Faith is a Secret Not a Promise

Chapter 3 - Words lie, Eyes can't

Oliver

I'm not sure I've ever looked into a person's eyes so deeply that I could swear to see their soul. His was a ball of black smoke. Not the kind that chokes you, rather a wind that transforms and dances, leaving you shivering from its warmth. He was a small block of charcoal, ever so fragile that it would crumble at the slightest touch. He was the joy of the moon, shining down on only one person at a time; for the moon is highly selective when it comes to the company he shares, despite everyone seeking him up above. Although, I don't know any of this for certain.

That was how I sat for a whole hour. Listening to the rhythm of a song rather than the words of a lecture. Entranced by a dancer's performance rather than the exaggerated pacing of a lecturer.

The hour ends before I could even begin to put pen to paper. I'll need to ask Louis for the notes later, given the fact that I've apparently turned into Connor for the past hour by tuning into my own idyllic world.

A rush of applause jolts my heart in surprise and kicks my head back into a place of sense, as I follow suit with the crowd clapping my hands. After handing back over to Mrs Briggs, Michael retreats a couple of steps, humble as ever for a man who could've been practically bragging about his wealth and success for the past hour straight.

Louis leans into my side, shoulders grazing, as he tickles my ear with his whisper, "That guy was incredible! And don't worry mate, I'll give you and Connor my notes". He gestures amusingly to my blank paper and Connor's lack of any paper in front of us. I reply a gentle "thanks", whilst attempting to assume my usual breezy composure, though forcing yourself to appear nonchalant can only make you seem uncomfortably constipated. Thankful that my peers failed to notice my faltered stature, we started our rushed routine of packing up with amazing speed and leaving with a speed somehow faster.

The three of us walked briskly down the stairs of the auditorium whilst intently listening to Louis explain what made this lecture so pivotal to our lives. Though his rant was cut short by the cheerful call of Amanda asking for me to come follow her into her office. It seems that Michael had swiftly left before the surge of students; smart move.

"Oliver! There you are. Would you mind popping into my office with me quickly? It's only for a quick chat, dear." If any other professer asked this of me I think I'd leg it.

"Of course Mrs Briggs, no problem." I reply genuinely and matching her cheerful tone.

We leave the room once it had emptied and after my signal to Louis and Connor, silently letting them know that I'll catch them up later. We start towards her office, footsteps in sync, falling into pleasant comversation about her daughter. Our short walk ends as we approach the wooden door, which she pushes open gracefully. I am ushered in with the knowledge that I will be offered a lovely cup of tea, an offer I am forever glad to accept.

"Tea Oliver?", I knew it.

"Yes please Amanda, if you don't mind." She doesn't.

"Any more for you Michael?"

Only then is does my eyeline dart left, following the direction that Amanda asked her question. Oh. He's still here. "No thanks, I should be heading off anyways." His voice sounds less curt than when it did in his lecture. Not warm but certainly less cold that it no longer has the ability to cut glass.

"Oh please do stay Michael, it's no worry", Amanda has always had the intense strength to persuade people, even this guy who's made steel will crack.