The Imperfect Girl

Chp. 2 - The Art of not Fitting In

(Adeline)

College is supposed to be this grand, liberating experience where you "find yourself." I was starting to think I'd rather stay lost. As I wove my way through the sea of fashionistas, it became clear that everyone here was already a pro at being somebody else.

I tugged at the oversized sweater I'd chosen as my daily armor. While everyone else strutted around like they were- quote-unquote, auditioning for a reality show, I was perfectly content looking like I had zero interest in human interaction—which, coincidentally, I didn't.

The Liberal Arts building appeared in the distance, and I sighed. "One foot in front of the other, Adeline," I muttered to myself. Maybe today would be better than the first. 

Or maybe I'd just survive it. 

Either way, 'victory! Woohoo!- yeah, that sucks'

I made it into the lecture hall just as the professor began setting up. Taking my usual spot in the back corner, I pulled out my notebook, scribbling down random words for a potential story idea. The professor droned on about the importance of interpreting texts through a "critical lens," but my brain was already wandering.

"Adeline Wright?" The voice startled me.

I blinked. "Uh, yes?"

"You're on the class list. Can you stay after for a moment?" the professor asked, half-smiling, half-annoyed.

Of course. I'm that student. "Sure," I muttered, sinking lower into my seat.

After the longest 90 minutes of my life, I practically fled to the library. 

Friends? Not needed. 

Drama? Definitely not on my schedule.

The library was my hideout, and today was no exception. Rows of books, soft lighting, and the smell of dust—it was perfect. I headed straight for the corner I'd claimed yesterday, plopping down with a sigh. Just me, my thoughts, and... peace.

Later, I made my way to the secluded garden. I stumbled on it yesterday, and it was my new favorite spot. The benches were old and creaky, and vines covered almost everything. But it was quiet, untouched by the superficial chaos of the rest of campus. A rare gem.

I sank down onto one of the benches, opening my notebook. I wasn't sure what I'd write, but the silence was soothing.

"At least this place doesn't expect me to be anyone." I muttered.

(Damon)

Second day of 2nd year (hey! that rhymes, doesn't it?)—well, second day again. It was like déjà vu, except this time I knew exactly what to expect. 

Same campus, same drama, same easy conquests. And, of course, the same crew trailing behind me.

I leaned against the wall, smirking as another girl slipped past me with a flushed face. That didn't take long.

"You're predictable, Scott." My friend laughed, shaking his head as we left the building.

"Predictable? I'm a man of routine," I corrected, flashing him a grin. "Besides, I can't help it if they find me irresistible."

He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure. You just repeat your second year, and the universe hands you girls on a silver platter."

I shrugged, enjoying the banter. "Some of us just have a gift, man. Can't help it."

The girls on campus were still as easy to read as ever. A smile here, a wink there, and they were already blushing like they were in some 'romance novel' and met their 'alpha bad-boy who turns good only for them'. I cringed at my own thoughts.

Except, this wasn't a love story. It was my playground.
And I made the rules.

Only to break them myself.

"See that one?" My friend nodded toward a group of girls. "She's totally checking you out."

I glanced over, catching her eye. Her lips parted slightly, cheeks coloring. Too easy. I offered a lazy smile, the kind that never failed to make their hearts flutter.

"Dude, you're like a damn magician." My friend laughed.

"More like an.. artist," I corrected. "I work with what I've got."

But in the back of my mind, I couldn't shake the boredom. It was all too familiar, too simple. Where was the challenge? The thrill?

I sighed internally. Something interesting had to happen soon.

__________