A Chance At A Time

Chance VIII: Try to Fit in

Kristofer stood in front of the other students together with his partner of the program, Stefan, who was a fellow classmate in his final year. Kris looked down at the list of participants for the 'Share a Smile' program that evening at the first meeting and was relieved to see that there weren't that many participants. It was very difficult to try and coordinate a larger group of people and the activities that needed to be done. This was a program that he had proposed for the college to gain popularity within the community. There were several others programs and foundations just like that one that did community outreach. 

The program that Kristofer and Stefan came up with was based on helping the less fortunate. That semester they were doing renovations for an orphanage as well as providing the children with a school start-kit. The other project was caring for the elderly at one of the centers. While Kristofer was good at the mechanics of everything, Stefan was responsible for the finances and the sponsors for the program.

"We need at least two volunteers to help with the coordination of these two teams," Kristofer said and saw the way Harper shrunk away from the responsibility.

That morning, as he was walking through the hallway, he heard about the latest gossip. It seemed that Harper was using him to benefit herself. Apparently, Kristofer and Evans fought over her. She was breaking up friendships with her manipulative personality. Kristofer could think of no one else to start such rumors other than Melody. She must have seen the scene that was created on the evening of the cookout.

Kristofer wanted to prevent anything bad from happening to Harper but they were always meeting coincidentally. For one, Kristofer was sure Harper didn't know that he was the coordinator of that program. He saw it on her face when Dr. Adams called him to the front of the class and make a little introduction. He could tell that because of the gossip that was going around, she wanted to avoid him as much as possible and he didn't blame her for wanting to do so but somehow, they always ended up in the same room at unpredictable times. 

"I can do it." One girl moved from her seat and went upfront. 

"Me too." Another girl got up and followed suit.

Stefan suddenly moved forward as Kristofer handed each team leader a program and said. "Kris and I will be working closely with each team by having weekly meetings and most of our works will be done on the weekends. Some basic requirements are written on the programs that you will need to provide on your own but the rest will be provided through the funding that the program is getting from the college as well as our sponsors. You will be paid for the number of hours you put into the program and bonuses will go out to the students who will have the highest recommendations from either the orphanage or the elderly." 

That caught everyone's attention because Kristofer didn't know anyone who didn't want bonuses. They were incentives that the college and sponsors agreed to in order to make a great impact on the community. That meant the students were going to put more effort into what they did. 

"Anyone having questions that need more clarifications?" Stefan asked and one guy swiftly got up.

"When you say the highest recommendations, what do you mean?" He asked.

"I mean, when you go out for the work, the people who have better interactions with the children or the elderly, the ones who make an effort to make a change will be given the bonus. These individuals will be selected by the elderly or the children at the end of our program." Stefan answered.

"And how long is the program?" Someone else asked.

"About six weeks," Kristofer replied. 

Again, the mutterings of excitement spread through the lecture theatre before they settled everyone down and they started discussing the mechanics of the things in between like transportation to the centers and back, meetings to discuss the renovation proposals for the orphanage, and the chore roster at the elderly center.

The meeting had taken longer than usual and when it was finally over, the team broke into two groups and followed their team leaders to get more information about their projects. Stefan remained behind and continued answering more questions that the students had which had a lot to do with the financial part. 

Kristofer looked down at his watch and realized that he had ten minutes to time for his meeting with his Professor concerning the inconclusive data for his experiment. He took the remainder of the weekend off to try and get his head straight because the stress of his experiment was getting to him. 

"Finish this off. I have a meeting with my professor." He muttered to Stefan who nodded and he made his way out.

He stole a quick look at where Harper was and the moment their eyes met, she quickly looked down at her notebook and scribbled something down, pretending to be busy. Kristofer shook his head lightly. The whole world was aware that she was trying to avoid him and she wasn't doing a great job at it either. Her actions only made people talk considerably because it was as if the two of them verily had something to hide. 

Kristofer didn't see what the big deal was because maybe if the others found out that he was dating another girl, they would leave him alone!

A paper was unexpectedly shoved in front of him as he made his way through the hallway. Kristofer grimaced at the paper when he saw the low mark and turned his eyes up to the person at the end of the hand holding up the paper to him. 

Melody was close to tears as she stared at him.

"The formula you taught me is not working, Kris. I failed this again and the next time I do so, my father is going to cancel my credit card!"  She protested.

Kristofer thought it was for her own benefit if her credit card was canceled. That meant she would spend more time studying and less time shopping. 

Kristofer took the paper from her and looked through at her answers then rolled his eyes. "It's because you were not paying attention to what I was telling you. You used it wrongly in all your questions."

"You need to tutor me again or else I am going to repeat this semester and I am not in the mood of being in class with a bunch of kids," Melody said. 

Kristofer knew that tutoring Melody would not help her in any way because she was not going to pay attention to him. "Sorry, but I can't tutor you again. I can recommend Stefan to help you--"

"I don't need Stefan to tutor me, Kris. I need you. I can understand you better." She interrupted him.

