Where the Secrets Lie

A Rude Gentleman

Classes this week was somewhat boring. Journalism, Literature and Bookkeeping. The one class I was looking forward to was Mythology. I sat towards the back and listened to Professor Mason tell us about stories of certain characters. Before class began, we got to write down our favorite Mythological characters. I wrote down, of course, Persephone. I loved her story more than anything. How she lived in the shadow of her mother, but fell in love with a God.

I noticed Derric walking in and writing down his character. Be funny if we had a project to do, become partners with someone who chose the lover of the characters and we had to do a project. Derric's presence was infuriating and dominant. As if the professor heard my thoughts, he called out my name. "Ms. Snow, what was your character?" The class turned to me and I answered. "Persephone, sir." Derric glanced at me and i hid my face. The professor smiled and turned the papers around. He grabs a piece and reads aloud. "You'll be partnered with whoever chose, Hades." I nearly fainted and looked as I saw Derric raise his hand. I was mortified.

Mythology. Great class, great people and teacher. I was nervous working with Derric on our project. We chose the lovers of the Underworld. Our project was to find differences between the two and find similarities. How were we going to do that? I looked up more research on Persephone. I started getting a headache and decided to go to the Library. I grabbed my notebook, sketch book, pens and pencils. I put them in my bag and closed the door to our dorm. Walking from the dormitories to the library was quite exciting. The breeze was perfect. I wore a long sleeve shirt, with leggings and black boots. I slowly stopped and looked behind me. It felt like someone was following.

I just shrugged it off, continued walking and reached the entrance. Once I opened the door and walked inside, I nearly fainted. Ever single part of the library was filled with books and computers. I found my way to the mythology section and scoured looking for the books on Persephone and Hades. I inched closer and started smiling, but instantly was sad. The books were gone. "Seriously! Damn it" I slapped the bookcase. I forgot about being in the library and I noticed someone leaning against the end of the tall, long bookcase. "Language, love. You aren't the only one studying you know." My body took in a deep breath and looked at him. Derric had this control over me that made me feel sparks.

"Could I study with you then?" He nodded and had me follow him to his table. We studied in front of a huge picture of someone's vision on Hades and Persephone. "You are really committed to this project aren't you?" Derric continued typing and glancing at information. "Yeah, I work better near something that I connect with." I smile and press my luck. "So, whose the lucky girl?" Derric chuckled and pointed his pencil at me. "The 'lucky girl' hasn't appeared. Yet." Butterflies are forming slowly. We studied for a good four hours. Talking and arguing on our opinions of the lovers. Derric stood up and stretched. I watched as his shirt rose up a bit. I noticed his tanish skin and his other tattoo. "Σου έδωσα για πάντα". Translated to one of the lines Hades said to Persephone, "I've given you forever."

I grabbed the books we used and headed to the bookcase to return them. "Are you hungry?" Started to say no when my stomach growled. "I take that as a yes." We grabbed our bags and headed out the library. As I walked out, a very crisp and cold breeze hit me. I shivered a moment. "Here." Derric took his black jacket and put it around me. I was still silent. "Don't worry, love. I won't bite." We walked away from the library to drop off our stuff. We then headed away from the college. "So. Three tattoos, no girlfriend, and you are chivalrous. Whats next?" "I have my ways of being mysterious and my ways of being obvious." I laughed and he smiled back. "You are very beautiful. Where's your boyfriend?"

"I don't know. Been single for two years." Derric shook his head and stopped in front of a diner. "Best food ever." "I'll hold you to that, Addams." We entered the diner and sat in a booth. We sat next to each other and the waitress saw us. "Well, pinch me I must be dreaming. Derric, I haven't seen you since......" Derric stood up and hugged her quickly. "I know its been two years ago." Th lady looked over at me and smiled. "And ain't you a vision. My goodness. What shall you two have for dinner, its on the house." My heart leaped into my throat and I was shocked. Derric did the unexpected. "Surprise us, Mama Rae." She smiled and slapped his shoulder. "I'll be back lovlies."

Derric looked at me and noticed my look. "What?" I folded my shoulders. He laughed and stared at me. "I was going to buy your food, but Mama Rae, if she likes you, she'll do anything for you." I nod and let my arms drape into my lap. Mama Rae came back to the table and saw me smile at Derric. "Here's ya'lls chili cheese fries and chocolate shakes." I grabbed a few bites and nearly devoured the whole thing. Derric lifted a fry up and some chili hit his face. I lean against him, took my finger and wiped the chili from the side of his lips. Derric looked at me and I noticed how close our faces were close to each other. "So, you prefer girls as your roommates." He scoffed at me and too a drink of his milkshake. "Almost everyone of my roommates have transferred to other sorority groups or got apartments. Except you and one other."

"Whose the other one?" He seemed distant as I asked that and he scooted away from me. "You know you can talk to me, right?" Derric's jaw clinched and I tried not to pry. "Why do you ask so many questions?" And the rudeness appears. "Derric, I didn't mean to....." "Just drop it, Serenity!" It hurt. Him being rude when I cared, but he didn't care in return. I stood up and was rude back. "Move!" He was shocked and got up. Once he was out of my way, I walked to the door and stopped. I looked at him and saw he was rubbing the back of his neck. "Such a gentleman, but rude as hell." I pushed the diners door open and let it slam behind me.