Look After You | Colby Brock

Group Project

I take my time to walk to the coffee shop on campus. The sun is out and no clouds are in the sky. I see multiple groups of people hanging out on the grass or on benches, everyone looks so relaxed, It's pleasuring to see so many happy faces.

Once I arrive to the cafe, I take my time to scan the glass counter opting for my usual coffee and a grilled cheese sandwich to go. The library is close by to the cafe, a route I definitely want to take more often. I spot Roselyn studying in the corner with a couple of other people, I recognise them as the same people from the beach. I decide not to sit near them and to sit near the window alone. Placing the food onto the table I take my books out of my bag and look over yesterdays notes before class.

—-

"Ok guys. I want you all to get into groups for the first group project of the semester" Professor Cowden's voice travels through the lecture hall. Me and Jake exchange a look as he mentions a group project, "Preferably groups of four" he continues, both of us rolling our eyes in unison. "The project will be quite a large part of your final folio for this year, so please take it seriously." He begins to pass papers through the audience.

"You're all going to be finding a client to help out, out-with the Psychology department and will be reporting back to your group each week about your improvements with the person. It can be completely anonymous even to your group. Unless it becomes a serious matter then you will need to report it to me." He explains, standing back at the front of the class after everyone has been given a paper. "It can be someone you feel needs someone to talk to, to open up to, or it can easily be someone who has gone through something in the past. If you can't find someone on campus then off campus is fine too"

"Any questions?" He asks as he finishes.

I raise my hand, "Yes, Aliyah?" The rooms attention goes to me causing my cheeks to flush. "Are you sure we should be helping someone mentally without the experience?" I ask, he nods understandingly before answering. "I thought someone may question it, but this is a great way for you to explore how you want to go about this course. It doesn't need to be on professional terms and more like a friend on friend" He smiles slightly and I exchange one.

The rest of the class, Professor Cowden answers any questions, me and Jake find ourselves partnered with a couple of other girls in our class, Harriott and Jen. I'm glad we only have to meet once or twice a week as they're pretty chatty folk. "Ok so I'll text you if I find myself a client" Jake tells me as we leave the lecture hall, I laugh quietly "Yep, Same, It shouldn't be that hard" I groan and he chuckles.

We separate and I decide to head back to the dorms to see if Roselyn is around. I haven't really got the chance to make anymore friends other than Jake and Rose so I feel maybe I should explore a bit more, but then again, Rose would be a perfect candidate for my project. Just as I assumed when I walk through the door, music fills the room and Rose is sat at her desk painting her nails.

"Hey girl!" She says excitedly turning in her chair, I smile at her placing my bag on the floor and grabbing a hair band off my desk to tie my hair into a messy bun.

"Hello, quick question?" She lifts a brow as I sit on the edge of my bed, "How would you feel about being a client of mine, y'know, like me being your therapist?" I ask, she frowns and then bursts out laughing. Once she realises I'm being serious she sits upright and clears her throat "Sorry, but I don't need one and honestly Aliyah, I think it's better if you find someone who's not a friend" she smiles and I tilt my head, "How so?" She places her nail polish bottle on the side and begins to blow on her wet nails, "Well, Say I had a huge secret that is pretty embarrassing..I think for both our sakes it'd be a lot better if you and I didn't talk on a daily basis" she explains and I look out the window, thinking. I stand to my feet and lift a box onto my bed that reads Lights.

"Yeah, I never thought of it like that" I frown as I open it up and begin unraveling a large pair of warm lights, she stands to her feet and begins to go through her dresser. "I'm sure you'll find someone on campus. Just take a look around and see who looks down" She shrugs and pulls out a change of clothes. I place the lights onto my bed and turn to her.

"I'm meeting up with some people from my classes for dinner, you're welcome to join us" She smiles.

"Oh I'm fine, thanks though. I'll probably just grab something at the cafeteria, I'm going to take your advice and try and find myself a client" I laugh and she nods, we chat back and forth about classes, I tell her about my plans to make our room a bit less like a dorm and she helps me put up some lights, I ask her about Jayde and Iris but she hasn't met them. I really should speak to Colby about them, considering Jayde said he was and I recall 'fucked in the head.' Wait, Colby, He's the perfect client. I stand to my feet, "I have the best idea" I squeak and Roselyn laughs, I grab my phone and keys and head for the door, "I'll fill you in later" I shout back to Rose before exciting the door and heading down the hall to Colby and Sam's room.