"If you could understand me then why did you fail the test?" He asked her pointedly then sighed and looked at his watch. "Look, I have a meeting with my professor. I need to get going. It's either you agree to Stefan or find someone else to tutor you but I am not available for that."

Melody's eyes narrowed and her mouth tightened. "I have heard the rumors about you and that freshman today. I heard you fought Evans for her, is that true? It must be true if you have that cut on your lip." 

"Why are you pretending as if it is not you who is spreading those lies?" Kristofer asked in irritation. If she could do something like that, it was best that she owned up to it. 

"Because I was not the one who spread those rumors. I wasn't even at the cookout--though I am rather upset that when you brushed me off, you decided to go there with that freshman. It's a little disrespectful. You know that she is trying to spite me and you are helping her!" Melody snapped.

"I didn't go to the cookout with her and I don't need to explain anything to you especially with the stunt you pulled on Saturday." Kristofer turned to leave but Melody quickly touched his hand.

"Look, I am sorry about what happened on Saturday. I should have talked to you about it first before making the appointment. I just thought it was what you wanted. I mean with all the hours you are investing in the experiment, I thought your main goal was for someone to recognize your abilities." She explained.

"And that shows just how little you know me, Melody. It is not about the experiment or the number of hours I spend in the lab. It is the fact that you took private information and you shared it without my permission. You were not entitled to do that and the faster you learn about the limits of your entitlement in this college the better you will wake up in the morning and get along with other people. I need to go." He brushed past her, leaving her speechless.

                                                                ****************

About an hour later, Harper walked out of the library looking at the program and she wasn't watching where she was going when suddenly she bumped into someone. She looked above the program and saw Clair smiling at her.

"Hey, you!" Clair greeted her cheerfully then slipped her arm in Harper's crook before changing her direction and walking with her towards the cafeteria. "Have you eaten? I am starving and I have no company. Wanna eat with me?"

"Do I have a choice?" Harper looked at her inquisitively.

Clair chuckled and shook her head. "Nope. So, what is this I hear about you making two guys fight over you? Evans, Harper? Really? How did you get tangled up with the likes of him?" 

Harper rolled her eyes. "It's not like what people are saying. Let's just say I am a bad judge of character. If I had known sooner, I wouldn't have even met up with Evans. And how did this information get to you?" 

"Let's just say that people love talking, especially when it does not concern them. So, how did Kris end up in the mess?" Clair asked curiously. 

Harper shrugged her shoulders as they made their way slowly through the hallways. "I have no idea because one moment I was getting bored out of my mind and the next thing I know, he comes up with his roommate, Cash. I was very glad seeing him though because any more words from Evans' mouth and I would have poured my wine down his throat."

Clair chuckled lightly. "I can't even imagine sitting for a second with Evans. He is known for his temper--" She looked down at Harper's wrist and pointed. "I bet he was the one who did that."

Harper nodded. The bruise was slowly disappearing but that didn't stop her from thinking of what could have happened if Kris and Cash hadn't shown up sooner.

"You should have reported him when you had the chance. He's done that to several other girls on campus and I think the college will take action once they get a lot more complaints about him." Clair suggested as they entered the cafeteria. 

"But to be honest, what I can tell you is that though both boys are bad news, Evans is the worst." Clair got a tray and started picking up the different food servings on display. 

Harper learned that first hand. She saw the way Evans' face had changed so drastically. He was no longer that shy boyish guy she had met in the library. He was a very angry person that was addicted to power and wanted to control her. The worst thing that someone could do to capture her attention was to try and control her. 

"So, are you really dating Kris?" Clair turned to Harper and wiggled her eyebrows at her coyly. 

"No!" Harper replied in exasperation. "If it weren't for the class we are sharing and for the 'Share a smile' program, I wouldn't have known he even existed. I am trying my best to avoid him but if Dr. Adams gives us an assignment, I will see him and as for the 'Share a Smile' program, I will definitely see him at either the orphanage or the elderly center." 

Clair laughed as she waved her hand in the air to dismiss the question. "I was only joking, you don't have to get all worked up--unless you really like him. I won't judge you, I promise." She quickly added then scrunched her forehead. "But Kris is a little too much for you to handle."

"Clair!" Harper growled at the girl and Clair lifted her hands up in mock surrender. 

"You do you, girl, and don't let these girls around you tell you who you can or cannot date. Ninety percent of these girls are just mad because they can't be you." Clair said as she waited for Harper to get her food and after paying for both of them, they went to sit near one of the big windows of the cafeteria. "I mean, you are a genuine person and you don't change your personality just because you want to fit in. You have been the same from the day I met you although I can see that now you are a little more talkative."

Harper felt a smile spread across her lips and Clair gasped in astonishment so suddenly making Harper jump as well. 

"What?" Harper asked.

Clair pointed at her and smiled. "She smiles! She actually smiles!"

