Reconnecting- Freshman Year

Rami's Point of View

I am looking through my closet trying to find the right outfit for tonight. It needs to be casual but also hot. It's a college party. Not just any party. My first party. My immigrant parents had always taught me to focus on school and to get a good job and I have always obeyed them but tonight, my friends had finally convinced me to go. I have to look nice because they came up with a party goal for each of them to come home with a girl. I told them no but deep down, I kind of want to. I sigh, picking out a nice, not too fancy collared shirt and a pair of jeans. I reluctantly change and then walk to the bathroom of my dorm.

"You may not have talked to her since you guys were ten, but tonight, you're gonna do it." I told myself while looking in the mirror. "Rachel..." I whisper to myself. Her name lingers on my tongue happily, my lips curling into a smile, color coming into my cheeks. All of my other roommates had already left for the party. I promised them I wouldn't be too far behind, so I decide that I had better get going. I head out of the frat house and made my way down to where the party is being held. I walk the entire way with my head hung low, hands in my pockets.

When I arrive at the party, I finally look up and even from just seeing the back of her head, I knew. Rachel, who's hair that lay at the nape of her neck got almost ginger in the sunlight. Rachel, whose freckles kiss her body all over, and got darker in the sun. Rachel, who I'd remembered watching movies and hanging out with at my family's little apartment when we were younger. I remembered how she'd cry at all the stupidest things, but I've always loved that about her. Rachel, who only stood at 5ft1, but carried herself (most of the time) with beauty and grace. I was incredibly saddened by how we'd lost contact for eight years, but it seems as if this is a sign that the world is giving me a chance. This is my chance, and I would not screw it up. I approach her slowly, trip on a twig and nearly knock her over, but I somehow manage to catch her hand at the last second, just as if it were a movie.

"Woah!" She says, laughing a little. All I could seem to do is stare at her. "I'm so sorry," she began as I help her up. "I really need to be mo- Rami?!" She exclaims, flashing a wide smile. I let out a bit of a nervous laugh before nodding.

"Y-yep, that's me." I stand there, rubbing my neck due to embarrassment. This is not how I wanted things to start out.

"Oh my god!" Rachel pulls me into a tight embrace. "It's been so long?! How have you been?!" She steps back, getting a better look at me. "Well, you look great, I can tell you that." She smiles widely at me, her cheeks turning a bit rosy. "Oh, it's been so long." She pulls me into another hug. "But I'm sure we'll be able to start off right where we left off, just as if it were yesterday." This is a lot for me to process. I didn't even think she'd remember me! I nod while swallowing the excess amount of saliva that has seemed to form in my mouth. I feel as if everyone at the party could hear me gulping.

"Been a while, yeah." Every time I open my mouth, I feel like I am going to projectile vomit. I scrunch his face up as if smelling something awful, but really, I am only trying to think of what to say next. I try to do some mind-calming techniques that I use to calm my nerves before performing, but nothing is working. "I'm a theatre major! I'm getting a BFA Degree!" I practically yell at Rachel like a drill sergeant. Rachel just laughs.

"Really? Me too!" She runs her hand through her hair. "That means we'll get to have classes together! This is very exciting!" She smiles. I need to get out of there. Abort mission. I just couldn't do it. Not tonight. Maybe not ever.

"Uh, Rachel, I've got to go. I-I really don't feel well." I'm telling the truth. I turn around and just start running, and when I think I'm out of her eyesight, I double over and throw up all over myself, my shoes, and the ground. "F-fuck." I quickly wipe my mouth and then continue to bolt back to the frat house, still wearing my vomit covered shoes and clothing.