Anaya (thinking):
"I was just trying to pick up my pen. Not destroy the whole library."
That's what I told myself right before I tripped, crashed, and threw my notebook at a boy who looked like he belonged in a shampoo ad.
There are many ways to make a bad first impression at college.
Falling flat on the library floor in the first week? Definitely on the list.
The moment my knee hit the ground, I knew it was bad.
My bag flew open like it was planning to betray me. Pens flew everywhere. A tampon rolled under the table. And my highlighter hit someone's shoe.
I didn't look up yet.
Maybe if I stayed still, I'd disappear.
Then I heard a voice. Calm. Smooth. Slightly amused.
Riyan:
"Wow. You okay down there?"
Anaya: (groaning)
"I think I left my dignity under the bookshelf."
Footsteps came closer. I looked up.
And there he was.
Anaya (thinking):
Riyan Sen.
Perfect face. Perfect hair. Everyone's favorite student since Day 1.
Of course he had to be the one witnessing my downfall.
He bent down and handed me my highlighter.
Riyan:
"Next time, maybe don't take down the whole library with you."
Anaya: (annoyed)
"Next time, maybe help quietly instead of giving a TED Talk."
He looked a little surprised that I talked back. Then he smiled — annoyingly.
Riyan:
"Didn't realize you were taking notes on my tone."
Anaya:
"Oh, I'm taking notes. On how to avoid you for the rest of the semester."
Riyan: (standing up)
"Good luck with that. You're in my debate class."
Anaya: (staring)
"…No."
Riyan:
"Yes."
Anaya:
"No no no."
Riyan:
"Want me to pull up the roster?"
I stayed quiet as he held out my notebook, like he was giving me a math test I didn't want.
Riyan: (with a wink)
"See you in class, Pen Girl."
He walked away casually, like he didn't just destroy my whole day.
Anaya (thinking):
What. Just. Happened?
As I picked up the rest of my things and left the library, I mumbled to myself:
Anaya:
"Riyan Sen, if I ever become a ghost, you're the first person I'm haunting."