One Door Away

Chapter 6

'So what course are you taking,' I asked.

'Business Administration.' He looked at the sky, then looked at me. 'What about you?'

'Psychology,' I stated then proceeded to ask, 'Why Business Ad?'

'I'm planning to create a business purely focused in developing athletes.' A troubled face appeared on his. 'I know what it feels like to have no support, purely relying on your own. And, it's really hard that's why.'

I examined his face, sensing the hardships he might've gone through. It seemed like he also went through a rough journey similar to mine. I also worked hard to get a scholarship in this University, trying to get one of the best quality educations and to be with Owen and Jenna.

'You?' He inquired.

'I've always been curious about the human mind and emotions,' I said in the simplest manner, hiding the underlying reason.

'Hello there, mind reader.' He smiled as he waved both of his arms in the air. 'Joking.'

We both shared laughs and after that, silence took over. I have observed that he was talking to someone on his phone but did not ask anything about it. Based on his nonverbal cues, I had thought that he was going to leave anytime soon.

'It's getting late. See you.' He stood up and inserted his hands on his pockets. 'Text me so we could hang out sometime.'

"I didn't get his name,' I muttered as I watch him go.

-

After being so muddleheaded from the recollection, I replied to Jenna.

Peter: Really? Noted.
Jenna: Smh. I thought you're gonna be surprised or whatever. Anyway, let's eat dinner later at the Dining Hall. I'll pick you up at 7.

Recalling the night I encountered that dude, I scrolled through my contacts attempting to text him. I thought of possible open liners I could use so that it would seem normal and not flamboyant.

Peter: Hey, it's me Peter. I just want to inform you that this is my number

I turned my phone off and went back to reading the book I was supposed to read. Thirty minutes have elapsed after talking to Jenna and decided to finish it outside because it was too cold inside the room. I headed for the reception where we fill in a form for taking out a book and existed next.

*

As I got out of the building, I saw that Leopold Convention Center had two lines at the entrance. The convention center was a four-story building coated with white paint and had glass walls and doors at the front. I inquired to the lady three steps away from me about the commotion happening outside.

'Excuse me,' I said to the woman. 'What's this about?'

'There's an ongoing event inside ran by the Committee of Arts & Design showcasing paintings, photographs, and products the seniors have made as a requirement for their graduation.' The lady kept on going, 'People are intrigued because this is a huge step for the Art department where it could gain possible donors for the university.'

'Is that so?' After absorbing all the information, I gave her my thanks. I'm not really interested in art but considering that I have spare time, I gave it a go. I hustled in the crowd who were walking in opposite directions and increased the pace of my walking.

My shoulders bumped on some guy before reaching the entrance. We both turned around at the same time whereas the guy smiled at me and said, 'Peter! Didn't expect you here. Where were you going?'