Berliner Boys

1: Roderich

Today is a new beginning for me. After the winter holidays, I feel better. Maybe I am getting over Elizabeth. Maybe I can finally move on. She isn't in my classes anymore. I am ready to face this challenge; face my loneliness.
I am ashamed of admitting this outloud, but it is the truth.

Now I am standing with a cup of coffee in my hand, with my bagpack on my back and my bicycle beside me. Like everyone else in this stinky station, I am waiting for my train. But Berlin is notorious for it's irregularities. I hate it very much. I wish I was living atleast a little closer to my university.
And finally my train arrives. I wait until the people get in. I have to push a few people because they are blocking the whole bicycle spot.
"Excuse me." I say quietly and hope they hear.
A guy apologizes and leaves his place so I can stand comfortably while holding my bicycle.
It is a long way, so I pull out my book to read and catch up with the themes that we are going to discuss in the lecture later.
In all honesty, I hate reading this book. It is the most blunt book ever, but who am I to complain. I chose this major.

And people keep on bumping into me.

"Sorry. Can you, maybe, move a little?" I say as I notice that a grown up man is practically sitting on my lap while we are standing.

His ears are covered with an obnoxious set of headphones. I can hear the music he is listening. He is listening to Rammstein's new blockbuster: Deutschland. I think it is very interesting. And as I pay more attention, he is also wearing a Rammstein merch shirt.
I can't see his hair, but I assume that his hair is dyed.

The train stops and the fanboy falls back and I am yanked out of my place.
"I am sorry." I say to an old woman who stares at me with her dark brown eyes. I wish I could understand her language. I think she is speaking Arabic.
I apologize once again and she just smiles.

"Yo. Yes, I am on my way. Adlershof? Yes, yes. Wait before the entry of the cafeteria. We can meet eachother there. No, I have got my books today. Chao."
The fanboy chuckles lowly after finishing his conversation. For a brief moment, he turns his head to a side and I can see a glimpse of his profile. He has Germanic features, more or less. Maybe he is just an exchange student, maybe he is a German. Where ever he comes from, it doesn't matter. I have to get out. My station has arrived. Adlershof. It takes about four minutes with my bicycle to get to the university.

"Hey, wait!"
I turn around abruptly.
"I think this is your book." The fanboy gestures towards me. I look at him with a confused expression. I am sure, I look ridiculous. He has red eyes.

"Your book." He repeats and I drive my eyes away. I haven't seen red eyes before. I swear they are naturally red!
"Uh, thanks." I take the ugly book and paddle away.

I first lecture begins and ends. And so, my level of motivation has fallen under zero scalar.

It is finally lunch time. I go to the central cafeteria where I unfortunately see Elizabeth but she doesn't. She seems busy with her new boyfriend? Whoever he is, he is one hell of a lucky guy. I am jealous.
I stop staring and take my tray. I go to the upstair and sit alone at a table for four. Ironic!

I eat as fast as I can. I have another rehearsal. I have to catch up on time.

"Yes. I took the books. Goddamn this place. Ludwig, next time you get the books. I don't care..."
By hearing the familiar voice, I turn around. It is the fanboy. He has a pile of books on his table.
And he notices me. And he is waving. And I don't know what to do. Maybe I should wave back. Well, it is too late cause he is walking towards my table.
"Hey." He says.
"Hi." I answer. He clears his throat and smiles once again.
"So... I am new here and I have to take these shitty books with me. Today I saw at the train station, which makes me assume, we live close to eachother. I was wondering if you can carry half of it. My stupid brother is busy..." He scratches his head.
I have to think. I don't like the idea, but it is debatable.
"I guess I could..."
"Thanks mate. I am Gilbert Beilschmidt." He claps a hand on my shoulder and smiles again. He didn't let me finish my sentence. Way to go.

It appears, as if Gilbert wants to say something else, but I have to disappear, because Elizabeth is walking towards my direction. I have to go. My rehearsal will begin in between 15 minutes or so.

"Hey, man. I have to go. Give me 5 books and tell me where I can meet you." I say. Gilbert's eye grow big and nods his head quickly.
"Lemme write my number. Just call me around 6p.m." He writes his number and I save it. I basically run away from Elizabeth.