Elena
A month had passed since I arrived at Crestwood, and I had settled into the rhythm of college life. I loved everything about it—the classes, the campus, and most of the people. Of course, there were a few exceptions: a handful of mean girls and, most notably, Caleb.
Initially, I thought Caleb's behavior was some sort of prank, but I was wrong. He hadn't backed off. Instead, he seemed more determined to stake his claim on me.
Idiot!
Every day, without fail, Caleb would find me between classes, at lunch, even when I tried to hide in the library. He'd corner me and remind me, "You're my girl, Elena." And every day, I would reply, "No, I'm not."
But he wouldn't budge. He was relentless, always inserting himself into my day in any way he could.
"Why won't he leave you alone?" Kiara asked one afternoon as we sifted through reference materials in the library for our assignments.
"I don't know, but he really annoys me," I sighed, flipping through my notes in frustration.
"Maybe he really likes you," Mark chimed in, giving me a knowing look.
I rolled my eyes. "Or maybe he just enjoys annoying me and trying to mark his claim on me. Either way, he's relentless."
Despite his obnoxious persistence, I had to admit that Caleb had helped me quite a bit with my academics. As much as I hated to acknowledge it, the guy was a genius, and his tutoring had significantly improved my understanding of the subjects.
He always helped me out, even if it meant he had to skip his classes.
Of course, I called him an "asshole topper" to his face, but deep down, I was grateful.
And so, we developed a bond where he kept acting like he owned me, and I kept denying it as usual.
We were in the library when I stood up from my seat to find a book that I needed for my assignment. As I was searching for it, I saw that it was placed on the top rack of the library shelf at the end.
I stretched and jumped, trying to reach it, when suddenly I felt two hands lifting me up. I jolted at the sensation of being lifted.
When I looked down, I saw Caleb holding me steady so I could grab the book.
My heart almost leaped out of my chest. I quickly took the book and stepped out of his grip.
"What the hell are you doing?" I whispered angrily.
"Helping you out, El!" He grinned mischievously.
Yes, he now called me El, Ellie, or Elena, depending on his mood.
"You can't just pick me up like this," I warned him, trying to sound stern.
"Of course I can. I can do whatever I want with you. You're my girl." His eyes darkened as he stepped closer, his breath fanning across my lips.
I could hear my own heartbeat whenever he came this close.
What the hell does he mean by "whatever he wants"?
I chose to keep quiet and avoid his eyes.
"You're so pretty," he murmured, closing the distance between us, making me look up into his eyes.
I couldn't look into his eyes; it was dangerous.
"I... I need to go, Caleb," I stammered, my voice barely a whisper.
"Why do you keep running away from me?" he asked, his voice softer now, but still intense. "You know you can't hide from me, babygirl."
My insides twirled every time he called me that
"I'm not yours" I replied, trying to muster the courage to stand my ground.
"Yes, you are," he insisted, his eyes locking onto mine with a possessive intensity. "You just don't realize it yet."
"Why do you have to be so overbearing?" I asked, exasperated.
"Because I care about you," the said, his voice low and serious. "And I'm not going to let anyone else have you."
I shook my head, trying to clear the confusion his words caused. "You can't just decide that."
"I can like anyone I want," I stomped my foot, trying to prove my point.
He came closer, so close that I knew if I moved a bit, we would end up kissing.
"Try, and I'll kill him right there, sweetheart, without guilt," he said, his tone depicting that he would definitely do it.
His words made my eyes widen in shock.
"I am not your possession," I stated firmly.
"You are mine to possess, and mine alone" he said in a serious tone, his hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair from my face.
I felt a tingling sensation with his touch, something I couldn't avoid.
I quickly escaped from his hold and went back to my seat before he could say anything else which I couldn't take.
We finished all our lectures and went out to grab a bite when I excused myself and called my sister Selena. I had to call her and tell her about this guy. Selena and I were close, and I shared everything with her. She was living with Mom and Dad in LA, setting up her fashion line and working with top models.
My sister is so hardworking!
"Hey, Ellie! What's up?" she answered, sounding breathless, probably from running around managing her new fashion line.
After some talk about college and other things, I came straight to the point.
"You will not believe what's been happening," I began, launching into the story of Caleb and his relentless pursuit.
By the time I finished, Selena was laughing so hard she could barely breathe. "Oh my God, Ellie! This guy sounds insane."
"It's not funny, Sel! He annoys me so much but also helps me and saves me from any disaster," I protested, though I couldn't help but smile at her reaction.
"I see. Just be careful. Follow your heart. If he's hot, maybe give him a chance." She teased.
"No way," I snapped. "He annoys me and keeps claiming I'm his for no reason. He's just an idiot."
