Beneath the Surface

Least Of What I Expected

Amari and I stroll around the campus when, out of the blue, we bump into Liam. It takes a moment for me to realize - this is Natalie's Liam. Me to myself: Natalie's Liam, right here on campus.

Amari, always the chatterbox, can't resist striking up a conversation.

Amari, teasingly: "Sam, meet Liam. Liam, meet Sam. Well, I call her Samara, but it's short for Sam."

Liam, with a thoughtful expression: "I have a feeling I've seen you before? Umm, but anyway, nice to see you again, Sam."

"You have?" I reply with a chuckle.

Liam, reminiscing: "Ohhh! We used to go to the same school, right?"

Me playing it cool: "We did!"

Things get awkward, and Amari comes to my rescue with a story.

While Amari and Liam reminisce about their past encounters, I can't shake the feeling of being in the shadow of Natalie's lingering crush. Our classes are done, and we head back to our room and settle in.

Later that day, a call from my parents changes the tone. "Hey Sweetie, how are you settling in?" my mom asks, smiling.

Me with a slight smile: "Okay, I guess."

Dad, with concern: "We've arranged therapy for you, Sam. Dr. Luna Martins, near your university. It's time."

"Not again... I don't need therapy, Dad."

"Hunny, you do need to loosen up, please."

Me, reluctantly: "Fine, I'll give it a shot."

I don't want to talk for hours about how they think I need therapy, and I feel I'm better and don't need it.

Later, Leticia appears on campus. Innocent greetings take a dark turn. Leticia is some girl from my old school back in high school; we weren't friends, though we both were familiar with each other's faces.

Leticia, "Hey, Sam! It's been a while. Surprisingly you are here?"

"I sure am," I reply hesitantly.

Natalie and I never liked her, so I don't have an interest in pretending to want to converse with her. I know she never liked me that much, except she loved pretending.

On my way to class with Amari the following week, I hear rumors about my involvement in my best friend's tragedy. Little do I know Leticia has been spreading them. Overwhelmed by emotions, I walk away from Amari in a hurry and seek refuge in a quiet spot. Leaning my head against the wall, crying, Liam happens to see me crying.

Liam, concerned: "Hey, what's wrong? You look like you could use a friend."

Me, on the verge of tears: "It's nothing."

"Come on, you are shedding tears; it must be something," Liam says.

"I'd rather not talk about it," I reply.

"Fine, I won't force you to open up with me, but you might use a hug, right?" he says, wiping my tears.

"Sure."

As he is about to hug me, to my surprise, he holds my chin up, and we share a kiss.

Interrupted by Amari, "Hey, I've been looking for you. What happened to you? You just walked away from me."

"She's a bit sad, and I was helping her. I suggest you take her to your room so she could rest a bit," Liam says, clearing his voice.

"Thank you for helping her," Amari replies, holding my hand and leading the way.