In the Shadows

Chapter 2

(Author's Note: If you would like to listen to Chapter 2 parts 1 and 2 on audio, please click the videos. I am sorry that I had to put the chapter into two parts, the video/audio I use only allows me a certain length, sorry for the inconvenience, but if wish to listen to it, then please enjoy the audio)

   When I finally reach the campus, I stare at my watch and realize it's 8:48 am. Yes! I smile happily and perform a little dance for arriving on time.

   As I attach my bike to the bike rack, I wonder if I have all my supplies. Oh no. Did I forget my textbooks? I check my bag and find my environmental science workbook, my encyclopedia of marine biology: Volume 4 assigned text as well as my computer. I sigh in relief that I have my schoolbooks or I would have been SOL (Shit Out of Luck).

   I get my books out of my bag and head to class. When strolling to the Metcalf Science Center, immediately I feel my books slipping from my hands, and the books dive to the floor.

 "Fuck!" Did I just say that out loud? 

    I bend down to grab my books when I notice someone grabbing them off the ground. I can tell it's a guy because his long fingers run across the text. He looks at my textbooks, for just a split second, and then his dark blue eyes flicker to mine. He looks away quicker than I did and I drop my gaze at once from embarrassment.

   I know who exactly it is with those gorgeous baby blue eyes, short thick black hair, and that tall muscular body. I can tell he has a muscular body with his tight black shirt clinging to him, and he's also wearing those tight dark-blue jeans of his that show off his perfect thighs. His name is Christopher. I always had a crush on him since freshman year of college- even though he ignored me constantly and probably doesn't even know I existed.

   Finally, I find my voice. "T-thank you," I stutter as I grin like an idiot. I didn't know he could be so nice. As he hands me my books, I notice his inked forearm. The way the design of the black and white heart goes around his arm down to his wrist is mesmerizing. 

  For some reason, this situation reminds me of a stupid romantic movie. In these foolish movies that don't make any sense- they look at each other, then the guy helps the poor girl out, and they somehow end up kissing. They fall in love at that moment- those movies call it "love at first sight." I don't believe in love at first sight. To me, no one can possibly fall in love that fast. Can they? No. No that's impossible, it's stupid really...

   "You're welcome... It's Susan, isn't it?" He says suddenly, interrupting my thoughts.

   "Sussianna," I correct him with a smile. "Y-your name is Christopher?" I stammer. Why am I so nervous around him? Is it because I think he's so good-looking? No, stop looking at him that way Sussianna!

    He laughs. "Yeah, but everyone calls me Chris, Sussianna," he says as a smirk comes across his face.

  "Okay, Chris then."

   I assume he doesn't like his first name. I prefer when individuals call me by my full name. I hate when people separate it, it's not Susie, Anna, or even Susan, it's Sussianna. I liked when Chris said my name, I loved how his full lips moved very slowly as he pronounced it. Dammit! Cut it out! Stop thinking like that.

  "You're in Mr. Young's class, correct?" He asks.

   "Yes." He should know me because we had the same classes ever since freshman year but he probably never paid attention to me.