When Worlds Combine - A WWC Sequel

47; Libraries, cafes, and aquariums

Violet

 

The campus is buzzing with life which is kind of a big kick in the face when you're not. It's like everyone around you is happy and is rubbing it in because you're so the opposite. I guess I've never known what it feels like to be this miserable and to have to show it.

We came back from Brazil yesterday, and I was far too tired to do anything other than sleep. So I didn't meet up with Liam, but I am doing so today. Which is something to look forward to. I have the entire afternoon off so we're meeting for lunch, and then he said he has something planned. I'm not sure what, but Liam's always been good at surprises. So I trust his decision.

I've been hiding away in the library until my lecture starts, because I fear bumping into Zayn. I know it's ridiculous, because obviously it's bound to happen sooner or later, but if I can help it I'd rather it be as later as possible. I don't want to see him for many reasons; the mere sight of him will probably drive me up the wall and also make me want to cry. At the same time. And also, I don't want to see him because seeing him means talking to him, or having him talk to me. Seeing him just creates a ton of problems I really don't need right now, and I'm trying to avoid if I can.

So far, so good.

I also forgave Niall, he literally wouldn't let us leave Brazil if I didn't. Like literally. He locked the door and hid my passport and everything. By that stage I had done all my wallowing and blaming, and I had forgiven him long ago anyway. He's still a bit sceptical, but I told him he barely did anything. I also stopped blaming myself.

I had come to terms that there was no one else to blame but Zayn, and I was living life a little bit easier. I had finally managed to ditch the looming black cloud that hung over my head and although I didn't see complete blue skies yet, some of the clouds had gone away.

"Well, hello there."

I whip my head up and see Josh grinning down at me. My heart races, as my first instinct was that the voice belonged to Zayn. I slow down my breathing and grin back at Josh. It was so nice to see a familiar face that wasn't Niall and Avery's. Spending two straight weeks with those two, it kind of drove you insane.

"Why, hello." I laugh.

"How are things?" He slides onto the chair across from me, leaning his arms against the wooden table. "How was Brazil?"

"Amazing," I say quickly, without second's hesitation. I had rehearsed what to say. "Beautiful place."

"I bet. Did you go sightseeing? Where'd you stay? Oh! How was the food? You should write about this for our next article!"

I answer Josh's incessant questions, enjoying how excited he is at it all. It makes me feel wanted, like someone's genuinely interested in what I have to say. He listens to my every word, never taking an eye off me.

"That sounds incredible," he says. "Even better to spend it with the people you love, huh?"

My eyes cast downward and Josh notices my sudden distemper.