Love Week

The 13th

My alarm goes off, and now I hurry out of bed. It's officially Monday the 13th, the day before Valentine's. If there's one thing I try to avoid when at a new school, it's being out and about on Valentine's. There are too many people, too many activities, and too many opportunities for someone to start a conversation with me. Again, I am not afraid of people. I just- I don't want to get too attached when I know the season will end.

I put on a cute red and white outfit that I feel confident walking in. That's what's important. Being confident in what I wear, not trying to dress to impress. Or at least, that's what I tell myself. I eat some bread and cheese, grab my bag and hurry to class.

My two classes pass by smoothly and thankfully, there are no awkward interactions. I take the back stairs of the building to leave. I might be overthinking things, but it's better safe than sorry. They have donuts, cookies and special treats out in the lobby of the building, so there are lots of people. While they may not care about my presence, I care about everyone being there. I take a few steps down to the next floor, kind of wishing there was a way to get the food without having to wait in line or be surrounded by so many people.

As I round the corner for the last set of stairs, I hear a door open behind me and some familiar voices. I quicken my pacing. Well, being short has its disadvantages when it comes to trying to hurry out of places. I feel someone's presence catching up to mine so I hurry and push the glass doors open, making it outside where there's barely anyone walking around.

"Miranda!" I hear his voice and will myself to stop. I can do this. It's just a few minutes of talk and then I'll be on my way.

Ian catches up to me and I look behind him to see some of his basketball friends smiling and waving at us as they walk slowly. I smile back and look up at Ian. "Yes?" He shrugs and smiles. "Why do you take these stairs?" He leads us to continue walking and I follow. "Well, there's too many people in the halls and lobby. I prefer the quiet and less crowded," I reply. He nods thoughtfully. "And yet would you like the food?" I keep my eyes straight ahead and nod. "They looked good." He laughs softly. "Must be hard to walk away from them then."

"It's okay. I can buy myself some anyway." I shrug as I finish my sentence and hear his friends catching up. "Why do you guys take the back stairs? Aren't you guys popular or something?" I ask, changing the topic.

One of his friends pipes up and says, "Yeah, we might be. But it's nice to get away from all that sometimes. Plus, this guy was hoping to run into a special lady." I hear the teasing in his voice and try to ignore it as the guys share a knowing laugh. "Miranda, if you're new here, how did you know who we were?" The other friend asks, the laughter dying down.

I shrug. "I keep up with sports. I love basketball. My dad, he-" I pause and sigh. There's no point sharing my story with them when we're all going to graduate and go separate ways. "Uh, yeah. He introduced me to basketball and it's something I've always loved. So I keep up with it no matter what school I'm in. I've just never talked or hung out with the players before."

"Well, I'm glad you get to hang out with us." The other friend says with a welcoming smile. "Uh, thanks." I reply with a smile.

"Are you heading back to the dorms?" Ian asks, looking at me. "Uh, yeah. I try to avoid all the Valentine's activities. Too many people." He nods in understanding. "Well, uh, if you want to do something but with less people, we have practice today at the gym. You can stop by or come with us if you like?" I stop walking and raise an eyebrow. "You want me to be there for your practice?"

He shrugs, but I see it in his eyes. "Only if you want to." I nod slowly, thinking about it. "We'll see. I think my roommate should be back. I'll ask her too." Ian nods and smiles. "I hope to see you then."