I was still fuming at Clement when I bumped into Noks in the hallway.

“Slow down, sonic the hedgehog,” she laughed.

“Sorry,” I told her, distracted.

“You alright, Irma?”

“Yeah, I just had it out with Clement. He thinks I’m going to get hurt with Isaac.”

Noks looked up at the ceiling, avoiding eye contact.

“Oh, God. You also think that,” I stated.

“No,” she answered gently. “But I remember how broken you were when you found out that he didn’t reciprocate your feelings. We don’t want you to go through that again when it can be avoided.”

“We’re friends now. It’s different.”

She stroked my arm in a caring way. “But are you okay with being only friends with him?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “He likes me, too. But there’s something holding him back. He thinks if I know his secret, I won’t like him anymore which is completely false. I like him, no matter what. Unless he’s committed a crime.”

“Tell him that then,” she said. “I’m sure he’d appreciate it.”

Noks was right. I had to show Isaac he had my full support, no matter what.

“Thanks, Noks,” I hugged her.

We parted ways and I went to see Isaac. He and Siya lived together in student accommodation close to campus so I took a shuttle.

Siya answered when I knocked and let me in.

“How’s it going, Irma?” he said politely. “You haven’t been around here in forever.”

“Isaac and I … well, that’s in the past. I’m back now.”

“That’s great. He’s been moping around like a heartbroken teenager for the last three months.”

“He has?”

“You know Isaac. He hates showing his feelings. But he can’t hide from me since I live with the guy. He’s been really down ever since you guys stopped talking.”

Oh, wow. That was news to me.

“Anyway, he’s in the shower,” Siya said. “You can wait in the lounge. I was just on my way out to a DJ’ing gig.”

“That’s awesome. I loved the songs you played at the club the other night. Good luck, Siya!”

I waved him goodbye and took a seat on the sofa, checking my texts. A few from Clement saying he’s sorry. Noks telling me to keep her updated on what happens with Isaac. And some from my study group asking to meet tomorrow. I was replying to the messages when my phone rang.

It looked like a call centre number so I cancelled it. Then I heard a yelp and a crashing sound.
I ran to the bathroom door and knocked.

“Isaac?” I called. “Are you okay?”

I heard stumbling and things falling.

“Irma?” he asked. “Is that you?”

“Yes, Siya let me in before he left,” I told him through the door. “I should have texted first, I’m sorry.”

“Uhm, no, it’s okay. I’ll be out in a second.”

“You sure you’re alright?”

“Yeah, I … ouch!”

“Isaac! What happened?”

“I thought I was alone after Siya left. Then I heard your phone ring and I kinda freaked out and … fell.”

“Oh, my God. Are you hurt? Must I come in?”

“No, don’t!” he said quickly. “I’ll be fine.”

I heard groaning.

“You don’t sound fine,” I said.

“I am,” he assured. “Irma, are you laughing at me?”

“No,” I tried containing myself but I’m sure he heard the amusement in my voice. “Of course not.”

“Irma, I can hear you!”

“Okay, I’m sorry,” I burst out, unable to hold it in.

“Stop laughing,” he whined.

“I’m stopping now,” I lied, my stomach cramping from all the laughter.

I was only able to stop ten minutes later, after he’d come out dressed and looking like a damn rockstar.

“Hi,” he said, all smiles.

“Sorry I scared you.” I really was.

“Don’t worry about it. What’s up?”

“I thought we could hang out? I think we both need a break from studying for a little while.”

“That sounds amazing. Let me grab my jacket.”

“I need to use the loo if that’s okay?” All that laughing took a toll on my bladder.

He gestured to the bathroom. “Go ahead.”

The mirrors were still fogged up from his shower and the air was warm. I blushed, thinking that he’d been in here mere moments ago. Showering.

Then I noticed something on the floor and immediately my attitude changed.

I picked up the plastic and stomped over to him.

“What’s this?” I asked, even though I knew it was the wrapping of a needle.

He was taken aback. “Where did you —”

“On the bathroom floor. Don’t tell me you’re using drugs instead of alcohol now, Isaac?”

“I’m not on drugs, I swear, Irma,” he defended.

“Then why was this on the floor?”

“I’m usually so careful about discarding everything. I must have missed it in all the confusion after I fell.”

“Were you busy injecting yourself while I was out here waiting for you?”

“No! I mean yes … I mean, it’s not what you think.”

Isn’t that what all addicts say?

***

Tell us: Do you think Isaac is telling the truth?