Her Returned Mate

I walked with confidence in the wide corridor along with my two friends who were both silent to my sides. Every eye was following my moves, like a paparazzi who would capture everything you do and soon post it on social media for them to feast about.

I would understand why they're looking at me mesmerized if only one; I'm giving them Kendall Jenner vibes which I think, I'm not?

No! I am just a mere student.

I mean, what did I do? Do I deserve all those filthy stares filled with envy from those women who think highly of themselves?

And no. They were not mesmerized. I actually sense green with the way they stare at me which I just shrugged off, as usual.

Jesus! I'm so tired of hearing issues after my name. I know they're killing me inside their mind because of their lame idea that I stole their boyfriend's heart ever since I came here to university.

For goodness sake. I have been here for three years already. Can't they move on?

"Gia, stop with your stares. You're making their blood boil," Keith, my friend chuckled at her own remarks.

I shrugged. It's not my fault that I possess a sharp cat-eye.

"Let their blood pressure increase more than their normal rate."

Gia, a stealer and was not raised properly. That I grew up not learning good manners and right conduct. Then back to the stealer. Stealer. Well, those are just some of the things I hear from people I don't even know.

I wonder how can one severely judge another whom they barely know?

"Anyway, I heard from our professor that we have a new classmate. I just don't know if it's a guy or woman. But I hope it's a man!" my other friend who's the shortest among us three named Miles exclaimed in excitement.

"And handsome!" Kieth added.

"Oh..." I reacted. "Was he the reason why our group chat last night exploded?" I asked when I remembered their noise there.

"Yes, he was! I heard that he has a high position here in the university... " Miles whispered to my ear, giggling.

I heaved a deep sigh. When it comes to men, these two won't just stop fretting. They said having a handsome stay with us in one room inspired them more to do well in class. Well, honestly... It's our crushes that inspire us to go to school every day.

Shaking my head, I looked at them smiling. "You two should find a boyfriend now."

"Boyfriend what?!" Kieth overreacts. "Noo! Men are just a pain in the ass!"

"Literally!" they both clap their hands in front of me.

My mouth gaped open at Miles word. Seriously?! Lite-fucking-rally?

I just shook my head in disbelief as I looked at them now walking ahead of me. The girls were laughing as they leered at me over their shoulders.

"Hun, walk fast. Our old bald professor might roast you if you're late to his class," Kieth winked.

I checked the time on my wristwatch and found out we only have a minute and a half before our first class starts and the room is one building away. I couldn't help but hiss silently.

The other day, Miles received a sermon from him in front of us. She was so pissed after that he cursed him to the extent.

"Damn, run girls!" I shouted but before I could even run, the two ran first leaving me behind.

I pursed my lips because of it. They were like a human version of Cheetah, as they run fast. Their speed is not just normal for me basing on mine. I was catching my breath when I reached our building. Good thing the room was just located on the first floor.

"Are we on time?"

I glanced at my watch. "Just right," I smiled and knocked on the door twice before opening it slowly.

The three of us sighed in relief. "He's late. I think it's our turn to make him eat his words about being late in class."

I chuckled at Miles's bitterness. I took my seat which was in the last row, followed by Kieth next to me and Miles sitting in front of us.

I could hear the whispers of my classmates, mostly women. The gentlemen were gathered in one place and were watching something from their phones.

"I wonder what he looks like," I heard Kieth whisper beside me.

I just put my arms on my desk and put my head down and closed my eyes. Who would dare try to transfer school in the middle of the semester?

I wanted to take a nap but Kieth talked again. I did not move an inch and let her chatter next to me. I am used to this, in front and on my side, there is always someone talking even in the middle of class.

We were kicked out once because of their loud voices.

Only in them, I experience being kicked out. The girls were the reason why I learned to cut classes, sleep in class without teachers noticing it, and just leave while in the middle of the discussion and later called to the discipline office.

They heard nothing from me but complaints though. But in the end, I was still grateful because I have experienced those that I could not do alone. Well, it's one of the best experiences.

"I have downloaded a new movie," she said which made me open my eyes.

"List it here," I pushed the small notebook lying on the desk to her. "Get your pen."

She scoffed. "Well, what's new?" She took her pen and listed all the titles at the back of the notebook. She then handed it to me which I immediately kept inside my bag.

Soon our professor came in with his straight strict face. It was as if an angel passed by as the surroundings became quiet. The teacher adjusted his pair of subtle glasses before facing us.

