It had been a few weeks in Penn Med. Alex liked her classes. She liked the atmosphere. She made a new friend. She first met her in the cafeteria. Hannah was a lovely person and when she asked Alex if she could sit with her for breakfast, Alex couldn't say no. They both met up after classes, Hannah even met Lucas and looked after him once or twice when Alex needed. Hannah loved books, all sorts of them and it was very evident when Alex visited her apartment. They bonded pretty well over their taste in music. Its not very often that people obsessed with Lynyrd Skynyrd get together.
Work wasn't too bad. A few glitches with a few people here and there but Alex was still doing okay. Her being hella efficient helped her with people. For once everything felt simple and nice. For once Alex was a little at ease.
Today she was to meet Hannah's boyfriend. She had heard about Richard. He was a year older than Hannah and they had been together for almost two years now. She seemed happy when she talked about him.
Alex was now sitting in a local café outside campus waiting for the couple. As she sipped her tea Hannah walked in with a familiar looking guy. It was one of the two men she had seen outside the admission office. He was the other brother. As they walked in Hannah saw that unlike his brother, this guy looked softer.
"So Alex, this is my boyfriend Rick. Rick, Alex" Hannah said as she sat down. Richard smiled at Alex as he took a seat next to Hannah. Alex returned the gesture.
"It's nice to meet you Alex. How have you been?"
"I've been good. Hannah has told me a lot about you"
Richard chuckled "Good things I hope".
Alex nodded and smiled. They ordered some coffee and sandwiches and Alex got a refill for her tea. Richard was studying law in Penn Law. Alex could tell that he was a smart guy, kind but shrewd. Together both of them made a striking couple. They were both handsome and looked good together.
"So Alex, anybody you have an eye for on campus? Hannah told me you were single." Richard asked her quite casually.
"I haven't been looking, honestly. I don't really think I have the time to start dating" Alex replied as she took a sip from her cup.
"Oh come on Alex" Hannah said. "it doesn't have to be, you know, 'a date' kind of thing. It can be a cute guy in one of the lectures or some hot doc at work. Some one getting a little flirty. Hey! Maybe one of the teachers at Luke's school!"
Richard and Alex laughed.
"No not really. Like I said, I haven't really been looking."
"Well I think its high time to open your eyes. How about you start at the guest lecture you are about to attend tomorrow?" Hannah wiggled her eyebrows.
"The one by Peggy Whitson? My brother was saying something about it. He is attending it too." Richard said.
"Your brother, Andrew, is one piece of work you know. I haven't seen a dude more entitled in this universe. Do me a favour Alex, will you? Stay away from the guy that looks like him" Hannah said as she poked Rick's cheek with her finger. "I mean, I get it dude, you are smart, but jeez, it doesn't hurt to be a tad bit nicer to people."
Richard just laughed. Alex however took a note of what Hannah said. She wasn't wrong then, she thought. She had felt that something like a warning sign haloed the guy. Once again she made it a point to steer clear of him.
" He is not that bad Hannah. Arrogance is his way of dealing with all the pressure. He is actually a nice guy deep in." Richard said.
Hannah just huffed.
