Changing the Stars

Chapter 4: Is James Right for Me?

Daniel looked at me like someone told him four wasn't a number. I explained to him that James was my roommate's brother. He seemed unconvinced so we ended up talking about my love life in the middle of a college party.

"We were having such a great time talking. Why did he get so mad when you came in?"

"Well, before I met you, we were hanging out, but when he hit on me, I told him he was too much of a player to be a good boyfriend to me. Do you think I'm right?", I ask.

"Yes. You deserve to have the choice of what a good guy looks like. So, how about me?"

"What about you?"

"I'm don't really qualify as a player, but I do believe I'd be a great boyfriend to a great girl."

"That girl will be very lucky.", I say, almost bitterly.

I really like him, but I guess he sees us as friends. He must sense my dampened mood because he puts his fingers under my chin and tells me to look him in the eyes.

"Alex, you are the great girl. I like you, and I want to see you more."

I could feel that I was blushing. I never really had a boyfriend before since in France, my family was very closed off to outsiders.

"I like you too, Daniel."

"Whew, for a second I thought you were going to turn me down because you don't like me. Lets go see a movie tomorrow and hang out."

"Okay! That sounds great!"

"It was great seeing you again Alex. I'll text you tomorrow with more details and what time I'll pick you up."

"Yeah, see you tomorrow."

I was really nervous about what to do next since my face is probably as red as a beet. I quickly kiss him on the cheek and run out. That was a close call.

The next day, people are still waking up and thanking us for throwing a great party. Meanwhile, Care and I are in the halls and rooms cleaning and we can't find James. 

We split up to start at opposite ends of the hall and meet each other in the middle. As I'm walking past a room we've already cleaned, someone grabs my arm and yanks me inside. I hear the door shut and yelp in pain, ready to fight whoever is trying to get me.

"Boo.", James says.

"You're an idiot.", I say as I punch him in the arm. I also remind him that my defensive blow could have been a lot worse.

"Hm, blow. Do you blow anything else?"

"That is a terrible transition, and the answer to that is anyone's, but your little guy.", I wink and walk away as he stands there with his mouth hanging open. 

I see Care and tell her her brother is in one of the rooms we already clean making dirty jokes. She says, "I could have told you he gets crude after a big night of drinking." We laugh at him when he walks out, and finally head back to the room.

It's already about lunch time, so I head out for food and Care heads back to her classes. I have a class right after lunch, so I stay on campus. I go towards Panera, but I see a long line, so I go to Alma's Diner instead. I order my favorite meal; half a tuna with fries and a coke. 

As I'm munching, I check my phone and realize I'm going to be late if I don't leave soon. I pay my check and head back to campus.

My school is huge, so I end up in a big lecture hall with about seventy other students. I try to sit in the middle, so I don't draw attention to myself, and I grab my newer model laptop out of my bag. I hear a whistle behind me coming from someone who just walked it. Of course it's James.

"Nice laptop. Did you pay for it yourself?"

"No, my parents bought it for me because they wanted to make my move easy."

"My parents bought me the same laptop.", he says as he pulls out the same model in a different color.

"Very cool. I can't believe I'm stuck with you for the second time today! I'm getting kind of tired of you."

"No way. I'm the best part of your day. Admit it."

"Nope. You're just the guy who gives me panic attacks by trying to scare the shit out of me."

"Again. Sorry about that. I'll get it eventually.", he smiled. It actually looked genuine.

The professor walks in which makes everyone stop talking. I will spare you the details of my hour long lecture on the history of art.

Afterwards, I went to my favorite coffee stop, and guess who followed me. Yes, James followed me to the little kiosk and wouldn't leave my side. I decided to go straight back to the dorm and wait for Care because it was getting awkward.

Before I could close the door, he came in after me and pushed me up against the part of the door that was facing inside my room. My breath hitched as I tried to calm myself down. 

He moved his face towards my ear and whispered, "You know you want me." I could feel his arrogant smirk form.

I moved his face and kissed him as hard as I could. He lost his footing that pinned me against the door, and I pushed him back. Just to mess with him I said, "Well, I guess you're really the one who wants me.", and winked. 

As soon as I fixed my hair, Care walked in. She was too busy unloading her bag to notice the tension. James stood up and walked out of the room. Served him right for trying to get me to say I like him. I mean I do. He's definitely hot, but I didn't come here for a fling that will leave me in tears.