Opposite Attract

Chapter 2: Noah's Entrance.

Noah's POV

"Dude, hurry it up!" My closest buddy Josh hammered on the bathroom door as I gently slid the razor down my jawline. "We're going to be late for the party."

"Chill, man," I said, rotating my face from side to side to check for any missing stubble. I knew the women like me clean-shaven. As I went out of our dorm room, I smiled at Josh with satisfaction.

"Let's get this senior year started!" I whooped and grabbed my varsity jacket. Josh just rolled his eyes, used to my antics after three years of rooming together.

We started off across the quad towards Greek Row. As we passed, a couple groups of females waved and smiled, no doubt because they were incoming freshmen and already smitten on us upperclassmen. I gave them a nonchalant wink.

"You going to hook up with a freshman?" Josh lifted his eyebrow. "Isn't that a little sleazy, even for you?"

I giggled and shoved his shoulder. "Let's face it: college ladies are college girls. I am an equal opportunity sort of man." Josh snorted, but did not protest. We both knew I'd never had problems attracting female attention, regardless of age or position.

I'll confess, I used to like soaking up the attention and playing the role of Bexley Academy's top athlete and resident hottie. But tonight, as we approached the throbbing lights of the fraternity homes, my thoughts wandered.

Perhaps it was the early onset of senior year nostalgia, but I found myself reflecting about life beyond Bexley. My friends all had plans, including law school, medical school, and cushier work at daddy's businesses. Me? I still didn't know what I wanted to pursue after graduation.

I pushed the notion aside as we entered the fraternity house, the thundering bass greeting us. I'll find out my future someday. Tonight's theme was living in the now.

I let the atmosphere surround me—the crush of people, the odor of warm beer, the intoxicated laughing, and the screams of friends reuniting for the new year. As quarterback and leader of the football team, I couldn't move two steps without being slapped on the back or shoved with a drink.

On autopilot, I shot with the lacrosse guys, chugged a drink with my offensive line mates, and grinned at a pair of bashful freshmen females standing near the impromptu dance floor. The booze gave me a lovely buzz.

Josh reappeared, with a gorgeous brunette on his arm. "Hey Noah, do you remember my girl Sarah from chem last year?"

"For sure, what's up, Sarah?" I flashed her my best attractive grin. She reddened and averted her gaze. It's too simple. Josh rolled his eyes again but did not interfere when Sarah and I began conversing.

Josh moved off after a few minutes, most likely to leave an opportunity for me. But I suddenly didn't feel it. Sarah was stunning and definitely into me. On any other night, I'd be entirely focused on doing my magic. What about tonight? My grins were forced, and my chuckles were empty.

"Hey, sorry, Sarah; it was really nice seeing you again." I carefully removed my arm from her clutches. "I should go track down the guys."

"Oh." Her face dropped. "Yeah, definitely, Noah. "It's wonderful to see you, too."

I blended into the throng, remorse mingling with my aimless restlessness. What was up with me tonight? The senior year was just beginning. I should be pumped up, eager to attend every party and hook up while I still could. This was my opportunity to live it up before real-world responsibilities set in.

So, why did everything suddenly seem so...pointless?

I forced myself outdoors to get some fresh air. Several inebriated couples made out in the darkness. Music blared from the open windows, and students laughed and shouted. The starlit sky seemed to swirl above me.

What did I even want out of life after this? Everyone else pursuing legal degrees or business employment appeared OK with the existing quo. Why did it leave me so dissatisfied?

I looked up at the veil of stars, feeling a peculiar desire in my chest. I had it all—looks, charisma, athletic ability, and popularity. But nothing seemed to be enough at the time. There has to be more to life than just existing.

Footsteps crunched on the grass behind me. "There you are!" Josh said. "Dude, are you going to come back inside or what?"

I took one more glimpse at the soaring sky. "Yeah, man," I muttered, throwing my anxious worries aside. I was going insane. I just needed another shot and another connection. "Let's get back to the party."

I followed Josh back inside, where the pulsating sound and push of warm people greeted me once again.