"You have a new classmate..." he announced.

My classmates, mostly women, turned their heads outside, including Miles, Kieth, and well, I can't help it. I am also curious about who that might be.

I faked a cough and decided to avert my gaze. I just looked around inside our room and searched for something that would catch my interest.

"I hope it's a guy, and hot so I'd be more inspired to go to uni every day," I heard Keith whisper. "I will worship him wholeheartedly and will be forever thankful. I hope he's the one who would stop me from shifting course to another over and over again."

I chuckled at her last statement. "You have seen a lot of hot and handsome men, just your type, and that's exactly what you said. But what happened?" I laughed lightly.

She frowned then pouted her lips and didn't talk again. Some of my mates were waiting while holding their breath, some were excited and giggling. Even whispering and praying just like this woman beside me.

"Lord, I hope he's the one," she prayed which made me sighed.

Our professor roamed his eyes around. Seeing his students anticipating, he tried to get their attention by coughing loudly which was anyway, effective.

"I know you hate the part of introducing yourself but I want to know you and also, for the sake of your classmates, please do the honor," he motioned his hands as if telling the person to come in.

The person came in and I heard everyone gasping in surprise which includes me. My god... What was the feeling of being God's favorite? He is too damn perfect in the physical aspect! Even the way he walks in front brings women in awe.

"Damn, girl. I changed my mind. I'll shift for the third time," I could sense panic in Kieth's voice.

My brows furrowed. "What the hell, Kieth?!" I uttered in a low voice. "I thought if it's handsome, you will not shift to another course? And this something you should think of properly. You are being ridiculous. Don't base your decision on a man's appearance."

My forehead knotted. The guy in front is beyond handsome! Tall, white, and handsome. Her usual type. But what am I hearing now?

Is she blind? Can't she see how ridiculously handsome this man is?!

His brush-up hair clearly defined the shape of his face. Those deep brown sets of eyes and thick eyebrows which I just wanted to caress to refrain from frowning. His manly narrow nose, and lips pursed, and most especially, his facial hair made him really look so attractive!

"Did I hear it right?" I poked Miles who was silent the whole time.

"I think I will also go with Kieth, Gia ..." my lips hang open at what she said.

"Are you two being serious now?!"

"You know we are not really serious about studying, right? We have graduated from college once... It would be better if we stopped forever. "

I stared at them in disbelief. These two are older than me, and a second courser. I was right there when they graduated from college together, and I even asked why they didn't proceed to master but they just shrugged me off.

I honestly don't know with them. I mean, who's in the right mind to study in college for the second time just because they wanted to join me?

Just Miles and Kieth.

I took a deep sigh when the two bowed their head and did not bother to talk again.

"Evan Walker," the man sparingly introduced himself to everyone.

I looked up just to see those deep brown eyes peering over me. I didn't even notice his presence beside me. When did he come near me? The time was just too fast or maybe I was too occupied with my thoughts that I didn't notice him.

"What's yours?"

I blinked twice. "What?"

"Your name?"

I blinked again"Are you interested in me?"

His shoulders dropped after hearing my question. He left my side with no word coming out of his lips then sat on the other seat in the aisle just across mine.

"No," he answered firmly.

I wasn't expecting him to say yes but, why did I feel like I was rejected? With beauty like mine, he really had the guts to say no. So, when our class was over, I immediately walked out of the classroom with a knotted forehead. I no longer waited for my friends who constantly shouted my name over and over again.

"Gia! Why are you walking so fast? Rush hour?" Miles asked when he caught up with me.

I just looked at them for a moment over my shoulder. "You were chasing me so I walked fast," I excused.

I bit the side of my cheek as I thought of that new guy named Evan Walker. He asked for my name, and instead of giving him what he wanted, I answered him with my dumb question.

Really, Gia? Do you think that all men who approach you are interested in getting to know you? Embarrassing.

"I heard him ask your name!" Kieth shouted behind me. "I don't know if I should feel sorry for him or for you, e. Seriously, Gia? He was just asking your name yet..." She shook her head. I could hear them laughing.

"Don't remind me of that. I'm already ashamed of myself," I said as I continued to walk away.

They ran and stood beside me. We were heading to the restroom to do our girly stuff as our professor for the second class won't make it like, as usual. What's new? We are all expecting that he would just send us the lesson and the rest is up to us.

