My sister's boyfriend

Chapter twelve - Classes and friends

Cole's POV:

Zoe finally came to university. The girl had some expectations, but they quickly got ruined. Elina found out she had arrived. She didn't even look at her. I still don't understand what she has against her sister. They don't even look alike that much. No one will know they are sisters. I guess this is what she wants. Let's not forget that I didn't know about her existence. Now, I am free from my ex-girlfriend. I don't know why I can't talk to her sister. Also, we understand each other well. I showed her around the university and the closest restaurants. For some reason, I think that talking with her is much easier. That's why I can share everything with her. I haven't had such a good conversation in a while. Maybe that is what I needed. Well, I should be careful. I don't want Elina to think I broke up with her so I could be with her sister. That is not the truth. The other reason is that I met her around a month ago. We don't know each other that well. For now, I better stay away from girls. I keep saying this, but I don't know if I can do it. The thing is that I feel good being with Zoe. She knows when to be funny and when to be serious. I'm afraid that if we get close, her sister will do something to her. They already have enough problems. I don't want to cause more. Also, Zoe came here to fix things, not to make them even worse. I can try to help, but that is not a good idea. This is between them. My classes start soon, so I should focus on them. After all, I want to have good grades. I hope that my friendship with Zoe won't get her in trouble.

I have my first class today. When it was my first year here, I was excited. Now, I don't care that much. The plan is to meet Zoe after her first class. After all, I promised to help her. Most of my textbooks I take from the library. That way, I don't need to spend much money. Well, I still have to buy some. The university won't let you get everything for free. I thought it was enough that I had to pay for my semesters. Maybe not. I will give her all the textbooks that I have from my previous semesters.

I woke up and went to get ready for the day. Ben is still sleeping. I have no idea when his first class is. It can be in the afternoon. That is not my business. When I was ready, I went to the classroom. There were a few people there. The university has an elevator, but I don't use it often. Climbing the stairs is good exercise for me. If you do this three times a day, you are done. After ten minutes, everyone was there, including the teacher.

- Hello, students. I am mister Dooly. I believe we haven't met before. In my subject, you will have only one grade. All you have to do is do a group project of three people. Smaller groups work better. The topic is your choice. Of course, I have to approve it. Let's make it like that. I will give you two weeks to form the groups and choose the topic. Then you will email me this information. Once this is done, you can't change it. Think carefully about who you want to be in your group. If you can't find one, I will do it. Well, it will be good not to rely on that. In this course, you will learn about new software and how to use it. Today, I will show you where you can download it and the basic things you can use it for. In the next class, we'll have exercises through which you will learn more things about this software. I want to see all the things I show you in your projects. The other thing you will need is documentation. You have to describe your project and say who the participants were. Also, write the tasks every one of you completed. Are there any more questions?

- How big should our project be? - I asked

- There is no maximum size, but do at least five functionalities.

- Ok, thanks.

- Anything else? In that case, we can start with the lesson for today.

I think this class will be interesting. I liked the teacher. When it ended, I went back to my dorm. I have to go out after an hour and a half. Ben was gone. He probably has classes. I texted Zoe to see where she was. Luckily, she didn't have classes. I walked to her dorm. I wish we could be on the small floor.

- Hey.

- Hey, come in.

- Thank you. How was your first class?

- It was good. I liked the teacher. She is nice.

- There are no horrible teachers here. You will like all of them.

- What about you?

- I had a great class as well. My teacher is great. I have to do a group project. That is the only thing.

- For the whole course?

- Yes. I have to work with two more people and choose the topic.

- I believe you still have time.

- Two weeks.

- It sounds good to me. That is enough time.

- I was thinking of including a girl in the group. She might give us better ideas.

- Ok, who will be the other person?

- I know one boy.

- So you are set?

- Yes, I am. When is your next class?

- It's after an hour and a half. Why?

- I can come with you if you want. I have a class as well.

- Why not?

- Did you talk with Elina?

- No, I couldn't. I don't know if I should do it.

- Why?

- She doesn't want to talk with me. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been ignoring me.

- I don't know what to tell you.

- Nothing. Let's talk about something else.

Zoe and I stayed in her dorm until it was time to go to class. I only went to mine to take what I needed. Then we walked out. I left her on the third floor. We might be only friends, but we understand each other well.

Around 2 pm, I finished my classes for the day. Now, it's time for lunch. Ben was here as well. We can go out if he wants. I was coming out of the bathroom when I saw him with bags in his hands. Maybe he ordered something. He gave me one of them and a plastic fork. We bought a pack in case we ordered something.

- I believe you bought us food.

- Yes, I did. I don't want to go out today.

- Why? Did something happen?

- Classes. You finish the puzzle. - he said, and I laughed

- I see. That's why we came here.

