You're Mine

Journalism

Alex still felt increasing trepidation rising in his chest as the seconds passed. He counted his footsteps as he walked to his next class. One, two, three, four, five-

"Watch where you're going," someone scoffed as they rammed shoulders. He barely glanced up before continuing down the hallway. John was the only thing on his mind. Had he done something wrong? What did he say?

I think she might have a thing for me!

"Oh. That's gotta be it," he shook his head as he entered his next class.

"Alexander!" a shrill female voice called out to him and his eyes shot upward.

"Eliza?" Crap.

"Yeah! Haha, hey! Journalism, huh? Wow. This class is gonna be so fun with you here!" she offered him a forced smile which he ignored as he took his seat.

"Alex, hey!" Burr sat to his left, "I knew you had journalism but I didn't think we'd have it together." Burr's smile quickly faded when he noticed Alex's expression, "Hey, man, are you okay?"

"Just... peachy," he slumped in his desk.

Burr fought the urge to laugh, "Nobody says peachy anymore so I know something's up. What is it?"

"Can we talk about this after class?"

"Oh, yeah sure. No problem," Burr turned to face the lecturer as he walked in the room. He began speaking but Alex couldn't understand a word he said. His mind was very far off.

After class, Alex waited in the hallway. Before Burr showed himself, two men stopped in front of him, scowling down at his small frame.

"Can I help you?" Alex felt minor fear at their faces.

"You're the freak who ran into me, aren't you?" the taller of the two spat.

"I... suppose," Alex wiped his face.

"You should really watch where you're going. Before I make you regret it." He puffed his chest out and walked away. His shorter friend lingered, "You'll have to excuse Thomas. Jeffersons are not known for their kindness. I'm James Madison, by the way. It's good to meet you, Alex."

"Madison!"

James rolled his eyes, "Coming." He waved one last time and followed Thomas around the corner. Burr finally poked his head out of the room, "Looks like you've got a friend."

"Not funny," Alex smiled.

Burr returned in kind with a small laugh, "Okay, so what's up with you?"

"I-" Alex hesitated and beckoned for Aaron to walk with him, "I'm confused."

"Happens a lot in college."

"Can you just... shut up and listen to me, maybe?" Aaron shot a thumbs-up. "Thank you. Anyway, what you said to me when I woke up this morning? How you think John and I would be... uh, yeah. I may be considering. But there's this girl in theatre and she's in journalism. She's the perfect picture of beauty mixed well with sophistication. Not to mention, what my mother would think of her only child if he told her he was... different."

"Your mother?"

"Died when I was 12. I don't remember too much, but enough. And my father may still be alive but I haven't seen him since I was 10."

"Oh... I'm so sorry. I didn't know."

"No, it's okay. I just wanted to ask you what you would do in my situation. You really like your roommate who just happens to be the same gender as you but you also kinda like this smart, pretty girl that's just so nice. I don't know what to do."

"Well," Aaron pursed his lips in thought, "Maybe wait and see if either of them land a relationship and then you can choose the one who doesn't. Or, make a move on one of them and go with it if they're cool but if they turn you down, then their loss?"
Alex could only stare at him.
"What?" Burr scoffed.
"That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard."
"You asked me! I'm just trying to help!" Burr shrugged, "Good luck with that. We definitely don't have the next class together."
Burr gave a two-fingered saluted and turned down the hallway.
"Man," he sighed aloud, "what am I supposed to do?"