In Your Orbit || Mikey Way

In Your Orbit

"So you mean to tell me that you come to this specific Barnes and Noble three times a week just to get a look at some gawky guy from your English class?" Janet's perfectly arched brows are furrowed, her glossy lips twisted into a scowl.

"Well, that's not exactly fair," I defend myself from across our cramped table. "I come here for Starbucks, too. Have you ever seen the baristas lose their collective shit when a Bruce Springsteen song comes on? It's a sight to behold."

"Oh, yeah, I'm sure," she scoffs. "We have study hours at the Kappa house; you should just go there. It's not as crowded, and there's no skinny nerds to distract you."

I roll my eyes. "No, there's just the bulky meatheads from Rho Chi."

I'm not surprised Janet doesn't understand. We're like night and day, but we've been best friends since we pledged the same sorority two years ago.

"There he is." Janet points behind me. I quickly push her hand down as I look over my shoulder. Sure enough, he's walking through the store, carrying a couple of boxes to the music department. He's definitely not the kind of guy most of my friends would go for, with his lanky build and thick glasses, but seeing him makes my heart flutter. I know Mikey from my English class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. He's definitely the quiet type, and I happen to have a thing for shy guys. The only problem is, I'm painfully shy myself.

He looks over at us, probably because Janet is snickering at me. I bring a hand to my face to conceal the furious blush that is spreading across my cheeks, and turn back around.

"You've got it really bad, Vivienne," she teases.

"Let's just go," I hiss at her. She starts to pack up her things. I dare to glance back, but my heart sinks when I see that Mikey has vanished.

I still feel like I'm blushing as I sit in Dr. Hill's classroom the next morning. I pretend to be engrossed in Beowulf as my classmates filter in. I only look up briefly when Mikey comes in, but our eyes meet for a brief moment. I quickly look away, too embarrassed to even offer a smile. I go back to skimming the text halfheartedly, but all I can think of are the flecks of gold in his hazel eyes.

Dr. Hill reminds us that it's time for midterms. Instead of giving an exam, she pairs us up to write a paper.

"Miss Williams." She gestures flippantly to the other side of the room. "You're working with Mr. Way."

I nod in acknowledgment. Dr. Hill's lecture goes largely ignored as I spend the rest of class engaged in silent battle with myself. I'm excited to have the chance to get to know him better. But what if he thinks I'm just a vapid sorority girl? Or what if I make an idiot of myself?

Eventually, Dr. Hill dismisses us. Students go filing out of the room, but I wait behind.

"Um, hey," I say as I approach my partner. "Mikey."

It feels weird to actually say his name out loud. He turns to me and our eyes meet again. This time, I smile. A nervous giggle escapes my lips as I plead with myself. Please do not start blushing.

"When would you be able to get together to work on our paper?" I finally ask.

"Oh, um," he pauses to lick his lips and I'm afraid my brain might short circuit. "How about Thursday night?"

"That works for me. We can meet at the library if you want?"

He runs a hand through his already disheveled brown hair. "Ok. Around six?"

"Sounds good," I say. "Ok. I'll see you around."

||||

On Wednesday, Janet insists I study with her at the sorority house.