a heart's end

Eighteen

Monty

    Something fun with Anaelle. Something fun with Anaelle? Does she even like fun? Of course she does, she is a human. A very cruel, unstable, emotional human. But everybody likes to have fun.

    I'm getting more and more nervous as I watch her across the lawn. She's probably heading to her morning class, as I should be. Anaelle is leaving for her hometown tomorrow, Friday, so today is my last chance to see her before she leaves. I forgot where she lived before here. Or maybe she hadn't told me at all? I barely know anything about her past. She's wearing jeans, I can tell. And a light gray t-shirt. Her hair is up in a ponytail, long and shiny. This reminds me of the first time I approached her a month and a half ago. Has it really only been that short of an amount of time?

    I'm stalling because I already know her answer.

    "Hey Anaelle." I jog up to her as she stops walking, I hope in order for me to catch up with her.

"Hey." She says blank faced.

"Where's Donte?" I asked and then mentally punched myself. He doesn't exist right now if he's not visible. It's just me and Anaelle.

"His first class is on the opposite side of campus." She pointed at the other side of the gargantuan building. I nodded as we walked, I was only a step behind her the whole time. I realized that we only had 10 minutes to get to class. I had to make this quick.

"So, I was thinking we could do something tonight. Before you leave for the weekend?" I sounded like a preteen boy with how nervous my voice sounded. My cheeks instantly were blotted with embarrassment yet I kept a strong face. She doesn't have to know my plan. Or, lack of plan.

She looked at me for a second, studying me.

"I have better things to do." With a turn of a head she started walking off, but I knew better. I knew she wouldn't say yes the first time so I had to try again until I got her. I mean, until I got the chance for her to say yes.

    "Okay.... But you'll be missing out." I sighed and she laughed a small laugh before turning around.

    "Missing out on what exactly?" She half smiled. So close.

    "Well see now that would ruin the surprise!" I exclaimed, clapping my hands together in a manner that I never would have done before. A huge grin covered my face as part of the plan to get her to say yes.

    "Monty, I just don't know about tonight. I still have to pack and mentally prepare myself for the weekend. You don't understand, nor do I want you to. Tonight just isn't a good time for me. Even if I did do something, I'll be anxious and miserable the whole night."

    "Would you rather be anxious and miserable alone or with me?" I nudged her shoulder and this time she's the one who sighed. I felt like a jerk who wouldn't take no for an answer, but she still didn't seem mad, which meant I could keep going. I would've stopped at the slightest sign of irritation. But I know she's not irritated, I know she wants to say yes to me.

Where did this sense of cockiness come from? I have no clue but I can't say I don't like it. I do.

    "Fine. We'll see, Montgomery. Where should I meet you at? If I do decide to tag along with you for the night."

    I thought for a second. "We could meet at my dorm. At six." I shrugged. Really that's her call, I'm just glad she almost said yes.