Terra Falling

CHAPTER 3

The blaring alarm woke me up from my deep slumber. It was 7 am and I had a class at 9. I quickly brushed my teeth and showered putting on the floral red dress my mom had bought me. And wore a jean jacket to complete the look.

I tied my hair hurriedly, hastily putting on some foundation to hide the dark circles. I rushed out hurriedly, forgoing my breakfast. A juice was enough anyway. Having any food might make me puke me because of my nerves.

I found a table at the far end of the room when I heard the voice. I turned back to look at the most handsome man I have ever seen. Looking a couple of years older, those brilliant brown eyes looked mesmerizing. He had the most arresting face- perfect jawline, full lips and those eyes.

Being the creeper that I was, I was staring at him for the most part of the hour, the sudden urge to draw growing on me. I decided to leave. I was gasping for her by the time I reached my class- Human Structure. I chose the decently farthest bench. Not too front but not too back either.

I marvelled how perfectly furnished the class was, and even the benches were comfortable and spacious, made from costly wood. In a few seconds, I started daydreaming about the guy I saw earlier. Who was he? Idly, my fingers started moving, slowly sketching.

I was stuck at his eyes, not sure without having the close look. The sudden feeling of being watched made me glance up, making me gasp in surprise. The deserted class wasn't deserted anymore. Even worse the guy who had caught my attention was looking at me, bored and stern.

"Did you ask something?" I asked, flushing. Great, I got distracted on the first day of college. Hastily, I closed my sketching note, a little relieved no one had seen it yet.

"Your name" his voice cold.

"Harley. Harley Mcafree" I stuttered out, hearing a few people sneer, making my flush grow. Thankfully, the guy put me out of my misery by dismissing me.

"I am Josh. I am going to be Professor Gilberg's substitute" he said confidently, his voice allowing no room for argument. Not that anyone wanted to. It seemed weird, hearing the same boy who talked so openly sounding so professional and stern.

Even that wasn't enough to stop me from staring at his profile, paying close attention to him more than his class. I pretended to take notes and sighed in relief when the hour was over. I slumped back. He left abruptly without a backward glance.

"Now that is the hottest guy I have ever seen" a girl whisper-yelled making all of us chuckle in agreement.

The day passed in a blur and when I entered my room, I realized the twin bed next to me was made, a few extra stuff added. When I heard the water running in the bathroom, I decided my roommate was here.

Nervously, I unpacked and sent a quick text to my mom before settling down for homework. But I still had one work to do. Glancing back to make sure my roommate wasn't there, I took my sketchbook, continuing my portrait.

I had one hour to memorize all his features. A small scar near his lips, the way his hair seemed beautifully mused up and those eyes. What was it about his eyes? Why had they caught my attention? I shook my head, not willing to delve deeper into that subject. I was finally done drawing when a voice spoke behind me.

"Damn girl, you are spot on with his face". It was the same girl who had exclaimed earlier. And now I knew the girl had a name- Meredith Walkers. Meredith had a beautiful blond hair that I'd die for and a bubbly attitude that made me like her immediately. Her blue eyes were full of life and it didn't take long for her to engulf me in her bubble.

And I already knew she had loads of friends. It was amusing to see her talk but the passion she had towards being a doctor was clear. It was the same passion that had propelled me to study for long hours and led me here.

"Well, spill," she said. I looked at her confused. "Come on, tell me about yourself"

And slowly I came past my initial shyness, getting used to her brash honesty. It was refreshing, being around her. She wasn't only bubbly but she was also serious about the things she loved. She spoke of her parents with great love.

I shared a piece of my childhood, ending it with how so much has changed. And I could see it, see how she understood even if she had never been in that situation. Slowly, the conversation turned into more fun topics as we started making dinner.

"How do you like med-school so far?" I asked as I turned on the television.

"Well, it's good and there are some good eye candies here" she replied, looking at me with mischief.

"Didn't you tell me you had a boyfriend?" I asked, laughing as she scrunched her eyebrows.

"I do, but I appreciate art when I see one" she replied, winking at me. She was right.

Luckily I had 3 classes with her and she was more than willing to accompany me.

"Did you come here only today?" I asked curiously, cleaning up the dishes while she arranged them.

"Nah, I was staying with my boyfriend" she replied, winking at me, making me flush. Right, I got what she meant.

"How long-" I started.

"3 months" she replied, suddenly shy and I could see that she really liked - or probably, loved- him. It was my turn to wink.

When I finally slumped down on my bed, I was relieved. I could have ended up with a worse roommate. Meredith Walkers was a kind of friend that not everyone was lucky to have.

For some reasons, things didn't seem uncertain anymore and I knew for a fact that I could do this. Do what I love.

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Not really a big chapter but I hoped I did well. A good introductory chapter for Josh, I hope ;)

How did you guys like this chapter? And Josh and Meredith?

Tune in for the next chapter.

Goodbye for now.