The First Catch

Chapter 3: Paths Cross Again

Melanie almost made it through the first week of college, as Friday rolled around.  Her last class for the week was at five o' clock.  Melanie couldn't wait for it to finish.  She knew that the schedule would be tough, but not this tough.  Especially right away.  All she wanted to do this weekend was relax.  But some of the classes already had her nose deep in homework.  So instead, Melanie would be spending the time studying.  Victoria though, had another idea in mind.  "Did..  You say party?"  Melanie asked, looking reluctant.  She wasn't sure about her roommate.  They had very different views on things.  But it would be too late now for switching rooms.  And the next one might be worse than Victoria.

"Not a party, silly.  A small gathering with a few of my friends.  Then you can get to know some people."  Victoria nudged her.  Melanie let out a sigh.  "Define small...  I am getting to know people.  I know some of the students with whom I have classes."  Victoria rolled her eyes.  "Were you always a fun sucker?"  She fired back.  "You may know some.  But you don't hang out much. You come straight back here after classes.  That's not exactly the same as getting to know people."  Victoria commented.

"It's only a group of three to five people.  We can play a few games, get some snacks and have a movie night."  Victoria suggested.  Noticing Melanie's disapproving look.  She still wasn't keen about the idea.  But if she said yes, it would get Victoria off her back.  And Melanie was certain, Victoria would badger till she changed the answer.  "Alright, fine.  I suppose I can give it a shot." Victoria clapped her hands in an excited manner.  "I'll get the movies and snacks ready for later. While you're at class."

Melanie exited out of her room to head for the next session.  Still not liking Victoria's plan. Something told her it would be greater than five people.  All Melanie wanted was quiet time.  She regretted agreeing to the party already.  This class was even more grueling than the others. When Melanie got back to the room and opened the door.  She made a small glance around, studying the decorations Victoria set up.  "Woah!"  She exclaimed.  "You're going all out for only five girls getting together and watching movies."  Melanie stated.

Victoria grinned.  "I guess I do go overboard sometimes.  But I can't help it!  It's fun!  I love setting things up, even for small gatherings."  Melanie bit her lip, to hold back a remark.  "What time are they coming over?"  Victoria looked at her watch.  "They should be arriving here soon." "Fantastic..."  She muttered in a sarcastic tone.  "It will be fine I promise."  Victoria said.  Another grin crossed her features, hearing the knock at the door.  "That would be them!"  Melanie watched as Victoria went to answer the door.  Looking rather nervous, as more like ten people were standing there, instead of five.  Melanie stepped closer, giving Victoria a glare.  "I thought you said it was only going to be a gathering of five!"  Melanie hissed leaning in towards her roommate, so the other girls couldn't hear.

"Well..  Aren't you a stick in the mud?"  Julie said, stepping in and giving Victoria a hug.  "Ignore Melanie.  She's grumpy because she's already overworked."  Victoria returned the glare to Melanie.  "Don't worry.  There won't be many more coming..  These are a few of Julie's friends. And their boyfriends"  Melanie raised an eye at how Victoria phrased her words.  Ignoring Julie's comment.  "I checked with my boyfriend.  He's also coming."  Julie explained to Victoria.  "He'll come after his class is done.  I think he's bringing three of his friends.  So it'll be roughly around twenty people."  She smirked.  Victoria shrugged hearing a sigh escape from Melanie's lips. "Sorry."  She mouthed.  Victoria had meant five people.  But should've known better with Julie. She sometimes liked to spread the word.

Melanie kept her eyes on the door.  As more people kept piling in.  The dorm was getting crowded.  To the point where nobody would fit, should anyone else show up.  At this point, there were more than twenty people.  She looked around searching for Victoria.  Who was standing in the one corner.  Talking with some guy Julie introduced her to.  Melanie made her way over. "Can I steal you for a minute?"  She asked, grabbing Victoria's arm.  Before she could respond. Victoria looked from Melanie to the guy.  Letting out a small nervous laugh.  Hearing the sternness in Mel's voice.  "Can you..  Give me a second?.."

Victoria barely managed to speak those words.  When Melanie grabbed her.  Pulling Victoria away from the guy.  So he couldn't hear what she wanted to discuss.  "I thought we were watching a movie!"  Victoria rolled her eyes, lifting the cup to take a drink.  "I'm not comfortable being here with drinks involved.  We could get in trouble!  And I didn't do any of this!"  Melanie rambled, getting herself worked up.  The more she thought about what could go wrong

"Relax mom...  If the cops raid us, I will tell them it's on me, and you had nothing to do with it.  I was having an interesting conversation with that guy!  Oh Mel!  You should meet him!  His name is Levi.  He is amazing!  He doesn't go to school here.  He's here with Julie's boyfriend.  Get this! Levi goes to the police academy.  He's training to become an officer!  So will you relax?  We already have an officer in our midst.  Two actually..  Including Julie's boyfriend.  And I don't see them making any arrests."  She smirked.  Melanie scrunched up her nose.  Watching Victoria stalking back over to Levi.  Before she could retort back that they weren't quite officers yet.

Paul stepped into the room not long after the party started.  Watching the people shuffle through the small space.  "Here, take a load off."  One of the guys said.  As he spotted Paul entering.  Then handed him a beer.  Paul shook his head, then waved his hand to dismiss.  "Oh.  Um..  No thank you.."  Melanie was in the corner.  Not too far off from where Paul stood, and heard the familiar voice.  She'd been stuck in that same spot.  Sulking since Victoria left her to go back to Levi.  Melanie wasn't in any mood for any kind of visit.  Nor was she in the mood to be at the party.  She turned to make her escape.  Turning at the right moment, to see Paul, making his way into the room.  And being offered a beer.

Oh bloody hell.  What is he doing here?  I thought he was attending a college in California! Melanie fidgeted, feeling uncomfortable with all these random students in the room.  She took a quick scan around.  Seeing her roommate didn't appear too bothered anymore, if she went missing.  Melanie took the opportunity, shuffling so she could hide behind someone.  And also be out of Paul's view.  Not sure if she was ready to see him yet.   Melanie did her best to remain hidden in the crowd.   As she worked her way closer to the door.   So she could sneak out.

Paul managed to move away from the door.  By the time Melanie made her way over.  And moved away from the man who offered him a drink.  One of the students whom he'd met in class earlier, told him of the event.  And said he should come.  It'd be a way to meet new people.  Paul was leery at first.  Especially since he didn't know the kid.  Nor was he the type to go to some random party.  But since Paul had nothing better to do.  He figured it couldn't hurt.  And decided to give it a shot.  As he made a small glance around, he looked rather surprised.  Spotting a familiar figure leaving the room.  Looking like she was sneaking out.  Melanie?

She wasn't exactly a party girl type.  Paul looked back at one of Julie's friends.  When he realized they were addressing him.  But ignored the chat.  "Please excuse me for a moment."  He said, letting her know he wasn't interested.  Deciding this moment was as good as any.  To take the opportunity and meet up with Mel.  They were good friends throughout the high school years, starting in eighth grade.  But never dated.  Paul came close to asking a few times.  But shied away.  Missing the opportunity.  The two only remained good friends.  This was his chance.  

Paul made his way through the crowd.  Heading towards the door in time to see Melanie rounding the corner out of the room.  Damn it..  So close.  Paul took a quick exit before anyone could stop him.  He couldn't miss his chance.  Not this time.  He didn't know when he'd get another one.  "Melanie?"  He asked, once he approached closer.  Melanie stopped dead in her tracks as she heard the familiar voice.  And felt her heart race.  She took a deep breath, before turning around and giving a small smile.  "Hello Paul.."