Harper rolled her eyes as another smile appeared on her face. "By the way, I wanted to tell you that I will soon receive my payment so I will be able to pay you back--"

"You shouldn't pay me just because you want to get out of debt then suffer at the end of the day. I told you to pay me when you are stable financially, even if it is at the end of the semester, I don't care." Clair assured her. "I know you still need a lot of things so you should get those first before thinking about me." 

"How did I come to know someone with a heart like yours?" Harper muttered lightly to herself and Clair chuckled softly before cupping her cheeks together.

"Because although you are a bad judge of character, the universe is watching out for you." Clair winked at her as she started eating. 

Harper smiled. Maybe that was the case because it didn't make sense to her as to how she got that lucky. Maybe the universe saw just how hard she was working to make the best of her situation and extended out a helping hand. 

"Mind if I join you?" Someone suddenly came to where they were sitting.

Harper looked up and felt her entire body tremble with the anger that went through her. Melody stood with one of her friends and was smiling sweetly at Clair. Harper wasn't a good judge of character but she knew Melody's character very well. She had dealt with the likes of her in her circles. It was because Melody came from a wealthy background and so her characteristics were similar to other wealthy children, including Harper herself. 

Melody's smile didn't reach her eyes. 

"No." Harper found herself uttering not even giving Clair time to ponder. "You may not join us."

Clair turned to Harper in surprise at her sudden outburst. 

Melody chuckled lightly. "I just want to make things right, Harper. I am not here to argue with you or anything."

Harper narrowed her eyes at the other girl the shook her head. "I don't buy it. You are up to something."

Clair sighed and turned to Melody. "It seems your attitude to all those beneath you is finally coming back to bite you in the ass, Melody. Now, I don't know what this is about but if Harper doesn't want you here then I believe she has a genuine reason as to why not." 

Melody pursed her lips and Harper could see she was trying to control her anger but it was not working. Her face was slowly turning red. "Well, if seeing me here makes you that uncomfortable then I don't see the reason to keep up this charade--stay away from Kris."

Harper gave Melody a smile laced with malice. "There she is--the true Melody in a flash."

"Don't act as if you know me, freshman!" Melody snapped catching the attention of several people in the cafeteria. "You are nothing but trouble and as it is you are getting Kris entangled in your mess. He got beaten up because of you on Saturday! Who knows what else will happen to him when he is around you!" 

Harper did feel guilty about what happened to Kris at the cookout but it was not like she called him to come and save her. He just happened to appear in the wrong place at the right time. When he walked into the lecture theatre that morning, not only was she trying to avoid him but when she saw the scab on his lower lip and the pinkish discolor around it, guilt saturated itself in her veins.  

Harper wasn't the person to be told what to do especially with someone who didn't hold any weight in her life. Melody was a figure in her present that was not going to be there in her future. That also went for Kris and probably Clair given that she would be in a different part of the country once she completed her punishment and went back to her old life. In a year's time, all the events that occurred in that college would be nothing but a distant memory.

When she looked up at Clair who made a face at Melody's comments, something in Harper's heart heaved lightly. It was a feeling that had her a little confused. 

"I can do all that if you...beg." Harper gave Melody a venomous smile. "Go on. Get down on your knees and beg me to stay away from your boyfriend."

"Harper." Clair suddenly said and Harper turned to her in anger.

She didn't understand why Clair would sound so shocked by her request. Melody was ruining the mood and Harper hated it. "What? If she had the confidence to walk across the cafeteria to ask me for such a thing, she might as well be serious about it!"

"You must be out of your f*****g mind. Me? Get on my knees and beg?" Melody scoffed lightly and said. "I think you mistook my command for a request. I was not asking you to stay away from Kris, freshman, I was telling you." 

"Since we are not getting anywhere with this, I suggest you go back to your drawing board and sketch up a new strategy because I am not someone you can order around like that little puppet beside you. Kristofer is a person with a sound mind. It's not like I want him around me but since you are so desperate to have him, you should go tell him to stay away from me." Harper stated. 

"Done." A male voice came through from behind Harper and when she turned around, she found the expressionless Kristofer looking at her first then at Melody. 

He and his friend went away leaving Harper a little wary that he had to hear her say that about him. She was always saying the wrong things to him that she wondered how she was going to get out of the mess this time around. 

Melody grinned triumphantly at Harper then walked away towards Kris. 

"Looks like you just got what you wished for," Clair stated as she turned back to her food. 

Harper could tell that Clair was also annoyed but what she didn't understand was that Clair already knew what Harper was like. Why would she get mad at her for it? 

"Suddenly I just lost my appetite." Harper got up and collected her stuff before she made her way out of the cafeteria. It was so infuriating that she instantly looked like the villain in everyone else's eyes yet again. 

She was so done trying to fit in a place that had already rejected her. 

"Harper!" She heard Clair call her but Harper didn't even turn around. She went straight to the library, hoping she would stay there peacefully until late at night when Clair was either asleep or away studying somewhere.