Bad Romance

Chapter 1

As the sun begins to set and the stars come out from behind the clouds, the music below bellows louder; as does the laughter. A new semester starts for the students and teachers of New York University, and tonight they celebrate before getting to work. 

Whilst everyone stands out in there own way in this bustling crowd, a young woman in particular keeps a low profile and walks among those that surround her. She notices a young man sitting alone by the bonfire, his arms resting on his knees with his hands clasped. Before she realizes what she's doing, she sits next to him and offers him a beer.

"Oh, uh...thanks." His face falls in confusion, but he accepts the drink nonetheless. 

"You looked like you could use it." She says, answering his unspoken question. He chuckles lightly and reaches out his hand.

"I'm Daniel. Daniel Sousa."

"Margaret. Margaret Carter." They shake hands and smile at one another. "But everyone calls me Peggy."

"Okay... Peggy. Its nice to meet you."

"And you." She grins and the clink glasses before each taking a swig. Her face contorts to a sour look as she swallows.

"Not your cup of tea?" He laughs, then realizes what he said and begins to stutter. "T-that's not meant as like an insult or, uh, anything. You know, because of your accent. I-I didn't mean like, anything by it or, uhm-"

"It alright, I get it." She laughs. Silence fills between the two before she asks her itching question. "Why are you sitting all by yourself? The party's over there." She points. He sighs and takes a sip of his drink. 

"I just... I'm not really into this sort of thing."

"Really?"

He laughs shyly and looks into the fire. "Yeah. I'm more of a...at home kind of guy." He glances at her and quickly looks away. "I know, sounds pretty stupid."

"No." She shakes her head and looks into the fire as well, her eyes lighting up and reflecting the bright flame. "I don't think it is."

"Yeah?"

She chuckles and shakes her head. "I get it. I'm not one who enjoys these sort of outings and get together anyway."

"Then why come?"

"I suppose I could ask you the same thing."

Daniel laughs and takes another swing from his drink, and Peggy does the same. For several moments all is quiet, until he clears his throat and breaks the silence. 

"I guess its because...I didn't want to be left out. New year, new school, new semester. I already stand out as is. I guess I didn't want to be-"

"The lone wolf." At this he nods with a sigh. 

He gazes up at her, watching as her eyes reflect the dancing flame, the red and orange light wisps though her golden brown eyes. He nudges her leg lightly and she turns to look at him, then laughs shyly. 

"I'm gonna take that as you feel the same way."

"In a manner of speaking." Daniel raise a brow and leans in to look at her, making her laugh and glance at him. "Why are you looking at me like that?" She asks, amused. 

"I mean technically speaking that answers pretty vague."

"Oh hush." She shoves his shoulder playfully, making him laugh in return. "I only meant that, I get it. I have my own ways in which I feel like that; alone. As if no one understands. Even like this," She stops and looks around at the people and the party, gesturing to the immense joy and connection they all feel.