Until the Sky Falls

Un-break my heart...

Two Weeks Later

Tuesday April 3rd, 2007

Murdoch University

11 AM

Marly

First lecture. 

It's overwhelming, all these people that I don't know.  I mean, I've been in school settings before.  But this is different.  I'm in unfamiliar territory, unchartered waters, and I'm like a ship with a faulty navigational system. 

Clutching my books close to my chest, I glanced around the lecture theatre, observing the other students as they entered.  They all appeared to know one another, chatting excitedly about previous classes and whatever else they had to talk about.  A couple of girls walked passed me; I caught snippets of conversations as people found seats.

"Hey!  Didn't see you in class yesterday!"

"Did you hear what she said about that student?"

"Hey, wanna have a drink after class...?"

"Hi...you new here?"

I blinked at the last realising there was a young man standing in front of me, peering quizzically at my tight hold on my books.

"Uh..." I cleared my throat and gazed up into gentle, yet bright green eyes.  I kid you not; green.  Not hazel, but pure emerald green irises.  The guy grinned crookedly at me.  To go with his green gaze, he had dirt-blonde hair, and a cheeky grin.  I took in the rest of his appearance in a glance.  He was wearing a pair of denim jeans, with holes at the knees, a worn Metallica T-shirt and a Zoo York hoodie.  Reminded me somewhat of Pierre. 

I swallowed hard; forcing that thought from my mind and tried a smile.  "Yeah...it's my first day."

The guy sank down on the chair next to mine, and proceeded to tug his books from his bag.  "Yeah?  I remember my first day here...pretty insane." He straightened and smiled at me.  "Name's Damien," he held out his hand.  I took it hesitantly.  He squeezed my hand for a second then let go. 

I swallowed nervously.  "Marly...that's me."

"Nice name." A flicker that I couldn't read passed across his face then was replaced by a warm smile.  "You're not from around here?"

I shrugged, placing my own books down on the fold out desk.  "Moved from Canada not too long ago.  A couple of weeks actually." 

"Sweet.  Never been there myself.  Got a few...friends...there.  But y'know...can't seem to scrounge up enough money to leave Perth." 

"That must suck," I said. 

Damien laughed.  "No biggie really." He glanced down to the front as the professor walked in and greeted the people down the front.  "Uh...new lecturer..."

I smiled softly.  "That's Professor James Bell...he was my prof back in Montreal." 

"Seriously?" He shook his head and settled back on his chair.  "Well, as long as he's good."

"Oh, he is.  That's why I came here..."

I looked down at my books and busied myself with getting my pen out.  I could still feel Damien's eyes on me though.  It was unsettling, but I didn't really think much of that feeling.  After all I guess I was just nervous.