Because I had you

CHAPTER I

I

English Literature 2002.

That's what was written on the large, whiteboard in front of her. She had managed to see it whilst shuffling past other seated students, making her way to a seat that was more secluded in the corner. She still had a good view of the board, that same large, whiteboard. However, in this seat, other students wouldn't necessarily have a good view of her.

And that's the way she liked it. To observe others; not to be observed herself.

But you're probably wondering – who is this 'she'? And my answer to that is: Aliyah Rao.

You're probably also waiting for me to tell you that Aliyah Rao was the richest girl in the room. Or maybe she was the smartest? Or maybe... just maybe, she was the prettiest?

You want Aliyah Rao to be special, to be unique.

Unfortunately, dear reader, she wasn't either of those. But Aliyah Rao was okay with that.

She didn't need to be the centre of attention. All she needed... was to pass this class.
It's funny really; English lit was not a prerequisite for her degree – nowhere close. After all, she was a biochemistry major. But she had always had her eyes open for the arts, even if it wasn't something she could necessarily pursue into an occupation. And so, with the small elective unit she had left, she figured it wouldn't hurt to pick something that she was genuinely passionate about.

But it would be quite embarrassing to fail a class that you specifically chose. Hence, explaining why Aliyah couldn't fail; it would be too embarrassing.

However, she was ripped from those thoughts when a blonde girl came and took the seat to the right of her. And yes, she did just diminish a whole human's character to the colour of their hair.

Aliyah was never one to take the first step on things; even now, she didn't feel like she had to introduce herself to her neighbour despite it being a common practice in lecture halls. Said neighbour clearly had different plans though.

"I'm hoping this professor isn't a prick. I need to do good here so I can transfer to political science," mumbled the girl, but just loud enough for Aliyah to hear. Even though blondie was facing forward, it wouldn't take a genius, which Aliyah most definitely was, to deduce that she was talking to her given that there was no one else near them.

And because it would be strange for her not to, Aliyah responded.

"Trust me, the arts' professors are usually pretty easy-going. It's the stem ones that you really need to watch out for."

The thought alone of her molecular bio lecturer made Aliyah cringe.

"If he is a prick, I'm blaming it on you," blondie chuckled to which Aliyah smiled back. For someone who was conversing with a complete stranger, the new girl sure was confident and up-front.
"I'm Elaine. You?" And blondie suddenly has an actual identity!

"Aliyah," she simply returned but with a friendly enough tone.

"So, Ali, am I going to see you here every Tuesday morning at 11 am sharp?"

Why did every living soul have to compress her name to that three-letter degradation? There were so many other variations that one could choose from but they all decided on – Ali. It made her feel so much more... not her, not Aliyah. If she was being candid, it made her feel so much more of a bitch. And she didn't like that. But was she going to do anything about it? No.

"Most likely. Watching the recordings online just makes me sleepy so at least here, I'm being somewhat forced to pay attention." And Aliyah only lived 15 minutes away from campus, at the college dorms, so it wouldn't be too much of a struggle.

The girls continued to talk but only for a few more odd minutes as their professor had walked in shortly after. He didn't look like a prick but if psychological thriller movies taught Aliyah anything, looks could always be deceiving.