Page 139 of You + Me – Against the World

“Just go home, Vadim.”

“I love you, Alma. And you love me too, even if you prefer to believe that you hate me.”

I’ve already turned away when he says these last words. An icy shiver runs through me, despite the gentle warmth of this May evening. Vadim Arcadi’s love cracks clean through my armor and seeps into every fissure. It shakes my convictions and turns my world upside down again.

48

The next day I meet up with Clémentine at college, but decide not to tell her anything. She asks me a hundred times what’s wrong, then finally informs me that I’m being a buzzkill. Our short films were a success, the school year is coming to an end, and she doesn’t understand why I’m not jumping for joy. I use a migraine, stress, and late-night studying for the final exams as an excuse. Clem rolls her eyes, then drags me by the arm to our classroom.

Mr. Abrams has already arrived.

A few minutes later, Vadim shows up, without rushing or apologizing for being late. He slumps into his chair in the back row. The professor sighs as he watches him, but it’s me that Arcadi is staring at, a strange smirk on his lips. Somewhere between a smile and a challenge.

His eyes are as apologetic as they are defiant.

“Apparently acting weird is contagious!” Clem says, barely whispering. Then, she bursts out laughing.

“D’Aragon, do you have something funny you’d like to share with the class?”

“Uh… no, but I wouldn’t mind a cookie or a Twix, if you happen to have one!”

“Clark? Have you got any snacks that would help keep her quiet?”

“I’m on it, Professor!”

“Perfect. While those two have their breakfast, I’m going to say a few words you’ll never hear come out of my mouth again, so remember them!”

“We love you too, Mr. Abrams!” Nicki Scott squeals, and the whole room erupts in a fit of laughter.

“I wouldn’t go that far,” he chuckles. “But I congratulate you on your work. The jury was impressed and, given how dreadful you were last September, it was unexpected. I found most of your short films interesting, some very polished, and others even left me speechless.”

He gaze rests on Vadim.

“And God knows, that doesn’t happen very often.”

More laughter ripples around the classroom.

“Some, unfortunately, played it safe…”

This time, I’m the one who gets a pointed look.

“Not true. She played it anything but safe,” Vadim interrupts him.

“Oh, look! The knight is back on his white steed!” Abrams claps in that slow, ironic way that quickly becomes awkward.

“No, Alma doesn’t need a knight in shining armor,” Vadim replies. “She doesn’t need anyone. She prefers to be alone.”

“I also prefer it when people don’t talk about me as if I weren’t there.”

I turn toward the back of the classroom and glare at Vadim. The combination of that smirk and his mocking expression make me want to slap him.

“Are we bothering you two?” asks the professor. “If you want me to settle this, I can! Arcadi experienced a cinematic revelation. Lancaster just settled for making a pretty documentary. That means I was probably wrong at the beginning of the year, but it happens even to the best—”

“You’re right about one thing, Mr. Abrams. You aren’t speechless often enough,” I blurt out, triggering another round of giggles.

“At least this year has toughened you up, Alma. Mission accomplished!” Abrams takes a dramatic bow.

Meanwhile, the dark-haired, gray-eyed guy at the back continues to stare at me.