The Broken Curse Read Online Free PDF Page B

ate something, but can't. I decide that it's a perfect time for a lunch break. I can't get anything out of my work out if I have an empty stomach.
    I gather my gym bag and switch from sneakers to flip flips and head in the direction of the student center. It's not open to the general public, but Professor Onassis stocks the refrigerators with food for those of us who are around. It's been too long since I've made an effort to go and see her—I think four days. After I get some food, I'll go over and see how she's doing, check in with her.
    I open the double doors to the student center and to my luck, it's empty. I sigh at the solitude of the large hall and drop my bag on one of the many vacant tables.  
    I quickly rummage through the kitchen and find myself apples and peanut butter and a container of chicken salad. Professor Onassis must have thought of me because a new case of Gatorade is hidden on the bottom shelf with a sticky note and my name scribbled on it.  
    With my arms full of food, I set up shop at a gray circular table. I devour every single parcel of food in front of me until there's not even a crumb left. My stomach aches from being so full. I probably shouldn't have eaten like that, but I don't even care. I lie down with my back on the bench and shut my eyes, trying to let my stomach digest before I have to move again.
    Of course, I couldn't have gotten away with being alone for too long. I feel him before I even hear or see him. I'd recognize his presence anywhere.  
    A few seconds go by, my heart anticipating his arrival. It thumps hard, and I try to breathe through my nose so he can't tell how much he affects me. I don't know where he is, only that he's close.
    "I know you're there," I say, my eyes still shut.  
    "How do you know that?" he asks. There's a hint of humor in his voice.
    "I feel you." I finally open my eyes, and he's standing over me, staring down. I try my best to glare at him. "I really don't want to do this right now."
    "Do what, Eury?"  
    "This," I say, gesturing between the two of us with my pointer finger.  
    "According to you, there is no this ," he says, mimicking my hand gesture perfectly.
    "You're right," I say as I stand up, huffing to exaggerate my annoyance. My head rushes a little bit, and I reach for the Gatorade. Of course, Ari reaches it before me and takes it into his own hands. "Give it back," I whine, reaching for my drink.
    "Just tell me one thing," he counters, pulling back, his movements much faster than mine.
    "Fine." I rock back on my hip and cross my arms over my chest, tilting my head to the side.
    "If you can feel something, just when I enter the room, then why are you so adamant that I'm not your soul mate?" he asks. I promised myself that I wouldn't feel a single thing. But his eyes have always shown his emotions. And looking into them now, I can see how broken he is—how much I'm tearing him apart.
    "The truth is, I don't know who it is. All I know is that I don't care about the curse right now. I don't care about our drama. There's a bigger picture to worry about here, and sorry to tell you, but you aren't in it."  
    Before I have to face him again, I grab my bag and forget about the Gatorade. I sprint out of there and right to Professor Onassis' house. I make it in just mere seconds. I don't hear him; he doesn't follow me. I can't keep running into him like that. He's ruining my plans.
    I knock on her heavy door, glancing behind me to check if Ari is trailing. When I don't see him, a mixture of emotions flutters through me—from relief to disappointment. I guess a part of me wished he would follow, pursue me.
    Cece comes to the door, cheery-eyed and smiling ear to ear. "Well come on in, dear. I told you not to bother knocking. It's not like I go anywhere," she says while stepping back into the house. I follow and shut the door behind me, making sure it's sealed shut.
    "I just thought I'd come say hi."
    "Well, it's a good thing because I have to talk to