, and turned my attention back to Thisalee.
"Your friend looks like he could use backup," Thisalee said, fixing her eyes with mine.
"Who, Ryder? I'd only be in his way." I chuckled. "I'd rather play hard to get with you."
"Who says there's any games going on?" she asked, but her tone was amused.
"Should I walk away and see what happens?" I asked.
"You are surprisingly cocky," she said without batting an eye. "Maybe it's my turn to walk away and see what happens?"
And she did exactly that. As she turned around and started making her way to the back of the bar, she tousled her long hair. I knew she did that to tease me. Oh, there sure was a game going on, and I couldn't believe my luck. This had to be a dream, right? A very nice dream.
I shook my head to get rid of the doubt and followed her. When I reached her, she sat down at an empty table in the corner and looked up at me.
"I told you there's a game going on," I said when she faked a surprised expression.
"Very cocky," she said, stressing the words.
I sat down in front of her, trying to act like I owned the place. I hoped my smile didn't look too stupid when I watched her eyes. The warmth surrounded me once again, and I completely forgot myself in her gaze.
"I don't actually play games," Thisalee said all of a sudden in a quiet voice. "There's no point in that."
"True," I said, leaning closer to her. "Can I buy you a drink?"
"I still have some left," she said with a smile.
"The next one is on me," I said, smiling back at her. "In the meantime, I'd like to get to know you better."
She let out a quiet hum, her eyes landing on her drink. She was silent for a moment, and for some reason, she seemed almost... timid.
"Why don't you tell me more about yourself first," she then said, looking back at me.
I decided to ignore the fact that she was clearly trying to avoid talking about herself. She probably had her reasons, and I honestly just wanted to spend some time with her. So, I told her about my boring life as a college student while she listened. I did get to know a little bit about her as well, like how her studies were going, and about her hobby, kickboxing, but it was getting clear she didn't like sharing much about her life. I didn't mind.
I just assumed it was a topic for another time.