Let's Get Ethan ✔

Chapter 3

Ethan searched the crystal blue sky as the sun hung halfway between each end, its majesty almost too pretty. The long sidewalk was full of early risers and their early morning friends. Campus was busy as most of the students had opted to participate in general games and activities that were going on in the main campus building. Ethan wanted to check those out later, but still wished someone would be there that he knew. Though for that to happen he'd have to be a little more outgoing. 

Walking down the cement pathway, he heard the thunderous crash of waves. Sensing the water was so close by he had to go explore it. As he jogged, he noticed he wasn't alone, others were doing a morning jog too. He waved politely, hoping they would wave back, and they did. It was a victory, if a small one.

When he reached the beach a short while later, he took off his running shoes and sat by the water on the sand. The warm California sun against his skin felt like home. Pretty soon he was drawn back to the lake. His sisters were calling him dumb names, and the family dog was stealing graham crackers from his sticky fingers covered in marshmallow goop. 

The space made Ethan feel at peace and he walked in the water. He let the cool liquid form waves and drown his feet and calves. He was not alone on the beach as he had hoped, on either side sat students in chairs and in tents, talking loudly to each other. But even so, this was Ethan's beach, he owned it. He was Captain Picard.

The water lapped at him and began sending shivers up and down his legs. He drew up the sand in his palms shaking it off into the water. Playing with it like a toddler. It was a joyous if not an unceremonious return to childhood.

After Ethan got his fill, he decided to go back to the campus. He was hungry as he had hardly visited the place for dinner last night. He ran out of the water splashing his way toward his shoes and socks on the beach. He pulled them on as he sat on a large grey rock. He pushed the newly attached sand granules off his slippery feet. The shoes he got on and momentarily he was back on the main drag. He decided to slow his pace to a leisurely jog as he passed unfamiliar faces. That lonely feeling of being new on campus was never more prominent. Maybe he needed to see someone.

When Ethan arrived at the cafeteria his eyes met with the cashier, a young-looking student, who wore a compulsory smile. he gave her his student ID and she let him into the exclusive eatery. The lines were full at each part of the food court. He stopped by a sandwich station to order a grilled cheese, which he received promptly.

He sat at a table by himself as he had done last night. He was feeling a bit awkward sitting alone but figured the peace and quiet would be short lived. As soon as he was back in his dorm his roommate would inevitably want to talk to him.

Ethan finished the remarkably delicious sandwich, then headed back to his dorm room to change and rest for a bit before heading to the first event of Welcome Week, a school provided party. Which didn't sound that bad. There would be a live music, food, dancing, and of course, other students to meet, which was the whole purpose of Welcome Week. Ethan got back to his dorm and saw his roommate still asleep in his bed. The guy would probably out of luck for lunch if he didn't wake up soon, but being the considerate roommate that Ethan was he wasn't about to deprive Lincoln of sleep, especially after the hours of partying he had participated in.

Ethan got changed into some jeans and a plain grey t-shirt. He didn't have to shower as he had barely broken a sweat from his run. What was starting to confuse Ethan is how Stephanie got into UC-Santa Barbara. Even though she was in his Calculus class, she was hardly university material. Perhaps her 'bad girl' persona was a cover up, maybe she too was the nerd she made fun of him for being. Though Ethan wasn't particularly smart. The thought was momentary, but then Ethan thought of the incident again and all bets were off, she really was an idiot for doing that to him.