Dreaming Is for the Free

Nine

"Make sure you have your textbooks by next week please." Professor Kennedy reminds everyone as we scatter out of the room.

I let out a quick breath.

Last class of the day. And I'm relieved.

Professor Kennedy is about 60 years old. He acts as if he couldn't care less about anything on the face of the planet. The way he speaks just screams "I DON'T CARE". His voice is so monotone that I almost fell asleep on the first day in his class. I need to grab a coffee everyday before I come here. That's the only way I'll survive microeconomics.

My computer science professor seems cool. That's the class I have before microeconomics. Professor Wong told us straight up that the textbook was going to be our actual teacher. All of the assignments are there. We can complete as much as possible at any time. All we have to do is work on the specified chapters in the book. He even let us start working today. I already completed two lessons. Kiara and KJ are also in that class so we got to sit by each other. That class is going to be an easy A for sure.

I step out onto the hall and feel nothing but heat. Ugh, there's so many people out here. All of them just carelessly hanging around. I start walking towards the stairs that lead to the first floor. It's much quicker than waiting for the elevators.

I have a few things I need to do before I meet up with the "gang". I have to go sign up for a few clubs, declare a major, and meet with my advisor. I don't really feel like doing any of that, but I have to.

"Hey."

I feel someone grab my arm gently, getting my attention.

I turn around to see Cairo and all of his chocolateness smiling at me with those perfect teeth.

"Hey." I respond with an almost nonchalant demeanor.

"You're Halo, right?"

"Yep." I look at him expectantly.

"I've been trying to find you since the party." Cairo starts walking in the same direction as me, prompting me to start back walking as well.

"Oh really? Who told you my name?" I look up at him, and he catches my gaze.

"I had to ask around. You're KJ's cousin."

We break eye contact to look ahead.

"You know KJ?"

"Yeah, everybody knows KJ."

I laugh because I know those words are true.

"I just wanted to talk to you and see if I can get your number. I really enjoyed our dance." He chuckles.

"I could tell."

By now we're outside, heading in the direction of the student center.

I hold out my hand.

He unlocks his phone and then places it in my hand while grazing it. A quick tingle runs from my hand all the way up my arm. I try to look unaffected.

I save my number in his phone as Halo 😇, of course, before we say our goodbyes.

The encounter seems innocent, but then I start thinking about Charlotte.

Was Cairo and her together?

Is he Size 12?

Was he with her after the party?

By the way he was just acting, it gives off the impression that the night of the party was probably nothing more than two people dancing. He doesn't seem distraught over a friend being missing. He can't be Size 12. It has to be another guy. Right?