Fools in Love

6. True Horror Is Here

It's Thursday and I'm currently deciding what I want from the vending machines before Freshman Seminar. Even if I ate lunch not long ago, I am in the mood for a snack! That reminds me, there wasn't much at the dorm this morning breakfast wise. I need to go grocery shopping later.

I'm about to snag a bag of chips when an arm is suddenly thrown around my shoulder. The weight nearly pushes me to the ground. Someone laughs that I vaguely recognize then a voice says, "Whoa, didn't think you'd nearly topple over, Dana!"

I peer up to find Nick. His friends are missing. I'm surprised to see him, let alone that he remembers me...or even put his arm around me. Does he not have a personal space bubble? Cause I do, and he's very much breaking it. If only I had the guts to say that!

"Yeah, I'm—I'm not really steady on my feet," I nervously laugh and fiddle with my wallet.

Is he going to let go? Maybe leave? That'd be great.

"Whatcha getting?" Nick asks like we're old friends and this isn't a totally awkward interaction. No? Is it just me? Ah, probably.

"Doritos."

"That does sound good." Nick suddenly pulls away and reaches into his back pocket. I watch curiously when he reaches from one pocket to the next to bring up nothing. "Shit, I must have forgot my wallet. You happen to have an extra dollar on you?"

"Oh, um, yeah."

I reach into said wallet to hand him a dollar, which he thanks me for with a blinding smile. I do my best to return it, watching Nick reach out to get a bag of chips for himself. He holds up the change afterwards, which I say he can keep then he leaves just like that.

Pretty sure he had his wallet and he just used me for some free food, but whatever, it was just a dollar. Shaking my head, I turn to finally get my own. Once I have it and I'm about to walk into class, I lock eyes with Matt by the door though. He's watching me with that same quiet stare, which has me looking behind to see if there's anyone else he can possibly be looking at.

Well, there are some other students but none are really looking this way. When I turn back around all Matt does is shake his head, like he's disappointed or something, then walks into the room with his bodyguard following behind. At least the guard offers me up a smile.

What the hell was that about? Did he see me give Nick a dollar? Why would he care? Unless now he's regretting not asking me to pay him back and seeing me give out money has made him change his mind?! Oh, as much as it does make sense to pay him back, I don't have that kind of money. Please tell me I'm not going to be in this dilemma again!

Grumbling, I walk into class to take my usual seat. Freshman Seminar isn't anything special. There's not necessarily work, more like an introduction into college. Each class we're informed of something else on campus that we can use to our benefit like what's available at the gym as a student and an alumni, to how or where to look for jobs either part time or full. It's basically an informational course to get us moving around campus and interacting with each other, so it isn't that shocking when Professor Tarue suddenly says, "This weekend I have an assignment for you all that must be done in pairs!"

Immediately people start whispering to team up. Tarue silences them real quick by saying, "Pairs that I will assign."

A series of aw's fly through the room that Tarue rolls her eyes at. Smiling, she leaned against her desk and looks over us while explaining, "The purpose of this class is to get you comfortable not only on campus but also with the people. This is a new beginning for many so we need you making friends with others that you may not have given the chance otherwise. First though, I'll say the assignment is easy. Simply go together to see a movie, you can watch one for free at the campus' theater, and write me a one page review, but you have to go together. I want tickets and a picture as proof."