Lessons || MJ

Lessons || Chapter 1

Author's Note: This fanfiction will take place in a college atmosphere every now and then. Enjoy!

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DARRYL

"Sweet baby Jesus!" For some reason, Max packed binoculars and strung them along to class. As his friend, I volunteered to hide with him and fellas at the nosebleed section of rows. Max turned down those same binoculars and whistled loudly over the chatter of students near and below. Our professor hadn't arrived yet.

"What?" Turk snatched those binoculars away from Max. He rocked this high-top fade for quite some time. "Damn." my other friend heightened continued speech. "Max, I think I've found your soulmate. She's one sweet Hershey bar, man!"

I rolled my eyes and scoffed while my friends bickered childishly over this stupid peeking item. If only class would begin.

The professor finally walked in and I took a seat next to Fredrick. His near bald head stayed warm under this decorative knit cap, but I always chuckled looking noticing a giant white puff at the top. Like hat peach fuzz or something. We exchanged greetings as well as handshakes in our hoodies. But I rolled my eyes again once Max propped up his feet. Both hands interlocked behind his leather sideways cap.

Curious, I gazed into descending rows of the lecture hall. Through my strained vision, I noticed a female student lean to whisper for another lady here. They'd both spread out books onto the table surface from I could see, but "Max's soulmate" laughed out loud.

Zany designs of the Cosby pullover she'd chosen captured my attention. Her giggles rang through my ears, but she calmed down as soon as Professor Elliott spoke up. Now, if only she'd turn around and I could see that unquestionably gorgeous face.

If not, this would be the longest class of my day. A hushed silence fell over the widespread room and I open my notebook for jotting. I rolled my eyes but smiled once more while Max barely kept his eyes opened. Turk still occupied himself with those binoculars. Fredrick remained sensible like me, but chewed mint gum in the name of a dodge breakfast, not on purpose of course.

Mr. Elliott barely kept chalk between his meaty finger at the board. Our instructor had launched that pointless opening week lesson. But I somehow fought to remain alert. I sat up even more in the chair listening accordingly.

College ain't cheap. Joseph echoed in my mind.

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We found her sitting with the other female student from earlier in the cafeteria. I'd usually drive around home in between classes, but Max would heed curiosity about this new young lady. That student beside her kept brown hair swooped to her right shoulder and she stood a red jacket that absolutely didn't have enough layers for warmth.

"Let me use this meal plan card like Mama said. Fill me in later, fellas." Turk spoke up, but vanished to snatch lunch before I could say goodbye. Fredrick and Max stood with folded arms. I turned my head watching these two.

"Stop lurking." I complained to Max. "Shouldn't you be working on that English paper?"

"Oh, please, D. Elliott said it wasn't due for a while. Calm down." Max scoffed. I couldn't wait to snitch and a knowing grin crept onto my face. His mother Loraine would threaten for sure. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna mack." Max popped a collar, but I puked without mess as a joke.

"Dibs on your Hershey, though." Fredrick pointed out. I followed them both for the sake of entertainment. I couldn't waste any more time dodging the view of Max's approaching failure with ladies. It had been this way for too long.

Moments later, we discovered their table and I spoke up as a gentleman unlike my buddies. "Do you mind if we sit here?" These ladies both looked up from their notebooks with matching brown eyes. That early morning Cosby sweater angel offered a smile brighter than her dark skin. I nearly melted.

"Sure. I'm Leslie. What's your name?" this angel grinned once more.

I almost fainted, but cleared my throat. College was no place for immaturity. "I'm Darryl. This is Frederick and Maxwell."

Max cut a stare toward me, but I could've cared less. Instead, he tucked both hands into his pockets and strolled to Leslie. An honestly shy grin reached his face by now. "Like my friend said, could we please sit next to you? I know this is cheesy, but you're so pretty. Both of you."

"Aww, shucks." That brunette near Leslie smiled bashfully. "Sure you can. We were just talking about schedules and adjusting. I'm Yvonne."

"Nice to meet you, Yvonne." Fredrick spoke up.

So much for dibs on Leslie. I thought to myself.

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By the time school ended that day, Leslie and Yvonne were nowhere to be found during activities. New sororities and frats littered the extensive area. I'd figured they bunked together on the other end of this grounds and just chose to study or something.

Just when I'd took out my keys to leave, I noticed Yvonne rushing to her car at lighting speed. My eyes popped out. My heart pounded nervously. She wouldn't even turn around to face my direction and the driver's door slammed before I could blink. Brisk season air left my exhales in view while I rushed back to the dorms, hoping to find someone in power.