SEBIAN

I am trying to reach college a little early today. “Bye grandma” I shout on my way out grabbing a sandwich from the plate while she was busy in the kitchen. Kevin and Natalie are busy due to the upcoming football game so, today I just have to pick Joe on my way. I started the car and drove towards Joe’s home, calling him and letting him know that I will be there soon. In about 3 minutes I was in front of his house honking and after about 8 to 9 more minutes Joe came out with a disapproving look on his face and dishevelled hair. “What happened to you dude? Why are you so early today?” “Nothing, just wanted to be at college early for a change.” I winked at him.

We both settled and headed towards the college. I didn’t drive fast as reaching earlier at college was not my motive; it was that I didn’t want to miss someone on the road. I knew she walked to college, I have seen her a few times. I knew that if I started a little earlier there was a huge chance that I will bump into her on the way, hence, all this. Joe looked at me “brother shouldn’t you drive a little faster if you want to reach college on time? This speed will not let you get anywhere.” I kept my eyes on the road scanning it while I replied to him, “Driving faster might cause accident, so... No.” He just rolled his eyes and gave up on talking with me.

After about another half kilometre drive I found what i was looking for. A figure with grey sweatshirt covering its head with the hoodie. Yep, I found the turtle. With a big sly smile on my face, I turned the car to her side and slowed down. Before Joe could utter anything I honked the horn but she thought maybe I was trying to make her get out of the way but when I kept on with the horn she abruptly turned her head and her eyes slowly noticed us. She couldn’t keep up the eye contact though and kept on looking back and forth at the same place. Shock was written all over her face and not knowing what to do she stopped there and put her head down, her pupils were deliberately shaking.

I can’t help but smile at her dumbness. “Come on in, we can drop you in college.” She still did not dare to look at me straight but fiddled with her sweatshirt. Really though, what was her problem? Being shy was something I can understand but can’t she just open her mouth and tell ‘yes’ or ‘no’ or can’t she at least look at me. “We study in the same college, actually in the same class. I am pretty sure you have seen us before. I can assure you that we are not dangerous, you can trust us.” I tried again, the smile still intact on my face. “No, thank you. I can walk.” She finally spat and pulling the straps of her bag started walking again.

My smile faltered and my expression turned dark. I wanted to get out of the car and talk sense into her but Joe interrupted. “Dude, what was that all about? Why did you want her to come with us? Is this the reason you wanted to go early today, to mess with her?” Joe kept on blabbering. “Mess with her? When did I ever mess with her dude? I just asked her to come with us because she was walking and we had empty seats. If Kevin and Nat were here I wouldn’t even had bothered.” Joe seemed like he understood and with a sigh told, “Still, It was not necessary you know.” “Yeah, my fault, I know.” Giving her a last glance I drove the car with one thing going inside my mind- this is not the end, I will get back to her.

You should have seen her face when she entered the class and saw me and Joe sitting together on chairs behind which she was supposed to sit. Our eyes met for a fraction of second and before I could notice anything else other than her fair complexion and dark green eyes she hurriedly walked to her seat. The classes started and the whole time I could feel her nervous breath behind me but I didn’t get the reason for it. Was she that scared of me? Of course I didn’t have a reputation of a good or friendly person but I have never hurt anyone. This might be the first time I have even thought of doing something to someone and it was nothing that would harm her, I was doing this just to help Natalie.

The lunch break was fully occupied by Kevin and Natalie. They were acting as if they were the busiest person in the world these days. Post lunch class was science where we were going to be partnered today. I really hoped that I would be partnered with her, which would make my plan real easier to execute but no, I got partnered with Damon and she got paired with Ruth. Damon was a block head; I knew he wouldn’t change partners if I tell him. Looks like I need to have a word with Ruth instead.