She Was Like Magic ✓

Chapter 1: Skinny Dipping

Ari

I watched her from afar as I bit into my lunch. As I chewed on some chicken, kidney beans and salad I saw her animatedly talk to everyone around her who revelled in what she was saying and hung onto her every word.

Her smile easygoing, her green eyes shining in the mild sunlight along with her light olive skin, and her caramel hair gathered into a messy ponytail swaying as she swung her head to make eye contact with everyone as her hands flew about to explain her story.

I wondered what she was telling them that could be that enthralling that she had everyone in the palm of her hands. But knowing her, she could say anything and people would still be in awe of her. 

"Hey what are you doing staring at her?" my buddy Franco plopped down next to me on the bench I was sitting on. 

"I'm tryna figure her out" I replied as I narrowed my eyes at her in concentration. She was currently brushing her long fringe out of the way of those green eyes of hers. 

"She isn't one of your math equations that you can solve, you know? And get too close to 'solve her' as you say, and I bet you she will have you at your feet with that one lethal wink of hers that everyone talks about" he pointed his black plastic fork at me and nodded his head seriously. 

"I am just trying to figure out what all the fuss is about. I mean there's nothing that's screaming at me that she's amazing and deserves all this attention like a damned celebrity" I added bitterly. 

"Well look at her Ari, she is pretty even your stubborn ass has to admit that. And the thing is she talks to everyone. She even talks to you when you aren't giving her your 'I am too mysterious for you to talk to me' look" he shook his head and laughed "And no one likes talking to you but me. Comprende?" 

I turned to look at Franco "How long have you been my friend? Since middle school. She's known me since what? Since the start of this semester. So why is she so keen to talk to me and everyone like she knows us?" I shook my head and turned to look back at her. 

"And you know me, I don't stop 'til I solve equations" I added.

***

I was leaning against a wall in some frat house. The smell of alcohol lingering everywhere, the music screaming down my ears and vibrating on the wooden floor under my feet and sweaty bodies dancing with each other in front of me at a little distance. 

I took out my phone and fired off a text to Franco.

Where are you?!  
Sent. Delivered. 

Shit, I'm really tryna get there but I don't know how long this will take. This girl in my group is going to chop my balls off if we don't get this project finished tonight, no joke
Sent. Received. 

The only reason I came was you, you bastard! 
Sent. Delivered. 

Hey! I love my balls more than I love you so I'm sorry dude. How long have you been there?
Sent. Received. 

I just came and the party is going strong and apparently has been for the last few hours. I might as well take advantage of the free booze 
Sent. Delivered. 

Man i wish i could be there! Urgh but I need my balls to get laid at these parties so I am going to have to give up being laid tonight. Good luck from me, not that you need any but still. Oh and drink on my behalf too, like in my memory or some sappy shit like that. Enjoy
Sent. Received. 

I laughed and shook my head as I shoved my phone back into my jean pocket. I was dressed with a white t-shirt and and black and white chequered shirt left open and the sleeves rolled up to my elbows. My dark, black, hair atop my head with the shaved sides was swept to one side.