New to Ketterdam

Chapter 2

Warnings: None.

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     My first day at Ketterdam University was surprisingly uneventful.  Matthew and Florence, my older brother and sister, showed me around the campus a bit and introduced me to some of their friends.  All of them were nice but older than me; I hadn't quite gotten the chance to meet anyone my age during my classes which was quite depressing for the first part of the day.  I only had a few classes that day, but I still thought I'd eat lunch at the university itself.  Who knows, maybe I'll actually meet people? 

     Haha, nope.  As soon as I stepped foot into the expansive hall I knew there wasn't a single available seat.  Students of every cliche were present, representing their personality and friendships loud and proud to me, a nervous, lonely freshman.  As I looked into the hall, I didn't see a single seat unoccupied.  I knew Florence and Matthew both had classes during this time, and besides, I should try to reach out on my own anyway.  I made my way across the hall, in front of a group of seniors who looked like they would completely trounce any freshman who would go anywhere near them; I stayed up against the wall as I passed them.  I found myself drawing close to the open window just past their table and decided to just sit on the ground underneath it.  Maybe it's a conversation starter?  I thought hopefully.  Too hopeful, I'm sure. 

     I sat there for a few minutes without even thinking of touching my food.  The students eating around me occupied too much of my thoughts for me to begin eating.  Everyone around me looked happy.  They all had someone to talk to, someone to laugh with, and simply, someone to sit with.  I was jealous, okay? Sue me.  I'd been hanging out too much with my younger siblings recently and being a bother to my older siblings that I was just excited to be around people my age who I could sit with.  

     "If I sit with you, will you eat? Or just look around all day?" 

     I sat up straight, looking for the source of the voice.  I looked up slightly and saw a tall Zemeni boy with the most amazing smile.  I couldn't help but smile at this man who was clearly my second knight and shining armor in this town.  

     "I mean, I don't have anywhere to go, so either is fine.  But, it would be more enjoyable if you'd talk at least," he smiled down at me.  At around my age at fifteen, he was incredibly tall.  His eyes were what drew my attention next.  They were like light coal after setting it on fire, burnt.  His outfit, too, was very striking.  He wore a loud patterned vest that matched his coat and he had light green trousers on.  As mixed-matched as the outfit seemed, it was indeed stylish.  "I should start over." Deep breath, new smile.  "Can I sit with you?"

    "Of course!  Sorry, I'll talk.  And eat," I added. I started to pick at my food a bit and I looked down.  This boy is too good at eye contact.  "Is today your first day as well?" 

     He lowered himself onto the ground next to me and placed his food tray on his lap. The boy looked at me the entire time he ate his food--or should I say shoveled his food?  And he didn't stare in a creepy way though, I should add, just with interest.  He nodded and kept eating through his response, "Yeah, first day."  Another shovel of food.   "I think we might actually have a class together.  Do you have a math course?  At 10:30?  I thought I might have seen you there."  

     I slowly chewed a mouthful of my sandwich before responding, "Oh, yes actually! I sit more towards the front.  It definitely was not my favorite class so far; I do not  have a math mind." 

     "Ah, same with me.  I definitely prefer something more physical than math.  I'm not good with anything math-related.  I know I won't be an accountant by any means," he said jovially.  He finally took his eyes away from me and looked around the room for a time, studying the students at the tables.  "Do you think we'll eventually be able to sit at an actual table? Or is this going to be our thing?"