Anchoridge University

CHAPTER TEN

Class went by quickly. I didn’t even realize it was over until I noticed Warren getting up next to me. I rushed to my next class seeing as I barley made it in time yesterday. I was out of breath after rushing up three flights of stairs but thankfully, I made it on time. I got to class as it was still slowly filling up. I made my way over to my seat and saw that Darren wasn’t here yet.

I wondered if things would get weird again. So far he’s just come off as very intense and let's face it strange. Just as I was thinking about him, he walks in. Wait is that a smile? So far his face has been very impassive in all of our interactions. It’s small but it’s there. He takes his seat next to mine and looks over at me. He looks nervous sitting there twiddling his thumbs. He ran his hand through his hair and looked like he wanted to say something but he didn't know how.

“Hey, so I know I’ve probably come off really weird so far and I apologize if I’ve made you uncomfortable. So if it’s ok with you I’d like to start over? I’d like it if we could be friends.” He looked in my eyes and gave me a smile. Then he reached his hand out for a handshake. “Nice to meet you, my names Darren.” I was surprised to say the least, feeling a little bit apprehensive for sure. But I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he’s not so bad after all?

So, I take his hand and gave him a firm handshake with a smile of my own. “Nice to meet you Darren, I’m Celeste.” His hand was large and warm compared to my small and admittedly slightly clammy one. His small smile turned into a full-on grin at that point. He has dimples. Could this guy get any sexier? He slowly took his hand from mine.“So now that we’re friends would you want to maybe grab lunch together?”

Zane had already invited me to lunch today but it’s not like it was a date or anything right? I hope he won't mind. Besides I don't know if I'm really ready to be alone with this guy. Even if we were friends now, better safe than sorry.“I actually have plans to meet up with another friend for lunch today, but you can join us if that’s ok with you?” He gave me another smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Sure the more the merrier.” Our conversation got cut short when the teacher walked to the front of the room and started giving their presentation for the day.

Once class was over we exchanged numbers so that we could meet up later and I headed off to my next class. While I was waiting for class to begin I got a text from my dad. “Hello sweetheart, hope you’re doing well. I just wanted to let you know again that your mom and I are very proud of you. Hope you have a great day.” It brought a smile to my face my dad hardly ever texts me because he’s not really a fan of technology.

Just as I was about to respond Liza sat down next to me with an irritated sigh. I looked over at her and saw that she looked like she had been crying. “Hey Liza is everything ok?” She sniffles looks over at me eyes puffy. “I got in a fight with my parents.” I reach out and touch her shoulder. “Do you want to talk about it?” She shakes her head no. “No I don’t really want to get into it right now.” I nod and give her a sympathetic look. “Ok just know I’m here for you.” She sniffs and give me a quick hug. “Thanks girl”

Then class starts so I turn my attention to the front. Math goes by slow as it always does, but it’s to be expected with it being my least favorite subject. As class ends I turn to Liza and give her a small smile. “Hey I’m about to meet up with Zane and another friend for lunch. Would you like to joins us? It might help get you mind off things.” I had already invited Darren, it couldn't hurt to invite one more could it? She hesitates but then gives me a small smile. “Yeah sure, that sounds like fun.”

So I texted Zane and Darren letting them know I’m ready to meet up. Liza and I make our way to the dining hall. She seems to have cheered up a little. When we get there, we head to the buffet area to check out what the selections are for the day. I load my plate up with some chicken tenders and fries, making sure to grab some honey mustard to go with.

We find an empty table and I look up and see Darren so I wave him over. I do introductions and then not long after I see Zane walking over to our table. It looked like there was a flicker of disappointment on his face but it was so fast I could’ve imagined it. “Hi Zane, I invited some other friends along to join us, hope you don’t mind.” He sat down and gave me a tight smile. “No not at all Little Star.”