Obsession

Chapter 19

I've been sitting on the floor in our practice room for fifteen minutes, waiting on Leo. I texted him twice, asking where he is, but he still hasn't replied. He didn't say our duet was cancelled or anything, but thinking back to the last time we spoke, I'm wondering if that was supposed to be implied? I hope not.

Today was supposed to be the day that I finally admit to him that he was right all along. I'm nervous as hell, especially after he's ignored me like this, but I know I have to do it. I owe it to him.

After a few more minutes go by, I decide to call Anna to see if she's heard from him.

"Yello?"

"Anna, hey. Have you seen Leo?"

"No, why?"

"We were supposed to practice today and he hasn't shown up. I've tried texting him, but he hasn't even read them yet."

"He wasn't in class today. Maybe he's sick or something?"

I was looking forward to seeing him today, even though I've spent the past two days avoiding him like the plague. I didn't want to run into him before I had a chance to figure out exactly what I wanted to say. Now that I have, he's not here.

I have to see him. I have to make sure he's okay and that he doesn't hate me.

"Which apartment building is his?" I ask.

"Are you going to see him?" she shrieks excitedly. "Because oh. my God. He would die."

"Yeah, I think I need to."

She squeals and claps her hands. "Ah! What are you gonna say? Are you gonna tell him about Kai?"

"Anna, just tell me where he lives!"

"Okay, okay," she chuckles. "He lives in the Pinecrest apartments over on Denson Street. Second Floor. Apartment 2B."

"Okay, thanks."

"Hey! Call me later! I want to know everything."

After I end the call, I gather my things together and head out to my car. My body is trembling to the point I feel I may puke, but I'm really hoping that doesn't happen again. I've already embarrassed myself for a lifetime in front of Leo.

I drive over to the Pinecrest apartments and pull into an empty parking spot. My heart is pounding. My stomach is twisting into knots already. Am I even going to be able to do this?

I take a deep breath and get out of my car. I start up the stairs to the second floor and slowly walk down the hallway until I spot 2B.

I swallow back my nervousness and raise my trembling hand to knock on the door. My body starts to form a thin layer of sweat while I wait. My nerves are completely shot right now. Why am I like this?

When nothing happens after a minute or so, I knock again. This time, a little harder.

When he still doesn't answer, I turn around and start walking back to the stairs. I can't stop thinking about the last time we saw each other. He was so honest with me, so hurt by my words. He thinks I chose Kai over him, and while I guess I did at first, I know now I was wrong. Kai isn't the one for me. He never was.

I stop when I reach the top of stairs. Why am I leaving? I owe him more than this. I should be banging on his door right now, demanding that he get out here so I can tell him how stupid I am for ever letting him walk away.

And so I do.

I turn around and go back to his door, knocking on it as hard as my hands can bear. "Leo! Get your ass out here!" I call out.