When I finally wake up from my 'nap', it's 4am. My body is sore and my head ache remains. I turn on the small light next to my bed and the room becomes light in seconds, causing my eyes to sting. I need to be up at 7 for my politics test, which I completely forgot about. I tried going back to sleep for a few hours. At around 6 I sat up and grabbed a towel, some jeans, an old basketball t shirt and my shower necessities. Going to the showers, I took my sweet time. A hot shower was all I needed to relieve my current stress. At least I hoped it would. I pondered on my life, who I was, what I was doing. My usual shower thoughts. A half hour later I was dressed and back in my dorm studying while Colette did her makeup. When finished, she braided my hair and I took on the task of bar lacing my new grey vans. When she asked, I told her about my experience from the other night.
"It wasn't anything special, I don't even remember half of it." I say shaking my head. When I do her cold hands grasp my neck telling me to sit still so she doesn't mess up the braid. I don't go into detail because that's classified information, but Colette is extremely impressed.
The test is all multiple choice which I'm grateful for, but the rest of my day is long and tiresome. The next few days flew by in the norm, until Thursday, when I tagged along with Bayley during lunch.
I've never been to this shop before. It smells of peppermint and men's cologne. It reminds me of my brothers old room, he's all successful and stuff now and we barely talk. There's books lining the walls, tables scattered throughout the small area, and a 'hole in the wall' type counter to order your food or drink at. Were seated to the back sipping herbal tea, and eating home style sandwiches. The bell to the entrance rings and I look up from my phone. Bayley continues to talk, and I almost choke on my food. My face begins to feel hot and I know my cheeks are tomato red. I discreetly let Bayley know that Calum, my one night stand and two others, have just entered the room.
His hair is messy, blonde streak intertwined with the rest of his dark hair. His sweatshirt and gym shorts give off an, "I just woke up" vibe. His friends look the same as he does, so I stood by my assumption.
"Are you going to say something?" Bayley asks a little to loud making my anxiety shoot through the roof. I shake my head and look away from where he's currently standing. The boys order coffee, and just as I think they're about to leave they all turn around getting ready to find a seat. Calum pulls his hood off of his head and coughs into his fist. I hold my breath as they sit themselves two tables away from us. Looking up from my phone, I make perfect eye contact with Calum. Of. Fucking. Course.
"Maggie." He says awkwardly and almost in a questioning tone. I smile uncomfortably and say hey. My stomach feels uneasy, but there's also an array of butterflies fluttering around. Bayley is holding in her laughter, and his friends look clueless. He stands from his position and comes over to me. I feel like I'm going to be sick. He stands awkwardly next to my table and I pick up on his actions. I stand, giving him a side hug and offering the seat next to me to him. He sits and ruffles his hair. I've never seen this open side of him, the morning after we exchanged two sentences and he hardly made eye contact with me.
"I've never seen you here before." He says with confusion in his voice.
"First time, I tagged along with Bayley. It's nice in here."
He nods his head searching for comfort in his friends, who want nothing to do with me. He asks if I go to Ithaca, my current college. Apparently he does to, but I've never seen him around other than the party, so he must be in a different program than me. I've never felt more uncomfortable in my entire life. Calum seemed calm though. How was unbeknownst to me. We talk about his major. He tells me all about how he had to audition to be accepted into the music program. He plays bass, and sings a little. He loves to talk. I don't mind it though, because he's really passionate about everything. Sober, he's a totally different person. He asks me a few simple questions, and I give him drawn out answers. I don't feel as uncomfortable anymore. Except for the fact all I can think of is his toned torso underneath that sweatshirt. Or his large hands gripping his coffee up. He wets his lips and takes a sip, never breaking eye contact with me.
"Calum." one of his friends calls. He looks back at them and then to me again.
"Duty calls, we have class soon." He sighs. He seems discouraged. "I know we got off to a sketchy start, but I'd love to see you again." He lightens the mood with a laugh. I smile and he offers to meet me in the communications courtyard after 1:20 today, the end of our classes.
