Surrounded But Alone

Chapter 21- Her Second Impression

Presley's Point Of View;

Normally I don't follow people who I barely know but if I had chosen to follow Mitchum who went passed through the rest of the crowd; I'd be trampled on. So my limited options meant I had to walk along with Amelia passing through the left entrance/exit. I couldn't tell Amelia this but that statement she made was exactly what I needed to hear.

When we got out of the building she let go of my sleeve as I walked aside from her through the campus. She knew exactly where to get to the exit of the school gate. We passed a few students who called out to her cause they knew her and even reminded her about other plans she had made with them. I guess most people do find their peer groups at college.

The realization also hit me again that I, a seeing person, has to follow someone who can't see. It's amazing how every time I leave my apartment I find new ways to humiliate myself.

As we left the campus grounds I saw Professor Hoyte opening the entrance gate wide enough for what looked like a maintenance van to come in. I told Amelia about the van and we both stopped to make room for it to pass. The van came little ways in and stopped also. Then Professor Hoyte closed the gate halfway and went in it, then it drove past us and we began walking again. I guess the lab is still under repair. That would be my best guess since I haven't been on that side of the school in a while as my class is now partnered with another.

Amelia and I continued on the way to where the café is. The sky was beginning to get an orange color as it was getting later in the evening. The pavement near the school was wide and had a golden-colored steel railing. I always found that strange why the school chose that color to paint the railing passing by it. But by now I should know that being different is their thing cause even the streetlights in there are something you have to wonder about what was the architect thinking.

The school was the only thing that stood on its own. The other buildings and stores on the road all seem to interconnect above us as I saw a moderate flow of people pass above us on the walkovers. The pavement wasn't very crowded as an occasional runner or jogger passed by. It was fairly busy on the road part as it had some road bicycles and cars. Some people were out on a casual walk with their friends or pets on the pavement as well. They momentarily glance over at Amelia and her dog.

To them, I suspected it would give off the effect that I was accompanying her. That is if they noticed me at all. But I just hope that no one asks me for directions because I'm not sure my phone is charged enough to use google maps at the moment. I almost made eye contact with one of them and they looked like they wanted to ask me something. I turned away immediately, bowing my head down to look at the pavement instead. I really need to start going out with headphones and some shades like that girl Sandra had. At least that way I can pretend I couldn't hear them if they do ask without coming off as rude.

I used to dress that way when Dad let me visit Grandmom. She would always want me to go around the neighborhood to greet everyone and offer her cookies. She was the one who taught me how to bake them among other pastries. She also told me that carrying it around was good manners. Going around and offering to people was the most stressful part of the weekends. But for what it's worth I liked being around her when we did. She never forced me to do it but she didn't criticize me for not saying anything more to anyone besides good evening.

She must have known that I was intentionally trying to avoid contact with the others but would always thank me at the end for helping her. Then she would take me out somewhere like a cafe afterward also. Even now that she's not here she still can make me smile on the worst days.

"You know it's not you so much they're staring at. This cane is like a magnet to prying eyes," Amelia said as she tugged at my sleeve again reminding me that she's still here. I looked at her as she continued in a more hushed tone. "Look where their eyes go."

I looked away from her and saw what looked like one of Mitchum's friends. I didn't remember his name but he was really tall and casually dressed coming our way. I noticed he wasn't seeing me at all but his eyes were fixed on Amelia.

"If you have something to tell me, then out with it. 'Cause it's not polite to just stare," She said when we got close enough and the guy hastened his pace. He kept his head straight as he passed me like a bullet train.

Amelia snickered and then it turned into a laughing fit. I admit that I had to chuckle lightly. "I heard his footsteps coming, he wears shoes that squeak when he walks lightly. When Homer and I walk this route he told me that that guy is always staring. I decided I'd say something about it this time," she said after her laughter died down.

Her voice has a tendency to come off firm so it really sounded more serious than it actually was. Maybe Homer was right about her not being so standoffish. As I looked forward I saw the sign of the café just up ahead. OK, this is the last thing on my to-do list for today.