Drained | ✓

4

A V E R L Y

I look him in the eyes.

They're emotionless green.

Then I think about his question and what all I still have to do.

I have so much stuff to do.

But I can always do it later.

But if I help him with his assignment then my free time would be next to nothing.

I could say no.

But if I say no, I would disappoint him.

I don't want to do that.

How do people say no?

I wanted to paint this week.

Thinking that I can paint next week, I give him another one of my fake smiles.

"Sure, which one is it?" I ask and I watch his forehead crease. Like he's disappointed.

What did I do now?

"Say no," He says and I frown.

What?

Seeing my confused face his eyes soften.

"Say no to me," He says again.

"What? Why?" I ask.

Didn't he just ask for help?

"You don't know me. You don't have to help me. Say no," His words are softer now.

He wants me to say no.

"Why did you ask if you didn't need help?" I question, ignoring his demand.

"Because you need help," He states seriously and I freeze.

"I don't," I say, sternly.

I don't need help. I'm capable and I can do everything on my own.

"Let me rephrase," He steps closer.

"I want to help you," He tucks my hair behind my ear. The gentlest touch of his fingers enough to calm me.

Butterfly's erupt in my stomach.

I barely even know this guy.

"I- I don't understand," I say and shake my head.

"And I don't understand why you have to chose others over you," He raises his brow.

"Don't," I grit out and turn to leave.