19. Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Laura

I arrive at my dorm room, waving goodbye to Ryan, who insisted on walking me back here. He and I live on the same floor, after all. I don't see a reason to refuse that.

I close the door after he's gone. Finally, I'm done with people for the day. I put my backpack on the couch as I head to the bathroom to wash my face.

Wait...

I head to my bedroom instead. It is empty, like it should be. Maybe Gisett isn't around. I don't think gargoyles hide under a bed.

I check the room throughout, there's no gargoyle, not even his scent. Am I upset that he isn't here?

But I'm the one telling him to give me my personal space.

I shrug. I've been on my own for longer than his existence in my life. I'm going to be fine.

Compared to wondering what Gisett is up to, I should record this museum trip before I forget about the things I saw.

I wash my face, take a shower, and take a seat at my desk. It has been a fruitful day, even though it was awkward at times when my friends seem to want to give Ryan and me room, which is completely unnecessary. This isn't high school, why are we doing that?

My phone buzzes. Ryan sends a few photos to the group chat, which I'm still not sure whether I'm happy to be in. At least I can be friends with them, not like some of the wilder people in my class. I scroll through the photos on my phone, only ending on the photo with Gisett.

Well, I'm not sure whether that counts. That's the photo of me messing with the gargoyle. There's cream on Gisett's face and I pretend to be happy standing next to him, holding onto his wing to keep my balance.

This is such a silly photo. I'm going to delete it, but... Gisett looks silly with moss and cream. When the few sprayed cream onto his face, he probably couldn't see how he looked, so...

I turn around to the couch, only remembering that he isn't around.

Maybe he is busy, otherwise, he'd ask whether he can be here, or surprise me with his presence.

Another message from Ryan pops up, taking up the screen. He asks whether I'll go to the library with him, and it isn't in the group chat, which means that...

Before I can reply, a message from Gisett comes. He just can't keep himself away from me.

He's nice and cares about me, but... dating him is as far from normal as that can be.

I type to tell him not to come. He sends a smiling face, regardless. I don't think he is happy.

But if I type something else, he may misunderstand. I... I stand and head to the window, looking in the direction of the statue. Gisett is still there, right? I narrow my eyes, making out the statue's shape with the tiny help of the dim streetlights.

Maybe I should talk to Gisett, then it'll be done. Probably.