One Last... Call

Recall

- Connor -

The rest of the week flew by, and not a single thing was mention about that awkward conversation Dale and I had earlier that week. I mean it wasn't awkward, just asked him if he had been in a relationship before me. When he said no, I felt relief, and added that I was his first and definitely his last (Roy was just an interruption and does not count). 

If I told you a couple weeks before that we were so excited about going to Uni, you'd probably say that we weren't. We were hella excited to start going to Uni! But since last week, Dale and I had less time to interact with each other outside of our apartment.

On the second day, he had his schedule full of things to do already, assignments, projects, etc. Instantly Bombardment, that's what I meant to say. I have a lot going on as well, especially with my course. Physical Ed. So far not a lot of physical activities, we were more on lectures and some labs can be boring.

The next few days were really tiring at that point, and we well, planned on taking the week off to his parents' house. The had planned a wee gathering with mine so we decided to stay the rest of the weekend at his place. It was a nice little catch up, and all the while Dale was talking to Keri about whatever was going on at her school. She was still clearly devastated from what had happened the previous weeks. Dale tried his hardest to cheer her up though. 

The only other time me and Dale had together besides apartment is lunch. We've always allotted the little time that we can spend with each other before going on our separate ways until we got home. He talked a lot about his classes and how it made him more excited than high school, but also relieved that he's slowly easing in with the stress that was just ahead of us.

"Hey Connor, remember that friend that I told you about last week?" He was stirring his cup of coffee to help it cool down. I had my head resting on my hand, my arm stood tall on top of the table.

"Uh yeah, I forgot his name though." I looked far away as humanly possibly, trying not to recall his actual name.

"Right, Jace is his name. He's pretty cool actually. He was one of their top students back in his high school and is doing double major in Chemistry and Physics. He said on taking a serious job on being a physicist someday." He seemed too interested on Jace's dreams.

Of course, I would remember them. Jace was one, if not, the smartest person I've ever known in my life. His grades are to be envied about back then, they didn't drop from being nearly the highest possible. Everyone back then likes him with his charming personality, good looks and big brain. 

"That sounds interesting." I shifted my attention to my food, stirring them aside with a wooden fork. 

To be fair, Dale is really smart for his own good as well. He managed to get top marks on almost all of the mock exams and the actual ones. I've seen him study but he never crammed. He was almost pretty much ahead of the game. But then when he got too lazy, boy he'd be more than that. He said that he didn't have to keep his grades that high in order to get into his course that he's taking.

"Yeah you definitely do sound interested." He said dismissively, taking a sip from his coffee. He gently placed it back down to the saucer.

"What's wrong Connor? You've been quiet this whole time. I've never really seen you this way for a while, and the only time you've acted this way what when 'that' happened." He said, reaching for my hand and rubbed the back of it.

Of course he was referring to that eventful day, the day that I almost lost him to someone else. I've distanced myself from him that it nearly broke his heart more than ever. I didn't want that to happen ever again.

"I'm just thinking about things." I said honestly.

"Mhm, your mind is off somewhere else. That's okay though. I've been feeling Uni beginning to stress me out and it's only about two weeks." He said before finishing his cup of coffee.

He glanced up on his phone before picking up his stuff. "I'm sorry Connor, but I gotta get going. My Chemistry class is planning to do a project together, so I might be home late." He leaned in and kissed my cheek. I held on to his arm before he could manage to pull away farther. I pressed him on his lips, which caught him by surprise, but he responded.

"God you're so irresistible after drinking your coffee." I teased, trying to lighten up the atmosphere.

"You should finish your food before going to class. I'll call you later. I love you."

"I love you too Dale." He waved goodbye, dragging along some of his belongings.

I don't really want to compare Dale with Jace. Both are different guys in a lot of ways. Jace was more outgoing, while Dale tries to limit his interactions with people. Jace wanted everyone to know about us, Dale was more reserved and like to keep things in low profile. 

Yet some similarities I can't help but notice. Both Dale and Jace study hard, in their own way. They also just kept a small group of people they can trust and call their friends. 

At some point though, I have to make sure to talk to Dale about Jace. I think if I opened more about him, it'll make him at ease. I've made sure to keep my promise of staying with him forever.