A Walk Around the Pond

Chapter 2

I can't seem to settle myself and yet I feel more settled than I have in years. There was nothing I loved more than welcoming the freshman on to campus. Granted, I couldn't do that in the usual way since I was stuck in the kitchen. 

Even so, I hung out with one of the groups every afternoon. That meant I got to do all the fun stuff, like stop at the ice cream truck. 

TNT was the big new thing this fall. A series of games for each group of freshman to compete at. Andie and I were the lucky ones to control a volleyball game. Five points to win. By the time it got dark, we had kids lighting up their phones to see by. 

It was one of the best adventures yet. The end of the event was the best part, clean up. Cleaning up always seemed to get me and Andie into a little bit of trouble. Tonight's trouble was named Romeo and Dan. 

The brothers were in quarantine. I probably already mentioned them. Did tell you that they're hot? Okay, okay, that's besides the point. We ran into the them on the basketball court. They liked to twist the rules just enough to come outside and see everyone. 

The teasing grew as a small group of people gathered. Andie and darted upstairs to put some stuff away and steal a couple tee shirts for the gentlemen. 

It didn't take long for the group to dwindle away since it was already nearly midnight. Romeo stuck around and the three of us headed around campus. 

It was always fun to hang around Romeo. He was forever stopping to talk anyone in his path, including a little detour to the freshman boys' dorm. As soon as we got to the farthest side of the pond, basically in the dark, he switched topics on us. 

"Well, if you guys want a hug, now would be the time." 

A rough excited yes escaped my lips. I went in with my arms up, but Romeo was just a little too tall, so I gave a little hop. Seconds later, I realized my feet weren't even on the ground as he tightened his grip. 

It doesn't take much to make my day I guess, because the rest of the walk I was too giddy for my own good. 

Andie laughed at me once we were back in her room, "That hug was cute." 

I grinned back, "I thought it was cringe, but thanks." The two of us laughed until it was too late. 

And then the next night we did it again. Someone banged on our window, making us jump. We peered out of the window, but only saw a guy running away. 

I slid off her bed, "Well come on!" The two of us sprinted out into the darkness, but there wasn't anyone there. Finally we just shrugged and decided to walk the pond again since we were already outside. 

Romeo and Rich were chilling under a light. Andie quickly approached them, "Hey! Someone just hit our window, was that you guys?"

Rich laughed, "Gosh I wish I could take credit for that." His sharp blues eyes laughed at our nervousness, mocking the very thing that had gotten us outside. 

Romeo shrugged, "Definitely wasn't us. Are you guys heading around the pond?" We both nodded and the boys naturally joined us. 

The chemistry between Andie and Rich surprised me. I noticed them having little side conversations as Romeo and I bantered. Romeo was pretty oblivious to anything but the sound of his own voice. 

Halfway around the pond the four of us heard shouting and screaming from where we had just been. "F**k College!" 

Romeo muttered, "Yo, be nice." He raked his fingers through his slightly curly hair and stared across the pond as though he might be able to see who it was.