Fall and Spring

AUTUMN LUX ORTEGA's POV "That's all for today, class dismissed." As soon as our professor left, Bailey, a classmate of mine, immediately approached me. "Girl, I know a new bar that just opened. Want to join?" he asked. "I have plans." "Come on, the first day of class just ended. Where are you off to?" "Part-time job." I left the room, but he followed me. "You're so hardworking. This will be the first and the last time I ask you. I promise." Ever since he saw me this morning, he hasn't left me alone. Actually, he invited not just me, but everyone in our department. "After my shift," I replied, knowing he wouldn’t stop. "Really?! What time should I pick you up?" "No need. Just give me the address." "Okay, give me your number." I had no choice but to give it to him. "Make sure to come early, you might miss out on boys." I just nodded. After he left, he went to a group of freshmen, trying to get them to come along. I sighed and left the university. I went directly to my workplace, not far from our campus. But when I arrived, it was still closed. I went through the back door and found Grandma Cynthia cooking. "Gram, aren’t we opening today?" I asked her. "Oh, dear, you're here. Come, I need to tell you something." After I sat down, she joined me. "I’m sorry, dear, but I’m closing this place." "Huh? Why? Your business seems to be doing great." She held my hand and gave me a warm smile. "And that’s what I’m grateful for. Since you started working here, the restaurant has been thriving. But, dear, I really need to close it. My child in Canada called; they want me to move there so we can be together." I looked at Grandma. If it’s her family, there’s nothing I can do. "I understand, but when will you leave?" "Next week, but we have other things to arrange, so we need to close earlier. I’m sorry I’m only telling you this now." "It’s okay, Gram." "Just eat here, I know you are not going to eat when you get home. Your other workmates will also come, so help me out with the cooking." I smiled and helped her with what she was doing. After we ate, Grandma Cynthia bid us farewell. I was on my way back when I remembered the bar Bailey mentioned earlier. I had nothing else to do, so I decided to drop by. I didn’t want to be rude for not accepting his invitation. It was a bit far from my apartment, but I’d just stay briefly... just one shot. Even from a distance, I could see a lot of people outside. Maybe because it was newly opened, it was packed. Most of them were students from our university, some of them were familiar. I was about to leave when someone suddenly grabbed my hand. "You just arrived and you’re leaving already?" It was Bailey. "There are so many people there." He playfully hit my arm. "You’re acting like we’re close. We only talked today and you hit me like were friends?" We were blockmates before, but we never really spoke. He rolled his eyes "Of course, it’s a bar," he said, and I had no choice but to follow him. "Do you have a boyfriend?" "No." "What’s your type so I can find someone for you?" "I’m not interested in—" "Ah! So you’re a lesbian! I knew it, I could feel it! Hahaha." "Huh?" What is this guy talking about? "Perfect! I have a beautiful best friend, she’s straight, but with your beauty, you could bend her." I think I understand now what he’s trying to say. "Sorry, I think we had a little mis—" "Don’t be shy! I’m sure you’ll like her." I couldn’t speak as he pushed me to sit at an empty seat. Three women were sitting there. One was asleep, another was on the phone, and the last one was staring at me. "Good to see you back, Bailey," said the woman on the phone. "Is there a problem?" "I need to take Ash home, she's knocked out." "Okay, I’ll go with you to your car." "Actually, I’ve had a bit of drink too, so just help me catch a taxi." "It’s hard to find a taxi now." Bailey looked at me. He came closer and whispered, "I’ll leave you with my friend. Take this chance to get close to her." I didn’t have time to respond as he immediately picked up thier sleeping friend. Bailey was stronger than I thought. I looked at the woman sitting across from me. She handed me a glass of alcohol. I drank it quickly to avoid seeming rude. But as soon as I finished, she poured more and handed it to me. Is she trying to get me drunk? "Sorry, I can’t take more of that." "Weak." my eyebrow automatically raised. "Are you challenging me?" She stood up and moved beside me. She brought her face closer, and since I didn’t want to back down, I moved closer too. Our lips almost touched, but she was the first to pull away and drank from the glass. I smirked at her move. I took the glass from her and poured some for myself. We used the same glass. We took turns drinking for over two hours. We stayed like that, quietly, neither of us wanting to speak. I checked my phone, it was 1:30 a.m. Where is Bailey? I looked around and saw him happily chatting with the others. I was about to leave because I was feeling dizzy. We had been taking shots non-stop, and what's more crazy was that we had no chaser. I was about to ask for one but I also changed my mind. I don't want to be called weak again. "Autumn Lux Ortega," I heard her say. "I’m Harumi Yamada, nice to meet you." Japanese name? So, I was right. From the moment I saw her, I knew she was somewhat of a foreigner. She extended her hand, but as soon as I reached for it, she suddenly pulled me and kissed me on the lips. WTF?!