Too Sick to Matter — Episode 8

Alex looks at me. He packs up the kit, his gaze landing on my phone by the bed. Your father sent you my contact. It's been a while. Why haven't I seen a friend request? I grab my phone. So Alex is the guy my father set me up with. Was everything just because my father asked?

I didn't come here for your father. I came because I want to be with you. The tips of his ears go red, nothing like the ice-cold captain everyone knows. Give me a chance. I swear I'll never hurt you the way Colin did. You know I have skin hunger, right? What if I hug some other guy someday?

Wouldn't that bother you? He doesn't answer. Instead, he brings up the past. First day of freshman year. I run into this gorgeous guy, cornered by a girl who won't take no for an answer. He's already turned her down, but she insists on walking him to his dorm and buying him dinner.

Right then, my skin hunger kicks in. So I pretend to be his girlfriend and put on a whole jealous act in front of her. After she sliths off, he looks at me, dead serious, and helps calm me down. You helped me back then. Only fair I return the favor.

His voice goes a little flat. You're the one who said see you next time. Then when we met again, you didn't even recognize me. I run a hand through my hair, feeling awkward.