The Golden Rule 2: The One That Got Away

College

Ari quickly copied the chapters Professor Arnolds flashed on the projector screen, the same chapters he wanted them to read over the Christmas holidays. She made a mental note to pack her books for the trip back home.

She was squinting her eyes to read the numbers that the wasn't so visible on screen when a shadow suddenly fell over her.

" That's chapters 56, 59, 61, 62 and 69, " a female voice offered.

Slightly looking up, she saw Terry, and a girl whom Ari  heard her call as Frankie, standing in front of her, wide smiles etched on their faces.

" Thanks, " Ari muttered jotting down the last number. She quickly closed her notebook and reached for her bag.

She pretended to be looking for something inside it hoping the girls would grow tired of waiting and leave her alone.

But they stood their ground and waited patiently for her to finish what she was doing.

" Yes, what is it? " Ari asked in resignation raising her eyes to the pair.

" We're having a pre-Christmas party at one of the nearby apartments, " Terry said smiling. " We thought you might want to join us. "

Ari pushed herself up from her seat and flashed the pair a quick smile. " I can't. But thank you for the invite. "

She pushed past them and quickly descended the steps. They didn't fail her expectations when they both fell into steps beside her once she pushed past the auditorium's double doors.

They weren't vying to become lawyers for nothing. Ari grimaced. They were as persistant as any law-student can be.

" We know you're a working student and all, " Frankie was the one who spoke this time. " And we totally respect that. But surely you can pass by, even for just half an hour or so. We'd really want you to come. "

Ari gave them sidelong glances.

" Why? " She couldn't resist asking. " I don't really think my presence will make any difference in your parties. "

" But it will, " Terry told her smiling. " Everyone in class confirmed to come except for you. And frankly, you never hung out with us. Not once. "

Ari narrowed her eyes at the blonde. " I told you this before. I have other priorities. "

Terry nodded her head vigorously. " We truly understand. We really just wanted to get everyone together. You know, get into the Christmas spirit. "

" Please, Ari? "

" It will really be cool to have you join us, " Terry chimed in.

Ari was about to decline their invitation once again when she heard the duo gasped and halted in their tracks.

Puzzled, Ari stopped walking and glanced at the two of them, wondering what could have happened.

Terry was looking straight ahead, her eyes wide wide in amazement. Frankie has one hand on her mouth sharing the same dumbfounded expression as her friend.

Bewildered, Ari followed their gazes and did a double take when she saw a man, impeccably dressed in dark jeans and white shirt, standing a few meters away from them.

He gave a small wave and the two girls squealed clutching each other's hand.

" Did he...did he just wave at us?! " Terry stammered.

" Oh my god, he's coming towards us! " Frankie cried out.

Ari felt the girls held their breaths as they watched the man walked towards them. She would have said something but by the time she formulated something in her mind, he was already standing in front of her.