Is It Love? DROGO

Chapter 7: Calm Conversation

Red Crandall

I find it very difficult to emerge from sleep. Using my power without any preparation drained my vital energy. I feel slightly sick. I reach the bathroom walking like a robot and take a hot shower. All my gestures are mechanical and weary.

Once ready, I go down to the dining room and find, for the first time since my arrival, I'm alone for breakfast. I repress a smile. The Bartholys no longer need to fool me. I imagine how boring it must have been to watch me eat, day in, day out.

I don't want to be alone, I grab an apple and go to the hall. Without looking back, I leave the manor.

Getting up to the Uni went well. As soon as I got off the bus, Sarah rushed over to me.

"So how did the revising go yesterday?"

"Good. Peter really helped me!"

I'm a good liar. I give her one of my magnificent I smiles.

"Great. At least, there's something positive about the Bartholys."

"Sarah..."

"Ok, ok!"

A guy almost crushes into us, carrying flyers. Immediately, he puts one in our hands and leaves without a word. I look at Sarah, a little bewildered, but she's already focused on reading it.

"We absolutely must go!"

"Uh... Where?" She shows me the flyer she's holding in her hands.

"They're organizing a party on campus!" I take a closer look.

"It's a fraternity party."

"Yeah, Loan's, but we don't care, there's always a lot of people at these parties, there's a little chance of bumping into him."

"I don't know. Generally, things get out of hand at that kind of party."

"You have my word! If it's a crap, we won't stay!" Her good mood wins me over.

"Ok, sounds good! You win, I'll go with you!" I already see the machinery in her brain turning at high speed. She's thinking over every last detail: where we'll meet, at what time, what's going to wear... I confess that I'm impressed by her sense of organization.

LATER, I join Peter at the cafeteria. He's reading. I don't bother asking if he minds and take a seat in front of him. My familiar attitude forces a smile out of him.

"I see you don't trouble yourself with manners anymore."

"I'm tired of walking on eggshells. If I want to sit at your table, I sit."

"I was beginning to find it odd, the very-polite girl routine!"

"Come on, give me a break. It's not easy being in a new city where you don't know anyone. I couldn't just force my way in!" Peter looks at me amused. I could also have told him that it would be possible for me to shut his book under his nose, with just a glance, but I'm gonna try to be discreet.

I start eating as Peter plunges back into his book. He loves classics, apparently.

"Why do you come here, since you don't eat?"

"I like the atmosphere. All these people taking a break in their day eating and sharing a moment. The place is full of good energy."

"Like a kind of battery which you draw inspiration?" He nods, quite surprised by my discernment.

"Where's your friend?"

"She's still in class. We're meeting after." I don't bring up the subject of their hostility, although I'm still set on reconciling them. It's in my nature. I am a perpetual optimist. But I've something else on my mind.