Because I had you

CHAPTER II

(Added a pic crew of what Aliyah looks like in my mind!!) 

II 

Two weeks had passed.

They weren't all too eventful – a few small quizzes handed in and a few mental breakdowns over lecture content. But other than that, not too eventful.

But knowing you, dear reader, you're probably wondering what happened to forest green boy.

Well, unfortunately, Aliyah had to see him every Tuesday morning in their English lit class and even around the campus here and there. Rest assured, nothing happened.
He was always surrounded by a group of friends, being the centre of attention, but even if he wasn't, Aliyah doubted that forest green would ever take the time to annoy her again.

But with more important issues clouding her mind, she had taken a seat off to the side on one of the library levels. It was relatively quiet but nothing too uncomfortable. Small exchanges and conversations could be heard slightly throughout the room which made the atmosphere seem more authentic.
Aliyah liked authentic.

Again, she could have stayed at home. But would she have gotten any work done? Highly doubtful, given that her bed would have been right there, whispering her name like medusa whispered the names of her next victims.

Here, she could comfortably lounge in the sun that sprinkled through the windows whilst also being on the brink of tears for how she would finish this damned report.

You most likely remember the report – the immunology one.

It was due tomorrow and although Aliyah was almost done, she just didn't feel like it was entirely complete. Things were missing but she didn't know what.

***

It had been 2 long hours. She would write a sentence. Then she would read the sentence. And to finish it off, she would backspace the entire sentence in frustration. But somehow throughout that process, she had gotten closer to the finish line. Somehow.
And so, as a little gift to herself, Aliyah pushed the laptop slightly away from her and positioned her head snugly into her cotton-covered arms.

To the youthful 19-year-old, nothing mediated the horrors and sufferings of life like some shut-eye.

A gift? No, this quick nap would be like a God's noble offering.

But clearly, Satan had different plans.

"I wasn't aware people came to the library to sleep. But don't worry Lia, I'm not one to judge."

Aliyah didn't even have to lift herself up to know who has taken a seat next to her. Her luck of not having any encounters with the supposed dickhead had clearly run short.

"I bet you're glad I'm here. Wouldn't want some random person coming and sitting here. Or worse, taking your stuff!" His sarcasm-dripping voice, no matter how annoying, was equally as deep and soothing as one's could possibly get. It sounded like how her skin felt when it was exposed to the morning sun after a long night in the cold insides of her apartment.

Warm. Comforting. But still annoying.

"You are some random person." She deadpanned back, finally lifting her head to face him. He had the same mischievous smirk on his dusty rose lips from the time they first met. Oh, how Aliyah hated those lips.

His dark hazel hair was styled in lazy curls; some long enough to naturally fall back whilst a few shorter ones covered his forehead and ended just shy of his eyes. Those green eyes. Just green – nothing more. His cheekbones were high and sharp, yet they didn't make him look sickly at all. The soft freckles that peppered his nose and cheeks probably helped with that.
But before Aliyah could continue her subconscious staring, he answered.