Lake Aria

~ Chapter Two ~

- ARIA -

College sucks to put it mildly. Living with Jasmine might be the only plus, aside from the cheap coffee - it's cheap for a reason though - and partying. The guys suck. I've read my fair share of romance novels therefore I came to college with drive and expectations. Needless to say they were not met. Guys here are all immature douchebags. All they care about are one-night stands and popularity. I for one came here with the hope of falling in love with real feelings not fucking liquor.

I got a phone call which interrupted my pitiful thoughts. A guy told me we had to move dorm buildings because of a rat infestation. Yes you heard correctly. A fucking rat infestation. The guy on the phone gave me a rundown of how we were to collect our belongings safely and hygienically, then the fucker asked me if I felt sick because the main source of the infestation was in the back kitchen cupboard of our dorm. Where we keep our food... FOOD! That I ATE. Ugh. If I die from a fucking rodent I will not be pleased. Well technically I'll be dead but still.

I immediately called Jasmine to tell her the disturbing news. She picked up on the second ring - that's just her though, efficient and available almost always. "Hey Jas, I just got a phone call from some guy telling me we have a rat infestation in our dorm. Mainly in the back kitchen cupboard which is just angelic isn't it... We've gotta move dorm buildings sometime today. He gave me a number and said it's on the West side of campus." The other end of the call was silent. "Jas...you alive hun?" I questioned slowly.

" Yes Ari, I'm alive but Jesus Christ who knows how long for! I ate those crackers in the cupboard Aria! No wonder they tasted funny." Jas gasped. "Oh my god. I gifted some jam from their little poison house to Gabe, nooo. He's gonna die, Oh my god I'm gonna be on TV. They're gonna call me the 'Jam Rat Killer' Im gonna die alone. Aria help me!!" She was rapidly rambling nonsense now. It's what she does when she's genuinely freaked out or nervous. "Jas honey, breathe. You're not a murderer, call Gabe and tell him to throw out the Jam. Then meet me at Starbucks in the cafeteria. I need some caffeine before we move."

She sighs loudly. "Yeah okay. I'll call Gabe now! Thanks babe." I chuckled "Of course. Thank god you've calmed down though, you almost overreacted!" I teased. She hung up. Classic Jasmine.

Coffee time now, thank fuck for that.

It took me five minutes to walk to the cafeteria. I walk fast when coffee's the reward. I turned the corner and walked right into a large wall - well what I thought was a large wall - I stepped back and looked up. I was met with a pair of blue eyes, wide in terror. He was staring directly at my chest. Fucking brilliant. I was about to storm off until he spoke. " I'm so sorry, I'll buy you a new shirt! I promise." He said in a sincere tone. I looked down and saw the coffee stain on my top. Ohh- he wasn't being a perv. That's new.

"Oh shit, I didn't even notice. Don't worry about it, it's okay." I replied with a smile. " No, coffee stains don't come out." He said still staring at it. A guy approached his side and jabbed him in the gut. "Dal what the fuck man, stop staring at the poor girl you pedo!" I stood confused not a clue what to say or do. Can I run? I feel like that'd be weird and they might label me a crazy. Ugh. Instead I stood still and quietly. "Come on dude, I'm not a fucking pedo! It was an accident, I swear." He turned back to look at me, "Oh yeah, I'm Dal by the way. Well technically I'm Dalton but everyone calls me Dal." He held out his hand, I took it - " Aria, but everyone calls me Ari." I reply with a smile.

The guy next to him still looks apprehensive and clueless as to what this situation is. I for some stupid reason took that as my cue to explain what happened. "Oh uhm, I was just walking to get coffee and accidentally walked into Dalton - I mean Dal. It was as much my fault as his." I turned to face Dal again. "Sorry Dal, I'll watch where I'm going next time." I chuckled shyly. "Not a problem Aria, I mean Ari." He winked and walked off. I stood still rooted in place, confused by what that was.

His friend was still stood staring at me. Now that Dal was gone - taking the chaos with him - I noticed more about this guy staring at me. His eyes were...so...unique. They were almost golden with dark brown accents throughout. When I was looking at them, they reminded me of whiskey. His hair was dark brown with a slight wave at the ends. It sat neatly on top of his head...not a hair out of place. How? Seriously how? I style mine for hours and it either looks like a birds nest or greasy as fuck. Long hair sucks. His cheekbones were sharp and broad, making him look very mature. Even with all of his different features to look at, I couldn't stop staring at his eyes. They were just so different. I've never seen anyone with actual golden-like eyes before. They were mesmerising. I quickly snapped myself out of my trance before I scare the shit out of this guy, I've just met...I don't even know his name and I'm admiring him like he's a doll for sale. For Christ's sake Aria, pull yourself together.

He cringed a smile, "Sorry about him, he's like a 6 year old in a 19 year olds body. He won't bother you again, I'll make sure of it." He said calmly. "Can I buy you a new shirt or-" I shook my head. "No no, that's not necessary. I've loads more in my dorm, don't worry about it." He grinned and I swear the sun shone brighter in that moment. "Alright then, at least let me buy you a coffee?" He arched his eyebrow and I realised I hadn't replied. "Are you sure? You don't have to." He grinned again. Help me- " I know I don't but I want to. Here." He pulled out a £20 note from his wallet. "I'm Leo by the way but if you hear Dal yell asshole that's also me." He shrugs.

I laugh and take the money from his outstretched arm. "This will buy me like, 4 lattes..." I state.  "Better get drinking then." He smirks. "Well Leo, it was nice meeting you." I smile. "You too Aria, I hope it happens again." And with that he's gone following the direction Dal took. I'm still rooted to the spot. Until I feel a hand on my shoulder. I spin around - rattling my brain around my skull like a dice in an angry players hand - and see Jasmine stood with two coffees smiling at me.

"Who were you flirting with?" She giggles. "We weren't flirting Jas. You do know it is possible to have a normal friendly conversation without ending up in each others beds." I retaliate rolling my eyes. "Mhm sure, now spill..." she chuckles as we enter the cafeteria.
                                  ~~~~~~~

Leo and Aria have met. Their journey has begun. As has Aria and Daltons friendship. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It was an interesting one to write. This trio makes me laugh quite a bit. I had A LOT of fun writing this chapter. Let me know what you think of this xx