Mr.Darcy?

Chapter 5

Marcus Peterson, in an all black attire, is standing with a group of people who I assume are his friends. He's laughing and giving them hi-fives.

Black colour is my weak spot, be it on cars or in clothes, but especially in clothes. My breath catches in my throat, and it feels like I have become immobile.

I probably stared at him for too long because he finally turs around and meets my eye. My nerves shoot through the roof, and I wish I could turn and bolt in the opposite direction, but I think it's too late to do that now?

He raises an eyebrow, says something to his friends, and starts walking towards me.

Hey, floor, if possible, could you please swallow me right now? I promise I won't jump on you ever again.

"Alaia Bennet!" He says in an amused tone, as if he is not at all shocked by seeing me here. "Long time, no see. I didn't know you come to this college."

I didn't know you would come here either. Otherwise, I wouldn't have taken admission at all.

I can't believe Zaira's prediction actually came true. She is gonna lose her mind.

I realise that I haven't answered him yet and try to force some words out.

"Uh, yeah, it's my first year here."

"Oh, I thought you graduated a year ago," he interrogates.

"Yes, I did," I answered vaguely, not wanting to share the reasons for my one year drop.

Thankfully, he doesn't ask me further.
Before either of us could say something more, someone calls Marcus's name, and we turn our attention towards the voice.

A girl my height comes sauntering towards us and places her palm around his upper arm.

I shift my gaze from her hand placement before either of them catch me staring.

"Mark!"

Mark? Is she his girlfriend? They do look good together.

"Hey," he greets her back with a soft smile. "This is Alaia. We used to live in the same neighbourhood in New York. Alaia, this is Julia, my best friend."

Only best friends? Should I believe him?

She turns towards me as if noticing me for the first time and gestures for me to do a handshake. And so I do.

"Oh, hey, nice to meet you," she says a little too enthusiastically, her hand soft and delicate in mine.

"Nice to meet you too," I force out a smile, taking my hand back.

"We are going to the cafeteria, wanna join us?" She offers.

I turn to look at Marcus, but he is already looking at me.

"I would love to, but I have a lecture right now." Thank God

"Oh, ok, maybe next time," she utters hopefully.

"Ok then, Alaia Bennet, see you around," he gives me a little wave and goes back to his friends, along with Julia.

The way he said my full name does something to my chest, but I ignore the feeling and remind myself that I have a lecture to attend.

As my luck would have it, the lecture hall is in the direction of where Marcus and his friends are standing. Begrudgingly, I pass by them, making sure to keep my gaze ahead, avoiding them completely. But that doesn't stop me from feeling a pair of eyes follow me, which, I am sure, belong to Marcus.