Our Cosmic Love (MPS Sequel)

02| Reminds Me of Old Times

CHAPTER TWO: REMINDS ME OF OLD TIMES

Julie

I can't speak. Mainly because I don't even know what to say, but also, the petty side of me doesn't want to say anything.

"Charlie, this is Julie our club president," Jared says, "the one I told you that also lived down in Fairview." I almost want to snort out a laugh at Jared. Oh man he really doesn't have the slightest clue.

Charlie doesn't say anything, wearing a small smile as Jared talks his ear off. But his eyes. Those damn hazel, gentle, eyes are on me. I glance at his hand that is holding my bookbag. As if realizing what I'm looking at, he brings his hand up, motioning it to me.

"Your stuff," he tells me.

I grab my bag but can't help the racing in my heart as Charlie's hand lightly grazes mine. "Thanks," I manage to mumble out but I don't meet his eyes, instead I merely turn around toward Savannah and cue her to start the meeting.

The rest of the meeting goes fairly well. Savannah and I alternate speaking; I feel like I've regained my composure, ignoring the fact that Charlie is here and he's staring–no burning holes right through me with those damn hazel, gentle eyes. In the middle of group discussion, Charlie gets a phone call and leaves the room to answer in the hallway. When the meeting is adjourned he isn't back. I pack my things and head out with the rest of the club members for dinner. On our way out, Charlie is nowhere to be seen in the hallways, not that I care or anything.

My phone buzzes with a text from Victor who lets me know he has a table for us ready at our campus' Taco Bell. It is then that I realize that I hadn't spoken to Victor nor told him about my day. He'll be earning an earful, that's for sure. When we arrive at the Taco Bell, Victor waves me over, with a smile on his face. He usually joins our weekly club meetings, but as an RA in Freshman dorms, the first week always keeps him busy.

"Hey you," he greets and I respond with a hey back. Everyone drops off their belongings at the table before forming a line to order.

"Let's go get us some Crunchwraps," Victor says excitedly and stands up.

"Wait, we need to talk," I tell him and he sits down, a nervous look on his face.

"What's wrong?" he asks.

I narrow my eyes slightly and just stare at him, checking to see if he'll say aloud what we're both thinking.

"Jules?" he questions. He won't bring it up because he's not sure if he's right. I groan.

"Why didn't you tell me..."

"Hey cuz." My eyes go from Victor to Charlie, who has somehow found us. How? Wasn't he already gone? Then my eyes travel to the person behind him. Jared. Of course.

"Charlie," Victor says alarmed and then his eyes go on me, sending me a telepathic message: sorry. "I thought you weren't coming for another week. Why didn't you tell me you were here?"

Charlie shrugs. "Been busy settling in."

Victor nods. "Right," he says then adds, "How did you find us?"

At this Charlie turns his head toward Jared's direction who has now gotten in line, oblivious to what he has done, joking around with other members of the club. "Made a friend and he invited me. We actually had class together in the morning with Julie." His eyes go to me and I can't help but look away. "Anyways he's nice, though I wonder if I'll be able to keep up since he's quite energetic."

I attempt not to laugh. Jared is the most energetic, outgoing, silly person I know. He's fun to be around, never a dull moment; and I can't help but wonder what this duo will be like since Charlie is a lot more mellow and serious. He's in for a ride, that's for sure.