Finding Willow

coffee & conversation | chap. 2

As I woke to sound of my alarm clock ringing throughout my dorm room, I could see Effy scrambling to gather her things. I glanced over at my clock and saw it was 8:50. Her first class was at nine and I had the utter feeling that she was on the mind set that she was going to be late.

"Where is that damn textbook?" She questioned herself, tossing some of her clothes off the bed. I rose in my bed a bit and saw her clothes sprawled out on the floor and a few textbooks scattered here and there.

"Need some help?" I chimed in, tossing the covers off of my body. She didn't acknowledge that I was awake, probably more worried about being late to class. I took my unanswered question as a yes and began the search with her. After minutes of still no sign of the book, I could see the hopeless gleam in her eyes.

"I'm going to be late and I'm unprepared on the first day." She stated, slumping on her bed. I watched as she cradled her face in her hands, her legs shaking from either anger or frustration. I was not used to being the kind of person someone could rely on for a boost of hope. I walked over and sat down beside her.

"How about you head to class and I'll keep looking. If I come across the textbook, I'll drop by your class and give it to you. Deal?" I said, looking over at her. She nodded her head and sprung off the bed, racing out the door. I knew she was thankful, but was lacking the time to state so.

As I continued to search through the now half-destroyed room, I finally found the book she was looking for. I set the book on my bed and sauntered over to my closet, grabbing the first sweater and pair of jeans I could find and threw them on instantly. The time was 9:10, only 10 minutes into her first class. I slipped on a pair of black combat boots, grabbing the book and racing out the dorm. As I fast walked my way to the location of her class, my idiot level went from a zero to hundred. Effy and I both had English 101 and that meant we had the same textbook. Different professors, same book.

As I neared the English building, I saw Carter, the boy who was with Rylan last night. He was reading over by a tree with his backpack next to him. I would speak with him later but for now, I had to keep the semi-promise I made and get Effy her textbook. I searched through the rooms and finally fell upon Effy's. I waved from the small glass window, getting her attention. She rose from desk and walked over, opening the door silently. I handed off the book and immediately she mouthed thank you as the door shut.

I exited the English building, satisfied that I was able to help Effy out, even in the smallest way possible. I glanced over to where Carter was minutes prior and saw he was in the same spot he was before. I made my way over to him, trying to keep the promise I made to myself to change the person I used to be.

"Good morning." I stated, hovering him as he read. His head shot up quickly as if I frightened him a bit. I really had to stop doing that; first with Effy then with Elijah.

"Oh hey. You're Willow, right? The girl that had the collision with Rylan." He stated, shutting his book silently and sliding it into his backpack; never breaking eye contact. Carter had black hair and with blue eyes, a really good combination if you ask me. He had on a black shirt with a red jacket, paired with a dark wash pair of jeans.

"I am. Sorry about that, I was such a klutz." I stated, smiling down at him. He grabbed his backpack and rose, tossing the strap onto his shoulder.

"Actually, that'd be Rylan. That kid can hardly walk properly." He retorted, chuckling a bit. I giggled along with him, happy to not be called the klutz for once.

"So what are you up to this morning?" I asked, shuffling on my feet a bit.

"Well, I don't have class for another hour so I'm just reading a bit." He stated, stretching his arm into the sky. "What about yourself?" He added, lowering his arms.