A Broken Heart

Chapter 8

I sit down in my normal seat in Introduction to Creative Writing. The class is only half full, but students are dropping in. First class of the new week and I see several people yawning. Most of them has certainly been partying all weekend, so that's not surprising. I feel pretty good though, so I'm very grateful for a nice calm weekend.

I pick up my notepad and pen and pull up the table in front of me to place them on. I've been looking forward to this class, it's my favorit from the ones I've had.

"Hi." I hear someone say to my right and I look over to see my usual seat-neighbor come closer.

"Hey!" I greet her with a smile. We've never really said anything to each other before, don't know why.

She drops down on the chair next to me. "What did you think of the party?" She ask and pull her computer up on the table. I remember seeing her on the dance floor, looking to be having fun.

"It was okay." I tell her, not really lying. It wasn't horrible exactly, I just don't fit in with partying people since I don't do it myself. "I'm not really a party person." I confess to her.

"Wow, you're gonna hate it here." She laughs a really joyful laugh. She doesn't seem to judge me really, just shocked by information.

"Yeah? People don't do anything else in this place?" I question with a smile.

"Sure they do, but there's parties almost every weekend somewhere." She shrugs. "I'm Lexi by the way." She hold her hand out to me and I take it and introduce myself.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Mel. You looked like you were having fun Friday." I tell her as I see the professor walk into the room.

"I did, it's always fun being back." She opens her computer and bring up the note program as the professor calls the class to start.

As the lecture ends Lexi turns to me with a smile. "Do you want to read each others papers before we submit them?" She ask, talking about the exam we're gonna have in this class in a couple of weeks.

"That would be great, getting some feedback."

"Yes, how about a week before deadline?" She wonders and I agree. Getting feedback is always good and I don't have anyone here that I could do that with.

"Awesome. We'll exchange on the Monday before?" I ask her and she nods.

The lecture hall is getting empty so we pack out things and walk out of the room. I say goodbye to Lexi and walk through the courtyard. I stop by the Coffee Bean to get a drink before my next class. I have a small break before next lecture start and I need to refill with some energy. I order my usual icetea and then a bagel.

As i grab my icetea from the guy behind the counter I see in the corner of my eye someone approaching. "Chicago." I hear his deep voice and I turn towards him with an raised eyebrow. It feels strange to have that as a nickname. I knew I heard him say it at the party, but didn't think too much about it. Now I guess that's a name that has stuck with him. Then again, I don't think we've really introduced ourself to one an another. He probably don't even know my name, I know his because Gracie said it a couple of days back.

"Stepbrother." I reply, nodding in a greeting. I see his eyebrows pull together in a discussed look.

"Eww, you can't call me that! It sounds so wrong coming out of you mouth." He tells me with a pucker on his lips. I take a sip of my icetea, trying to hide my smile.

"So what should I call you?" I ask innocently.

"Anything that doesn't make it seem like we're related." He states, still looking like he's eaten a lemon or something sour. I wonder for a little bit, leaning my head to the side and notice something new.