"You feel like everyone likes you," Miles laughed again.

I glared at her. Even when we reached our destination, the two won't just stop teasing

Me which I ignored.

I stared at my face intently through the mirror. I looked like a Western. I have bright morena skin. My straight brown hair looked healthy and it perfectly suited my heart-shaped face. My thick-shaped eyebrows and long lashes defined my deep set of dark orbs eyes. My nose is perfectly made, small but sharp.

And my thin lips... I shook my head in disappointment.

"Here, put some gloss."

I took the item from Karen's hand and applied a little amount of it to my lips. I blew a kiss in the air before handing it back to her.

"But you know what..." said Miles who's combing her straight shoulder-length hair next to me. "Come with us, Gia. Shift course or even transfer to another school? What do you think?"

I frowned. "The guy was handsome, girls. I thought you would stay if our new classmate turns out to be a guy and what? Handsome and hawt!" I voiced out, emphasizing the last two adjectives.

"People changed, Gia."

Miles nodded at what Kieth said. "Correct, girl. I now prefer brown skin."

"That fast?" I uttered in disbelief. I sighed deeply. "But you know what? You two are just actually wasting your time. Why don't you try to apply for a serious job? Or get yourself a boyfriend!" I suggested.

They both shrugged and looked at me through the mirror. "It's better to study than to work," Kieth said as she curled her lashes.

Honestly, I don't understand their logic in life. I feel like they were born to accompany me in my whole life. I mean, these two were always there for me ever since. Wherever I go, they were always there to support me. But this time, I can't really see the point why.

Studying college for the second time just because they wanted to be with me? Where's the logic?

After doing our business, we went straight to the library. But in less than five minutes, we were kicked out by the librarian because of their excessive noise. They laugh at their own silliness. Meanwhile, I was glaring at them as I made my way to the canteen.

"You fools," I said, shaking my head. "I was in the middle of reading! God, why did you give me such friends? You two are getting older yet..." I feel so stressed.

Kieth just laughed more at my statement.

"Are we getting older, Miles?"

The latter shook her head, laughing. "I don't know! My appearance from ten years ago just looked the same!"

"Me too!" Kieth added.

I stared at them weirdly. "Maybe you two were vampires?" I joked.

They were both stunned. Kieth's mouth hangs open, still not completely closed from laughing. Miles, on the other hand, was choked on her own saliva. I blinked a few times because of their reaction.

"Are you two okay?" I asked worriedly.

Miles looked at me in confusion. "Please stop reading or watching vampire movies, Gia."

I stopped walking. "Well, who introduced them to me? Who buys me books and sends soft copies about vampire stories?" I raised my eyebrow.

They averted their eyes and pointed fingers at each other.

"Kieth, your fault. Stop downloading vampire movies! Stop encouraging her to read one!"

Miles approached her and Karen did not budge. Simultaneously they opened their mouths to throw words at each other. I shook and bowed my head when students looked at us weirdly.

"I don't know them..." I moved my hands back and forth as I stepped forward.

I lowered my head as I walked away from the two. When I finally got out of the scene they were making, I quickly ran to the canteen. I sat on the table located near the glass wall.

"Gia, hi..." the student who passed greeted me.

I smiled and greeted him back. My smile had not completely disappeared when I met Evan Walker's eyes staring at me intently. Wait. What? He's staring at me...

Why? Because I didn't give him my name? I pursed my lips and looked away, avoiding his gaze.

He was at the counter and ordering something. There are only a few people here, some were familiar. I cleared my throat. Why is he staring at me? I mentally rolled my eyes. What a big fat liar.

He said he was not interested but the way he looked at me just... I don't know. I can't put it in words but I swear, there's something in his eyes. His stares were full of intensity.

My thoughts were cut off when someone sat in front of me. I immediately smiled when I saw my former classmate.

"I have a new collection of vampire books. Want to borrow?"

I nodded. "Yes, please. I'll take care of your babies..."

He handed me the book and I kindly accepted it.

"You're a keeper, I know. So I trust you with that."

I nodded a lot of times. "Thanks! I might suddenly get pregnant because of my obsession with vampires!"

His ears turned tomato as I said. I laughed a little because of that.

"Just kidding..." then, I leaned forward. "But vampires in movies really looked hot, right?"

Slowly, he nodded his head.

