Chapter 268
WILLA
Just few minutes into the trip and I was very uncomfortable. An hour and my butt was sore. So was the rest of my body from the buckles and handles of bags and suitcases digging into it from every angle.
It got worse when the bus turned off the paved road and jounced through a winding forest road which got worse the farther we got.
I had to lean forward enough to grab a corner of someone's headrest when it got really bumpy. Still, when the bus got into a rut, I was nearly thrown out of the box I was perched on.
I passed the time by calling Lucian all the hateful names I knew under my breath. Finally we got to our destination. The bus came to a rattling stop.
"We're here!" announced the driver. I groaned in relief. "Hanbok pack is somewhere closeby."
I looked out it the window, caught my breath. The woods we were camping in was beautiful. No other words could describe it.
I could see immediately why the botany department had chosen this spot. It was practically teeming with plant life. In the high grass, little creatures hopped and scurried away.
The most amazing sight was the waterfall I spotted not fifteen minutes walk from where we were parked.
After getting my things out of the bus, I dusted off my dirty clothes as best as I could. The sun came out from behind a cloud. The colours, already bright before seemed about to burst into flame.
Hannah and my brothers would love the view. Anyone would.
I took out my phone and walked around, making a video to send to them.
I was going for a clearer view of the waterfall when from right over my shoulder I heard, "Are those for your little boyfriend?"
I started. The phone slipped out of my hands. I caught it just before it fell into the tall grass.
I fixed Lucian who had appeared out of nowhere like a very annoying jack-in-the-box with a flinty stare.
"Why did you sneak up on me like that?" I said angrily.
"I didn't," he said. "It's not my fault you were so engrossed in the clouds and birds you didn't hear me coming. So you're going to record your time here for... him?"
"Yes, they are for Theron," I lied.
Lucian's lips curled. "You know the guy is cheating on you with his ex, right?"
"You're lying. Theron isn't like that."
I turned my back on him. I started to walk away, raising the phone to record even if that was the last thing on my mind right then. Lucian came after me.
"I don't lie," he said. "I have proof."
"Good for you," I said.
Lucian ignored the sarcasm. He had his phone out and was scrolling through it. He seemed to find what ht was looking for and held the phone out to me.
"Here's your proof," he said. "Take a look."
I was already looking. On the screen was a zoomed in picture of Theron and Sylvia standing outside Theron's room. They were kissing.
The picture had to be from the night Theron had confessed he had hooked up with Sylvia. Lucian was studying me closely. I found I couldn't meet his eyes.
I looked up at the fluffy clouds instead.
"Nothing to say?" Lucian pressed.
In the most unconcerned tone I could manage, I said, "I know about that already. Theron and I have already talked about it."
"You know how recent it is? This was after Therom and Sylvia-"
"I know!"
Lucian tsked. "Such a shame! Seems you are on your way to being as pathetic as the other girls Theron uses. And dumps eventually."
I turned on him and uttered a single bark of laughter.
"That's rich coming from you with your track record of being a playboy," I said. "How many girls have you even been with? I guess you've lost count, huh? Why don't you focus on the field project that brought us here and leave my love life the hell alone?"
I focused on the view again. Only now I was glaring at it thanks to Lucian who wouldn't get off my back.
Lucian looked irritated. "You know what? You're really embarrassing. Embarrassing and bloody pathetic. Sometimes I almost feel ashamed on your behalf."
Stung, I shot back. "You're embarrassing! Theron is a million times better than you could ever be. At least he's true to himself. Are you? You reject your mate and then flaunt your girlfriend. Does Naomi even know I slept in your room the other night?"
Lucian's lips twisted into a mocking little smile.
"Unlike you," he said. "Naomi knows exactly the kind of person I am."
With that parting shot he walked away, looking pleased at getting in the last word.