"Alright, alright. Just don't let him get to you too much. And call me if you need to vent more."
"Will do. Love you, Sel."
"Love you too, Ellie."
And I went back to my friends to have that bite if they had left something for me.
"Let's go clubbing," Kiara said out of the blue.
We were so busy over the month focusing on studies that we literally didn't go anywhere.
Everyone was waiting for Freshers to happen, but we were so tired of waiting for it.
"Yeah, I think we should go. It will be fun," I confirmed.
At least I'll be out of Caleb's sight for a few hours!
"You wanna invite Caleb?" Mark pouted.
I smacked his head. "Not at all."
An hour later, we were all dressed to go out and party all night.
I wore a black dress that ended above my knees. Kiara wore white.
I was feeling so good as the outfit flaunted my curves perfectly.
I didn't inform Caleb because why should I?
He's not my boyfriend or my dad. I needed a break from his overbearing presence.
Soon, we were at the club. It was around 11 p.m., and I could see it was almost full, with people dancing and drinking their hearts out.
Mark, being the older one among us, helped us get inside because we were not allowed as per the age limit.
My ass!
We were soon on the floor dancing our hearts out after having one shot each.
As we danced and laughed at the club, my phone buzzed with messages from Caleb.
Devil: Where are you, Elena?
I glanced at the screen, my heart tightening. Of course, he couldn't leave me alone for one night.
I slid my phone into my bag, ignoring the sharp thrum of tension in my chest, determined to lose myself in the music. He didn't have to know everything.
But the phone buzzed again, relentless.
Devil: Tell me where you are! Don't make me lose my patience.
I forced myself to keep dancing, the lights swirling around me, but his words were pulling at the edges of my control, demanding my attention.
Then, the calls started. One after the other, vibrating against my skin, daring me to pick up. My heart raced with every ring.
Devil: Elena Cruz! Answer me now, or—
His voice roared through the silence of my mind, that familiar possessive tone dripping from every letter.
I gripped my phone tighter, my pulse quickening. There was always something lurking behind his threats, a promise of control I couldn't escape.
Elena: Or what?
I shouldn't have said it. My head was spinning, the music fading, but defiance flickered in me, just enough to push him.
The response was instant.
Devil: Or I'll come find you, wherever you are...
And I'll kiss you until you forget how to breathe, until your world is nothing but me.
I cursed under my breath, heat flooding my face. His words wrapped around me like a vice, suffocating, inescapable.
Elena: Fuck you! I'm out with friends. That's all you need to know.
I sent the message, breathless, but I could already feel the weight of his response pressing down on me, like the dark, possessive energy he always carried.
Devil: you should have told me
I ignored his last message and posted a few stories on my Instagram.
Everyone should see this and feel jealous that they are not here.
How mean am I?
I put my phone back and went to the bar counter and asked for another shot. I could see Mark hitting it off with a girl far from there.
Finally, he gets a girl.
Kiara was out in the washroom.
I noticed a guy sitting beside me and telling the bartender, "I'll have the same as what the lady is having," pointing to me.
I felt his weird gaze on me, like not the good ones. As a girl, you know the intentions, and his intention was not at all good—creepy, literally.
Like when Caleb looks at me, it never feels bad.
I hate to bring him up here again, but yeah, just comparing the intentions. I know Caleb is a pain in the ass sometimes, but I never felt insecure with him.
But this guy was literally having his eyes fixed on me, which felt disgusting.
"Hello, pretty girl!" He sat beside me now.
"Do I know you?" I rolled my eyes.
"I would be interested to know you." He smirked
"Sorry, not interested." I moved away from there, joining my friends on the dance floor.
Mark was still with that girl out there.
I think they seriously hit it off while Kiara danced for a while and got a call, so she stepped out.
I was the only one dancing because by that time, I already had 5-6 shots, and my head was spinning, making me want to dance even more. I noticed the same creepy guy dancing a few steps away from me, inching closer every few seconds.
I tried to ignore him and just continue dancing.
Suddenly, a pair of hands grabbed my waist and tried to pull me closer.
It was him, same creepy guy.
I was too shocked by his disgusting behavior.
I tried to get out of his control. "What the hell are you doing?" I resisted.
His hold tightened.
"Come on, we're all just having fun."
"I said leave me alone, asshole," I shouted, hitting his chest hard. His grip loosened, but he quickly grabbed my hand.
My eyes frantically searched for Kiara and Mark, but the club was so packed that I couldn't see them.
Tears escaped from my eyes as memories of a similar incident from my past flooded my mind. I was young then, defenseless, and a stranger had tried to force himself on me. The trauma had stayed with me for years, lurking in the shadows of my memory.
Before I could react more, I saw a sudden punch land on the guy's jaw, making him fall to the ground.
~~
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