Time flies so fast like a whirlwind. I spent my time reliving the same day over and over again. The girls never attempted to open the topic of switching courses or transferring to another school but they now barely attend classes. They show up just one or two days a week and I don't have any idea why, or what they are up to.

They only visited me at night in my apartment. Talk, and then sleepover. I don't even catch up with them every morning as they always left early. I narrowed my eyes and placed the thick book on my desk just to disturbed my other classmates who were planning to sleep.

As usual, our professor never came in again to attend to us. I think we are all just wasting our money on this kind of education. Well, at least they are paid even without doing anything aside from giving us surprise quizzes and questions in exams we don't know where they got from.

I slumped my head down on the table, planning to take a nap when I felt a hand poking my waist. My forehead creased as my eyes followed the hand then, it went through the owner, Evan Walker.

I squint my eyes, waiting for him to talk.

"Gia..." his voice was low and deep.

Shaking my head, I put my head down above my arms resting on my table. After two weeks of being classmates, Evan Walker already knows my name and he's been bugging me since then.

"Wanna go out with me?" he asked for the nth time.

I rolled my eyes. "No," I answered.

"Why not?" I felt his hand on my hair but I didn't bother to move an inch.

"You're annoying," I simply uttered.

"I'm what?" he was chuckling.

I closed my eyes. The day when he asked for my name, was the day he asked me to go out with him. I could not help but laugh at him that day. See? A big fat liar. I thought he would stand firm to his answer that he was not interested but look who's asking me to go out with him.

And now, the tables have turned.

"Date me, Gia..." he repeated.

"You are not interested in me, right?" I reminded as I lifted my head to look at him over my shoulder.

I heard him sigh beside me. "That was two weeks ago. Still not forgiven, huh?" he said slowly.

I tilted my head and let out a cheeky smile.

"You said no, right?"

His brow arc. "I told you I'm interested, right? I have a change of heart."

I pursed my lips. "But I won't change my mind," I sat straight and looked at his eyes directly. "I am not like you who got full just by eating your words."

He chuckled. He took my pen hanging from my lace and played it with his fingers. I just kept my eyes on him. Honestly, I don't know how this man's mind works. Like seriously? Can't he find another woman who would be interested in dating him because apparently, I am not interested.

Hunter looked like an angel sent from heaven but, there's something in his eyes which I can't pinpoint.

"I will buy you your favorite books," he insisted.

I shook my head. "Just look for other women whom you can fool with." I took the pen from his grip and turned my back on him.

"You are the one I want... Not to fool with but to be with," he joked. "Why not date me, Gia? Why not Evan Walker?" I could feel the arrogance in his voice.

I rolled my eyes and looked at him lazily

"I simply don't like you. What's there to discuss?"

His eyes became sharp but it was just in a split of seconds. His eyes became sharp but it was just in a split of seconds. I swallowed slightly especially when he looked at me seriously. I was nervous because of that. What? Is he someone who can't accept rejection? Like someone which I've watched on the local news that can't take rejection so he killed his partner instead.

I shook my head a few times trying to erase my thoughts. He should start practicing how to handle rejection.

I averted my gaze. This felt so awkward. And I don't know why but whenever he's around, I feel nervous.

"Okay," he shrugged and settled his eyes in front. "If you don't like me, I might force you into liking me."

The side of my lips rose up. After two weeks of asking me to date him, yet he still not give up. I mean, Hunter is handsome, alright. But I don't like the way he approached me and especially the dark aura that surrounds him.

I fake a cough. "What? You would force me even against my will? I don't think that's right. "

He looked me through the corner of his eye. "I forced everyone and that includes you, dating me..." He smirked.

"If you do that, I will forever hate you."

He folded his arms. "Then, date me so I wouldn't use force against you. And so you won't hate me anymore. "

"Are you being serious now, Evan Walker?" My voice was serious.

He did not speak there. Instead of answering, he just closed his eyes as if he had said nothing that made me nervous!

I slapped him on the arm. "Answer me!" I asked out loud which made my classmates look in our direction which I just ignored.

He opened his eyes then closed them again. "Just date me," he said.

I shook my head in disbelief. "You wish, Evan Walker. I don't like you so suffer."

I was shocked when he suddenly moved and grabbed my hands. I looked at my wrist which he locked in his cold and big hand. I gulped as I tried to fight his blank stares. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. So he finally let go of me and stared at me intently.

"Reserved all your hates for me, Gia. I might force you for real... " he said then left.

I was dumbfounded. What does he mean by that?