Rose gets on the college bus, two stops earlier than Silas. She is always finding him difficult to be a senior. He is just too sweet. She has been going to college for 6 weeks now, but never saw anyone this kind to juniors. He is talking to people with such kindness and fun in his tone. He waits for everyone, whether they're juniors, seniors or teachers or year-mates to get on the bus first, and he's always the last, sitting on the flipped over seat which Rose finds super uncomfortable.
They make 0.1 second eye contact when Silas gets on the bus, he immediately looks away. Rose thinks he secretly hates her for some reason. But she doesn't bother. He just fits every style he picks in a weird way. When he wears the round toothed headband, it makes him look cool,l while on the other hand, when he takes it off, he becomes cute.
"Oy, Silas. Congratulations mate! You got another publication!" A guy says on the bus.
"Thanks mate." he smiles.
"Got another on hand?"
"Yea, got a few actually." he answers.
"Wow! The faculties are crazy over you."
"Lol no. I'm thankful."
He is always smiling, Rose wonders if he ever gets tired. Her encounters with him only last for 30 minutes while going to college, they rarely meet at the time of returning. She still hasn't talked to him about the research. She is trying for him to reach her first which is absolutely impossible and she knows it. She is not good at making a First Expression Look. After being connected on instagram she sends him a request on Facebook.
***
A boy calls her name while she's still reading the book, she looks down to stairs where the voice is coming from. It's Aaron Lopez, the goofiest boy in GMP this year, Rose beams at him politely.
"Mind if I sit?"
She gestures to him to sit. He glances at the book and says, "Oh gosh, you read Alex Michaelids, too?"
"Yes, you do too?"
"Of course, he's a legend, don't you think?"
"He is. I never knew that you read books."
"Well, I do. So, what are you up to?"
"Nothing exactly. I haven't started studying yet."
Aaron laughs, "What do you mean by that?"
"I guess, getting any grip?"
"You will be fine."
"I hope so." She nods.
Aaron can be a chick with everyone, even with the teachers. Rose knows him because he is the first guy who came over to talk in the class and made her laugh. Rose is a quiet kid and she is determined to pass the college phase without making many friends. 3-5 is enough, beside, Ann is already close to her. She believes that it's any day now when Ann might become her soulmate. When Aaron first approached her, she thought he might be interested in her, and by interest, she meant hitting on her. But it turns out, he behaves the same with everyone. Rose was relaxed. But she considers him as one of those friendly classmates.
***
Sophie is super excited about her daughter going to London for her Fall Semester. Ruby is constantly calling her mother to get Rose the prettiest clothes, and loads of stuff so that she won't be feeling less there. "Let's go shopping, Rose. Ruby, that girl is killing me." Sophie speaks as she hangs up the call from Ruby.
"Why don't you tell her that I have got enough clothes. Look at my closet, I cannot even close it anymore. I am going there for four months, not to live forever, mom."
"You tell her that. She thinks you always feel inferior, that's why you are not talking to anyone."
Rose doesn't speak for some moment, "If you are worried that I am not capable of making friends, that's wrong, mom. It's not like I cannot make friends, I just don't want to make friends. Besides, I have Ann. I told you about her, she's Kira's cousin. I have Wayne, we might not see each other that much but we are in the same university, that's enough. And I don't want to burn my precious energy talking to so many people. So, thank you."
"You beat me there. At least allow me to get you some shoes." Sophie speaks with sincerity.
"Alright. Wait downstairs. I will be ready within 10 minutes."
***
"Where is Rose Stuart?" Aaron checks for the last time as they are all sitting in the Airport.
"She is nearby, will be here within 5 minutes." Ann retorts.
"Alright, then Ling Xi? Is she here yet?"
"Yes. I am here, Aaron."
"So, only Rose is left." Aaron looks up from the attendance sheet and finds Silas and Clia coming.
"Hey, you guys!" He speaks.
"Hello there everyone. Are you guys ready?" Clia asks.
"One left. Rose Stuart, she will be here any minute." Aaron answers.
"Wait, she isn't here yet?" Silas says, worried suddenly.
"I am here." Rose appears from behind, "Sorry, I was caught in traffic." She is panting as she speaks.
"Did you run?" Silas asks.
"I did, yes, I ran two stops. Oh Gosh. I think I am going to have a sugar fall. Ann, help me get the water? It's in the middle chain." Rose gives her bag to Ann and drops herself on the floor.
"Give me a moment." Silas runs to the nearest convenience store and comes back with some protein bars and energy drinks. He hands them to Ann, mouthing to her, "Give her that." Ann nods in response.
Rose finally speaks after a few minutes, to Silas and Clia, "Why are you guys here?"
"To see you off, of course. By the way, are you all going on this flight?" Clia asks.
"Sixteen left yesterday, eighteen will tomorrow, and sixteen of us are leaving now. I thought you guys are supposed to come tomorrow. I have sent Silas and Benjamin the list of names. Benjamin said he would come today." Aaron retorts.
"I knew that too. But Silas insisted on coming today. He said he got some work tomorrow." Clia informs.
"Are you okay now?" Silas asks Rose, trying to avoid the topic. "Better. I will be fine within some moments. It happens very often, nothing new." She replies.
And there comes the announcement, "We have to board now. Take your stuff, don't leave anything behind." Aaron says.
"Alright then, have a safe flight. Call me once you reach, Aaron." Silas says.
"Sure thing."