A Glow Of Happiness

Chapter 3. William

I'm mad, wait no, I'm infuriated with myself. Her hazel eyes are playing tricks on me; driving me insane and calming down the storm in my head both at the same time. I've known her for two days, and I already feel like I need to escape. I need to find the closest exit and run for my life as if I was stuck in a building on fire. I don't do friendship, or relationship. I don't trust, I don't love, I don't care. I'm not a bad boy, or a player, or a jackass. I'm actually a pretty kind person, I simply don't trust. I keep my relationships professionals and superficials. Never dig too deep, never talk too much, never open up. Then there she comes, and I find myself doubting everything I have ever preached for. Her simple presence makes me feel safe and relaxed like I finally found shelter from the storm that is my mind. I sigh heavily as I rub my forehead with the palm of my hand. There is no way I am hanging out with her again, it's too dangerous. I know I'm way too messed up, and my trust issues are way too deep for me to open up, but just in case. I'm better safe than sorry. And Nick! Stupid Nick! Putting me on the spot yesterday during that brunch, muttering stupid things under his breath. He's my best friend, my only friend really, but he has no right to comment about my problems in front of her. I shake my head from side-to-side as I realize I'm still sitting on a bench next to the classroom which is about to start. I get up quickly, making my way inside and sitting down in the far back. I hear people talking, everyone seems excited to start that new semester, but I'm just having flashback of her smile playing on repeat in my head.

"Alright, settle down everyone," the teacher speaks, "I hope you guys are ready for your third year in economics. This class is a little different because I am not here to teach you guys. I'm here to support and help you through a project which will last for all semester, and count for your whole grade. You will be doing this project in teams of two, which I already made, and you will start today. This project includes that you do not have to show up to this class every week, I will always be here on Monday mornings like today, from 8 to 11 a.m. If you have questions and if you want to meet your partner in class that's fine, but you can do it anywhere you like," he explains.

I don't like projects, especially ones that last the whole semester. I always get paired with people who either do almost none of the work, or that are way too bossy.

"I will start saying the teams aloud, listen well," he starts.

I hear him say names after names, waiting for mine to be heard.

"William Green with Isa Fraser," he says.

My breath gets stuck in my throat, and my eyes start looking everywhere. That has to be a freaking joke, someone is testing my limits here. I can't believe it, of all the people in this class I had to be paired with her. I keep looking around the class until I see her already looking at me. She waves, a bright smile lighting up the whole room. I see her gather her things and she starts walking towards me as everyone starts switching places to sit beside their partner. Keep it professional, keep it short and simple. No talking about our lives, we are only going to do that project, that's where it ends. Nothing more.

"Hey William," she beams.

Fuck that's going to be hard. I can already feel it inside me, my muscles are relaxed, my jaw is not clenched like it usually is when I meet new people. My heart is beating steadily, and the storm in my head has quieted down. She looks gorgeous, with black jeans short, a burgundy crop top, and her vans. Her long black hair is loose, and her big hazel eyes are looking straight at me.

"Hey," I manage to let out.

She's sitting down next to me now, settling her things on the desk. Her coconut and honey scent makes me crave to hug her tight. Wait, no. Crap. It's been two minutes, and I'm already not professional anymore. I groan internally as she finally turns towards me.