Don't Throw Away Your Shot

Chapter Three

John's POV

I  tiredly opened my eyes. I  was... in my bedroom? Last I  remembered I was watching a movie with Herc and- ooooh. I began to stretched my arms and sat up. I, of course, was wearing the same thing as yesterday. I left his room and walked into the kitchen. Herc was eating cereal.

"Heeeeey, John!" Herc said, practically flailing his arms around in the air.

I chuckled softly and sat down across from him.

"What's up, Herc?" I asked.

I poured some cereal on a bowl and started eating.

"Nothing. There's nothing to really do today." Herc said.

He chugged a cup of milk.
I munched my cereal. Then I had an idea. I slammed my bowl on the table.

"What if we just walk around campus? I don't know the area..." I asked.

Herc shrugged. "Sure. There's nothing better to do."

I gradually  sat back down and ate my cereal.

"So, what are you focusing on?" Herc asked.

"Marine biology." I said without hesitation.

"Nice. I'm into fashion."

"Really?"

"Yeah, been sewing since I was a kid."

"That's some talent."

Herc chuckled. "Thanks."

I put his plate in the sink. "I'm gonna get ready."

Herc gave a thumbs up as I went to get ready.

*** *** *** ***

Herc and I explored around the school campus. We then  stopped by at Starbucks. Herc got a coffee and I got a vanilla-bean frappuchino.

"John, it's time to unleash your inner white fangirl." Herc snickered.

I elbowed Herc as we got our drinks. Herc payed and they walked out when Herc stopped and elbowed me. Hard. I tried to act like it didn't hurt.

"What?" I asked.

Herc signaled him to a girl in a red crop-top and ripped jeans. Her hair was almost covering one of her eyes. Herc snuck over and tapped her shoulder. She looked over and hugged Herc.

"Hercules! I didn't expect you here!" She said.
Herc let go of the hug.

"'Maria Reynolds, John Laurens. John Laurens, Maria Reynolds." Herc introduced.

I waved at Mara awkwardly and she strutted over and walked her fingers around my shoulders.

"John... you mean from Johnathon?" She asked.

I nervously nodded. I never permitted anyone to call me that for several reasons.

"Well, nice to meet you, Johnathon." Maria kissed my hand.

I kissed her hand as well and she giggled. Herc grabbed Maria by her arm.

"She's the strongly flirtacious one." Herc stuttered.

"Damn right I am." Maria stepped back from Herc and grabbed her purse.

Her heels clicked as she came over to us and motioned us over.

"What are we waiting for? I'm tagging along too!" She said excitedly.

Herc and I ran over to us as she kept walking away. She gripped my arm and sipped her coffee.