WHAT IF?

2.

ETHAN

I notice Sarah sitting at a corner table for the first time, that too with a freshman, considering I have never seen her here before. She must have joined today. I couldn't help but assess her, from a safe distance, so she doesn't feel my gaze on her. Raven black hair tied in half pony tail, yet, reaching up to her back and shining in the daylight. Her light skin turns gold when sun rays softly fall on her face from the window beside her. But the most striking feature are her big almond, brown eyes that squint in glee as a smile spreads over her face.

God, her smile. It's beautiful.

Her shoulders seem to relax when I reach over to Sarah and tap her shoulder. Sarah turns towards me in her chair and the girl's eyes follow my hand and look up at me. Our gaze locks together for a moment and when I should have looked away, I couldn't bring myself to it. Her eyes really were something else, as if hiding a story of their own from everyone, yet, I could see it. I turn my face towards my friend raising an eyebrow at her.

'Making new friends, are we Sarah?'

'Ethan, hey! Funny. I met her today and she found herself grouping along with the Merchants.'

'Ah, better to stay away from them.' I advise her the obvious.

'Yeah, I told her the same.'

They both rise from their seats, Sarah coming beside me to allow her friend introduce herself.

'Hello. Pleasure meeting you.' She shakes my hand more firmly than I normally expect from a girl, though it didn't escape my notice that she didn't give me her name.

'Welcome to our Uni.'

'Thank you.'

She bends down slightly to pick up her belongings and looks at Sarah. 'I should be going now. I still have to cover up today's work. I'll see you soon then, yeah?''Yeah sure. Though, teachers don't do any serious lectures on first days. So, you're good.'

'Oh, thanks.' She smiles again. She looks at me and nods before turning to leave the area.

I watch her as she goes away. But I can't shake the feeling of knowing her more because she definitely has a story that makes her the way she is – different, from many here. Her slim body swaying with every move she makes. Her long, slender legs making swift strides as if trying to run away.

'She got in any trouble? She seemed pretty haste to leave.'

'Nah, just the normal freshmen problems. She missed all her lectures today.'

'Huh, is that so? You gonna help her then?'

'If she asks for it, sure. But we won't have time ahead, you know. The fest is coming up soon.'

I sigh at the reminder. 'Yeah, I know.' I finally say in low voice.

'What will you do then?' The concern etched in her tone told me what she was talking about. Sarah has been with me since high school and knows things about me no one should ideally know. But then again, she was always one of those who poked their nose around in other's business, though, I managed to keep her in dark from the things that would have harmed her. Keeping anyone near me safe is what I have to constantly ensure, even with every step I take. I have to. That is who I am. She has been a very good and a loyal friend to me but I have never saw her any other way despite everyone 'pointing it out' and her irrefutable beauty. I don't know, I never found the energy to do that because things like this are not in my hands.

After thinking for what felt like years I say, 'We still have time for it. I'll see what I can do.' I thought for a moment before saying that but couldn't come up with anything else. A humph leaves her side and she picks her bag.

'Let's go. We are getting late for our class. Professor Margot would kill us for not being there on time.''Whatever' I chuckle and follow her lead with a glimpse of the new girl reeling deep in my mind continuously.