A Piece Of Me

Chapter 16 "Missing Him" (Edited)

Rhel

I had been tossing and turning under the cover, trying to distract my mind from replaying the scene where Luke confronted me about my relationship with Michael. At that time, I couldn't forget the hurt on his face when I told him about Michael, and how he apologized when he realized what he just asked. I admit, I didn't expect for him to apologize, knowing what he was, and how he was so eager to know the truth. Since that moment, I started to question my impression on him, thinking maybe he wasn't so bad after all.

As I thought of him, I hadn't realized I was touching my lips when the kiss we shared had crossed my mind. It had been a long time since I felt that familiar tingle when kissing someone, and it was unexpected that Luke made me feel it again. What was it about him that I started to have strange feelings towards him? I began to feel somewhat like an attraction, and I hated it because I wasn't supposed to feel this way. I despised him, and yet somehow, I wasn't that convince anymore.

It had been two weeks since we saw each other, and frankly, I often thought of him. I hated to admit it, but I missed seeing him, his playful smirk, his egoistic attitude...his kiss. He was constantly plaguing my mind that sometimes I got distracted when doing something. I didn't know what he did to me, but if this would go for long, I would surely be in trouble.

Shrugging the thoughts away, I pushed myself off the bed when I saw the clock on the side table, and went straight to the bathroom to freshen up. Since I didn't have something to do today, I thought it would be best to go grocery shopping, that way, it would help took my mind off Luke.

Putting on some jeans and a plain white shirt, I grabbed my wallet and car keys before heading downstairs. When I reached the living room, I found Alex lying on the couch, sleeping. I patted him then headed out, and walked to my car.

"God, I miss holding your wheel baby," I mumbled as I turned the engine on. Even if it weirded me out, I was so thankful to the stranger who drove the car to my yard. He said that someone ordered him to return my car, but hell, I knew Luke was the one who ordered him to since he was the only one who knew where my car was parked.

Maneuvering out of the yard, I drove straight to my destination, feeling relaxed that I got to drive my car once again.

After an hour of driving, I finally reached the store, and parked the car on the vacant lot then got out. When I stepped inside, I grabbed a push cart and made my way to the different sections. I walked around with my cart, looking at the products I needed on my phone, and grabbed them. Taking my time, I stopped by the milk section and grabbed my usual.

"Hey, Rhel." I turned around to look at the person behind me, and saw the last guy I wanted to see. I came here to take my mind off, and I wasn't planning on meeting someone I knew today as I wanted some time to relax, unfortunately, it wouldn't be possible now.

What a small world.

"Michael..."

"How have you been, Rhel?"

I forced a smile, "Never been better...So, you're here, grocery shopping, what a coincidence huh," I said awkwardly.

He nodded, smiling, "Yeah, yeah...So, how's your ankle?" he asked, briefly glancing down, "I heard from Amber that you got injured."

Of course, Amber couldn't shut her mouth.

"It's fine, I can normally walk now."

"Oh good, that's good," he said. An awkward silence emanated around us as we stared into each other, not minding the people around. God, I hated those sparkling eyes which I fell for once. Every time I looked at them, they were like a magnet that kept pulling me. But that was a long time ago. Now, I couldn't feel the pull, there was no connection. There was nothing at all.

"Hey, um..." he said, breaking the silence, "Um...if you don't mind me asking you, I know it's so sudden and unexpected, well if you don't mind...can I come over to your house tonight?"

I cocked a brow, clearly didn't expect what he just asked. "Of course, I mind. What are you asking?"

His throat bobbed up as he scratched his head, "Since Amber is not feeling well and my..." he trailed off when I suddenly raised my hand.

"Amber's sick?"

"Not really, she's just hangover. She went home late last night, drunk. I asked her where she went but she ignored me and stormed off upstairs." I frowned, thinking what the hell Amber had been up to. If she went partying, she would always ask me to come, but now, did she just forget?"

"Hmm, that's unusual for her. Okay, I'll call and ask her later, maybe she would tell me."

He nodded, "Yeah, sounds good."

"Okay, I have to go." I said urgently and pushed the cart without waiting for his reply, but he quickly held my wrist before I could even take my next step.

"Wait Rhel..." he mumbled, almost pleadingly.

"You're too close Michael," I mumbled, causing him to step back. I glared at him as I didn't like how he had touched me earlier.

"I'm sorry," he promptly said.

I sighed, "Look, I already said that I mind you coming to my house. Just what are you going to do there? Is there something you want to talk about?"

He shook his head, "I just want a drinking partner since Amber's not feeling well and my parents are out on a trip..."

I snorted, "Why would you want a drinking partner? Is there an occasion? What about your friends?" Instead of answering me, he looked down, murmuring something I didn't quiet hear. Okay, so now he was feeling shy to look at me? Just what was his deal?

"Michael, I don't have all day," I lied.

He looked up, "Today's my birthday Rhel."

"Oh..." was all I could mumble as I instantly felt a little guilty for being harsh. How ironic it was that I forgot his birthday when I used to remind him whenever he was busy with work and forgot about it. Back then, we always celebrate his birthday with his family, either we went out or just stayed in.

"Look, I...I don't think that's a good idea Michael...After what happened between us, I don't think we can just hangout...To tell you honestly...I still feel pain when I see you..."

"Rhel..." He took a step forward.

"We're not even friends Michael and I'm not planning to befriend you...but since you're alone right now, for now, I will try to push everything aside, and let's celebrate your birthday." He let out a breath of relief as he smiled, and before I could react, he unexpectedly wrapped his arms around me, catching me off guard. Instantly, his scent filled my nostrils as I was engulfed with his warmth, and for a moment, I felt a little nostalgic, but I pushed it aside, and pulled away.

"Y-You can't just do that Michael," I reminded and stepped back, frowning.

"I'm sorry Rhel, I got caught up in the moment." I stared at him for a moment before walking away, not wanting to deal with him anymore. I may looked disrespectful for leaving without saying something, but damn, I couldn't stand it anymore.

After paying the cashier, I promptly got out of the store, and walked to my car, shoving the groceries inside the front trunk. Getting in, I ignited the car into life and maneuvered out of the parking lot, feeling regret of agreeing to celebrate his birthday tonight.