A Bad Year In Romantics

Chapter 1.

My life was perfect at the beginning of the new year. I had been accepted into the Culinary School here in Poughkeepsie. It was right across the mall where Parker worked as a librarian.I would be in class from 7 to 3.Then I would cross the road and meet him at the library. There I would do my homework until his shift was over at 5.We would pick up take out and take it to our apartment on the other side of the town.This was our every day routine.Everything was perfect.

One day after school I was doing some written work when a rowdy group of girls came in,4 total. They had book bags with them,which probably meant they had just been let out for the day from college. I didn't pay much attention.Just a glance,then continued to write in my notebook.

They took a circled table opposite me and set up camp.And I mean camp!Pens,pencils,marker and paper galore. They opened texted books and it looked like they were gonna buckle down to study, but they ended up chatting amongst each other.Quite loud to be in a library.

Parker came by with a book cart stacked full of books that had been returned and needed to be put back on their respective shelves.

"What time did you get here?"

"Like 45 minutes ago."I said,"Any good books?"

"No not yet.If I see anything I'll let you know."

"Okay.I'll be here."

"See you in a few." He said as he wheeled off.

As much as I tried to stay focused on my work,I couldn't. My attention took a drift and landed upon the blonde one from the group of girls.She was looking at me and smiling.She wore a pink dress and black slip on shoes.Her hair was down around her shoulders,and she had big blue eyes. She smiled at me and waved,I gave her a head nod and continued my work.

 I've only had one serious girlfriend in my life. I have had others but our relationships never lasted that long. The longest one had lasted 6 months. But the relationship I had had with my serious girlfriend had lasted nearly 3 years.

I was quite startled when the blonde girl came over to introduce herself to me.

"Hi."She said as she pulled the chair across from me out and took a seat,"What are you working on?"

"Homework." I said dully,"Just homework."

"Oh."She nodded,"Are you in college or still in high school?It's hard to tell these days.Everyone looks either way too young or way too old."

"College." I said.I should have lied.

"Which one?!"she suddenly exclaimed,"Hampton college on the rich side of town?"

"The Culinary school right across the street."

Silence.Then:

"So what exactly does that school teach?"

"Cooking. People go their to pursue a career as a chef or something else in the food industry."

"Ah I see. A Chef and A Science teacher. How lovely would that be."

I slammed my book shut (maybe on accident?),And said "I beg your pardon?"

She noticed my baffled expression and quickly added,"Oh nothing. Just thinking out loud."

"Huh.."I said.Quickly I gathered up my things and shoved them into my bag "Well it was nice meeting you.Take care."

"Wait."She stood up and followed me to the second floor of the library,"What's your name?"

"What?"I asked. We were standing in the middle of the staircase now.

"Your name.What is it?"

"Gabriel."