Unknown Beginning

Part 44

When this class ended Riley was determined to bridge the distance that had formed between James and herself. "I really had no idea we'd have two classes together. I'm pretty pumped about it though."

"Yeah"

Faltering at the short response, Riley tried again. "Does your major require both these classes or are they electives?"

"Lifespan Development is required but Neurobiology is an elective that fills a broad requirement that gives you an option to pick from a variety of electives." came James' perfunctory response.

"Oh that's cool. Lifespan is required for me too. And Neurobiology is an elective but I'm using it to count towards my psych minor."

James simply nodded and said "Nice."

Intent on keeping the conversation going, Riley prompted, "What made you decide to pick Neurobiology as your elective?"

The silence that followed this question was so long that Riley looked inquiringly at James unsure if she heard her and was about to ask again when James finally exhaled defeatedly and murmured "You." while staring ahead, avoiding Riley's searching gaze.

"Wait. What?" Riley stopped walking in her confusion.

James had continued on a few steps but stopped without turning to look at Riley.

"You picked this class because of me? But how? You didn't know I was taking it."

Disbelief colored Riley's face when James finally turned around half heartedly to face her. "I knew you were taking the class."

"But how? I-"

"I asked Steph to find out what classes you were taking this semester." James admitted begrudgingly. "That's why we have Lifespan together too."

Riley's eyes grew wide as she tried to process this information.

"Obviously that was all before winter break and your...girlfriend or whatever so it was dumb of me to do." James said roughly as she turned and began walking again.

Riley's brain seemed to be malfunctioning because she stood there, eyes roaming the floor, brow furrowed, as if she would find some way to process this information hidden somewhere on the carpet.

She was overwhelmed by the concept that James had asked Steph to find out her class schedule then signed up for those same classes for the semester to ensure they would be together. And the fact that even if James regretted that now, after winter break and Sana, she had still saved Riley a seat next to her in both classes. Riley was torn between affection for James and annoyance with herself for messing things up. All of these swirling thoughts meant that by the time Riley finally looked up, James was about to leave the building on her own.