- I came for the girls.

- But you are still single.

- I will change that.

- Good luck.

- How was your day? Any luck with Zoe?

- I have no idea what you mean. I only talked with her after her first class.

- Only talked? Was something else supposed to happen?

- No, why?

- I think you want more than friendship. Am I right?

- You are crazy. I can't date the sister of my ex-girlfriend.

- Why not?

- Because I don't want to. Also, it will look like I broke up with Elina to be with Zoe. You know how she will react.

- That is her problem. Be with the people you like. Stop taking care of everyone else.

- It's easier said than done.

- Why do you always have to do what she says?

- Because I don't want Zoe to have problems with her, ok?

- Since when do you care so much about her?

- What?

- You care about Zoe.

- No, I don't. She is only my friend. At least, this is what I think. I haven't asked her.

- That is temporary. The more time you spend with her, the more you realize how quickly you fall for her.

- Why do you think this will happen?

- Because I see it.

- What now? You can see in the future.

- I don't need that to know what will happen.

- If you say so. I still think this won't come true.

- But do you want it to be?

- What? No, I don't.

- Let's say that I believe you.

- The food is delicious.

- I know, but don't change the topic.

- Can you leave me alone? I don't want to talk about this.

- This is not over, mate.

- I know.

I spent the rest of the afternoon reviewing what we did today in class. It's not like it was much. During the first two weeks, we usually don't have many tasks. Then teachers start giving us homework and lessons. It's your choice if you will do them or not. They don't care about that. After all, they see the results from the tests and projects we make. That is more than enough for them. I mean, they can't obligate you to study. You are not in high school anymore.

For dinner, Ben and I decided to go out. It took me some time to convince him. He is still in vacation mode. It's time for him to get back to classes. This time, mentally. I called Zoe to come with us. Ben texted Annie and Chloe. We decided to go to a diner. I don't think we should go to a restaurant all the time. Some of them can be expensive.

- Zoe, how was your first day? - Ben asked

- It was good. I like my teachers.

- All of them are great. No matter what you study.

- That's what I'm hoping.

- Elina?

- What about her?

- Have you talked with her?

- No, I couldn't. She is not answering my messages. I have seen her, but I didn't say anything. That way is better. I'm not sure if she has told anyone about me.

- So you are Cole's ex-girlfriend's sister. Right? - Chloe asked

- Exactly.

- Then why are you good?

- I don't know. - Zoe said and laughed

- Because they are different. - I said

- That is visible.

- Can we talk about something else? I don't want to hear her name.

- Ok, buddy. Choose a topic. - Ben said

- How about your girlfriend?

- I don't have one.

- The problem is not mine. You convinced two girls to be your friends. I'm sure you can get the attention of someone.

- Thanks, but no. I'm good for now.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am. I think you need one.

- I already had one. That is more than enough for me. I will get one after some time. I need a rest from girls.

- Then why did you invite Zoe?

- Because I didn't want her to be alone.

- Yeah, right. Hopefully, she will believe you because I don't.

- What do you want from me?

- Nothing.

- It doesn't look like that. Focus on your life and leave me alone.

- Look who got sensitive.

- Don't make me show you my dark side.

- As if you have one.

- You don't know everything about me.

- Maybe that is better.

- Girls, do you want us to order? - Zoe asked

- Yeah, sure. - Annie said

That's when we dropped it. I don't want to argue with my best friend. I think we share too much with each other. I know he doesn't have bad intentions, but sometimes, he can be annoying. Our food came after half an hour. The girls kept talking. Ben and I were silent. That way is better. After dinner, I offered Zoe a walk. Luckily, she accepted. I want to clear my head for a while.

- Hey, are you ok? - Zoe asked

- Yes, I'm fine.

- What was that with Ben?

- I don't know. Sometimes, we have our moments.

- But you two are best friends.

- So? This doesn't mean we can't argue.

- That is true, too. I think you should talk to him.

- I know, but it won't be today. I want to rest.

- Everything will be fine. All you need is to be patient.

- What will you do with Elina?

- I have no idea. I want to talk to her. The thing is that I'm not sure if she wants it.

- Then insist. Tell her that this is important to you.

- This won't matter for her.

- I don't know what else to tell you.

- Nothing. Can't we walk silently?

- Of course.

- Thanks.

The rest of the walk was silent. Sometimes, that is better. Also, I had nothing else to tell her. I need to talk with Ben. Both of us have problems, but they shouldn't affect our friendship. I want us to make up. We'll talk, but I don't know when. Since I started university, I have been busy again. Well, I will always have time for my friends. That is the only thing that matters to me after my parents. Zoe is here, but this will only make things complicated. She is a good girl, but I'm afraid that we won't keep only a friendship. I still believe we can do it. I hope that I won't cross the line.