New Starts

Chapter 5

"So... can I call you Jem?" I asked.

"What? No. That doesn't even make sense." James replied. He doesn't make sense. Everyone should understand that reference. This had been the conversation for the last five minutes as James and I walked back to our dorms. I played the part of creating nicknames and James played the part of shooting every single one of them down in flames. I had to think of one that he couldn't turn down, one that would make sense and one that only I could call him. Because, really, if you think about it, what's the point of creating a nickname for someone, a nickname that took you ages to think of, and then have everyone else call them that. It just doesn't make sense.

Now, some of you may think it's weird how I'm already thinking of a nickname for him after only knowing James for a total of around ten minutes but he started it.

After the awkward initial first minute of meeting someone (this was after he had asked to walk with me back to the dorms) James had asked, "How did you know about 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', Liza?" for which he had started apologising profusely after looking at my expression, which to tell you the truth, had only been eyebrows raised and a slight smirk on my face. I had laughed at him and repeated that it was fine to call me Liza if he wanted to. And that ladies and gents, is how we - well rather me - had got on to the topic of nicknames.

My first nickname for James had been Jamie. He'd gone completely silent and just shook his head at the mention. So I decided to drop the name, he obviously didn't like it. I still had to choose a nickname that James approved of and that he wouldn't shut down to as soon as I wait it. It also had to be one that no one had called him ever before. Before it could get awkward again my brilliant brain came up with:

"Alright then, can I call you Jam...?" I questioned. James stared at me with a confused expression. His previous mood forgotten. So me being me; I said the first thing that came into my head: "Sweet like Jam...?"

James again just stared at me like I was insane, why the hell did I say that? He then shook his head and grinned, "You are something else, Eliza Hood. Something else entirely." James said, whilst smiling, so I wasn't sure whether or not to take it as a complement.
"Yeah..." I fiddled with the watch on my wrist - a parting gift from my mum and dad. The watch read 9:35 and that's when it clicked. "Shit! I have a class in five minutes." I looked up to James who was looking at me weirdly after my previous outburst. "Sorry, I'm gonna have to go. See you later Jam." I said with a wave and a smirk as I started to jog in what I hoped was the direction of the art studio.

"Bye Liza." James called from behind me with a small wave. I felt bad for leaving him alone after promising to walk back with him but I couldn't do anything about it. I had class and I couldn't be late again. This class was also art class, the only class I was actually looking forward to.

Art had always been my favourite subject, one where I could unwind and just let my subconscious take over. Well, that's what my old art teacher always used to tell me: "Let your mind unravel and allow your subconscious to guide you." He was a weird guy...

And so it seems is my new art teacher. I had managed to get to the art room quickly and was greeted by the sight of Ms. Chbosky. A 24-ish looking, Indian woman who was wearing a black leather jacket over a tie-dye top and black skinny jeans with brown ankle boots. Not necessary a bad look, just ... unique. Yeah, let's go with that. She had spotted me and was quickly gesturing for me to come closer to her. I took a deep breath and walked towards the second teacher I had met today, who also seemed to want to have a little chit-chat.

"I think you are the last student for this class." Ms. Chbosky said as I approached her. She seemed normal... "Now we can get the party started!" maybe not. "Any-who, what's your name girl?" she asked. If she was trying to be cool, it wasn't really working. Her voice slurred and her eyes looked spaced out. That's when a smell hit me, earthy and woody.