The Stoic And The Beast

Tyler, Meet My New Friend Idget

Alicia's POV

I ran out of the shop in the direction that I came. I ran past the fountain and down the steps. Eventually making my way across the campus within a few minutes because I ran like my life depended on it. Well, it sort of did. I pushed through the pain digging in my sides. I ignored the burn in my lungs as I tiredly gasped for air. I finally made it to the foot of the stairs in the lobby of the freshman building.

I stopped long enough to take a few gulps of air and questioning why there wasn't an elevator as I looked up at the dozens of stairs laid before me. My moment's rest was short-lived as I dreadfully began climbing my way up the stairs skipping two or three steps at a time. I finally made it to the third-floor landing telling myself that I need to exercise more.

I'm so late. I didn't stop until I reached the door. I tried to open it quietly so I didn't disturb my new professor's lecture. My eyes scanned the room for Tyler. He wasn't hard to find since he was flailing with one hand in the air while pointing at the empty chair beside him with the other. Tyler wore a goofy look of pure happiness splashed across his face as he grinned widely at me.Oh dear God. More stairs? Tyler your gonna be the death of me. I groaned as I feigned a toothy smile at my best friend.

Tyler had managed to get seats at the top of the stairs. With my lungs still burning inside from my dash across campus and up three flights of stairs, I drug myself toward the steps. My feet felt like they were ten-pound bricks attached to my ankles. What're fifteen more steps at this point? One stair at a time, I climbed the steps toward my best friend. I quietly maneuvered myself over to where my reserved spot was next to Tyler. He whisper yelled in my direction while still looking at the professor.

"Where have you been Alicia? The class started twenty minutes ago. And why is your hair wet? Why did you change your clothes?"

"It's a long story Tyler. A long, long story."

I sighed heavily and laid my head on the desk while I tried to catch my breath and ease the stinging pain in my side.

"Are you okay?"

"Yep, I'm just peachy," I responded sarcastically under my breath.

I couldn't wait to tell my best friend what happened to me today but right now wasn't the time. I decided to fill him in after class while we grabbed lunch. Oh, lunch. I'm starving. And stupid me didn't pack anything. I rolled my head to the side to look at Tyler with big puppy dog eyes. When his eyes met mine, I proceeded to give him my best pouty look.

"Hey, can I borrow a few bucks for lunch Tyler?"

"Sure, As long as you promise to tell me why it looks like you went for a swim before class."

"I did go for a swim. Well sort of. I'll explain it at lunch. Thanks, bestie."

I pulled out my notebook and pens while I actively tuned in to the professor's lecture to catch up on what I missed. I hastily jot down notes of what was already written on the blackboard. He was mainly discussing his agenda and how things were going to be carried out during this semester in his class. Thankfully, I only really missed his introduction.

The rest of the class was eventless on my part. No noises or outbursts. I did nothing to draw attention to myself. Minus walking in late. So far so good. An hour later the buzzer rang. Everyone collected themselves and started exiting the room. I put my things away quickly while feeling eyes on me the whole time. Tyler was staring at me ready for an explanation.I stood up. Ready to leave and Tyler followed on my heels while immediately demanding answers before we even got through the doorway.

"Okay spill it. Tell me how your day has been and why you've magically changed your clothes and your hair is wet." He demanded.

"I fell into a fountain," I said flatly.