I never knew a complete stranger would rule my mind and make me crazy....
....AT CLASS...
I was listening to everyone's introduction. There were so many talented students too. Someone had done internship already at a prestigious publishing house, someone had gone on a world tour, someone has already written a book in his name and there I was. Nothing special at all.
It was my turn now. I could see Chris watching me with intensity and concentration. He grabbed a chair and sat. Why? I'm not going to sing a song or perform anything. Why do you have to sit comfortably and make me nervous? Anyway I stood up and gathered all my confidence.
"Hello everyone! My name is Ashtine Miller. I'm from Detroit, Michigan. I love reading books and that's why I wanted to major in Literature. I'm looking forward to learning and growing with you all here at Princeton.", I completed my introduction and was about to sit when I heard my name being called.
"Ashtine is it? Am I right?", Chris asked.
Why? Are you deaf or have weak memory? You already know my name and then too asking me again for no reason. He surely wants to mess with me. I regret shouting at him at the cafe in front of Paul. He's going to take revenge now.
My heartbeat raced and I didn't know what to do.
"You need to stand up when a senior asks you something!", Chris said arrogantly.
Goodbye Ash!! You're gone now. This King of flirts is going to ruin your image on the very first day of college.
Everyone looked at me and obviously were stunned with what was happening. I immediately got up again and replied, " Yes its Ashtine, senior!". I replied pretending to be confident.
"So Miss Ashtine yours was a boring introduction. I literally yawned.", Chris said.
There he goes. I knew this will happen. Everyone laughed at me and I could sense people were making fun of me in whispers.
She's such a looser.
Boring Bookworm.
Is she stupid? Who gives such 5th standard introduction in college that too in front of a hot senior?
I was on the verge of crying when I felt Arin's hand holding mine. She whispered to me, "Don't get intimidated. You are strong and talented and that's why you're here at Princeton. Shut his mouth with a perfect reply."
Arin's words brought a wave of confidence in me. I wanted to slap him with my words.
"You should have taken bath before coming to the class. Your last night's hangover is the reason you are yawning. I suggest you go back and freshen up.", I replied bluntly and in one breath.
Oooooo!!! Everyone reacted to my answer.
He was definitely pissed. His eyebrows furrowed and eyes burning with anger. It was obvious from his face. But to maintain his cool, savage personality he smiled again.
"So you can talk, ha! You must be at the bar yesterday and checked me out to know that I had drinks!", he replied with a sharp gaze.
Everyone booed at me. I couldn't hold back my tears. I was hurt. I was humiliated in front of the whole class on the very first day of my college. Tears rolled down my cheeks onto my notebook and I could see them. I didn't have the nerve to reply to this jerk anymore. I knew if I go down a bit he would drown me with his words. It was better that I backed off.
Everyone was laughing at me, some were passing comments and I became the center of attraction which I never wanted and all this because of this guy who I hate now.
I couldn't bear this insult anymore and I ran away from the class crying. I was followed by Arin who came running behind me. Others didn't even bother.
.......
"Here let me wipe your tears.", Arin said while wiping off my tears.
"You don't have to cry Ash. Its okay. Things of such manner happen at universities.", she said.
"But I've never been humiliated like this in my entire life. I hate being the center of attraction and because of that jerk I became one. Now everyone will make fun of me and talk about me.", I said while sobbing.
"They will forget everything in a couple of days. That's human tendency. You don't worry about them.", Arin comforted me.
I washed my face and took a deep breath. I had other classes too and I didn't want to miss them because of that stupid jerk.
I entered the class again and thankfully Mrs. Wilson was still not in the class and that jerk had left. Students were staring at me and gossiping among themselves but I ignored them and sat on my seat with Arin.
"Hey what happened earlier was not a good start. But you don't be upset. Anyways Chris is like that only. Don't mind him.", a guy came to our seat and said.
"My name is Josh by the way.", he added.
"Thanks Josh.", I replied.
But my mind went back to his words. How does he know Chris? Isn't he a senior and how could they know each other? Anyway why Am I thinking about that jerk. Let him be.
"I will be going to the library now. Seems like Mrs. Wilson might not be able to take class today. You guys can join if you want.", Josh said.
"Okay lets go!", both of us replied.
....AT THE LIBRARY.....
I explored the library. This was my comfort place. The smell of books, the silence, the surroundings everything relaxed me and made me forget the morning incidence. I took out a book which I loved, "Pride & Prejudice". I sat and started reading. While I was busy with my book my other two friends Arin & Josh were busy with finding a book for themselves.
"Hey baby girl!", someone came from behind and whispered in my ears.
I got flustered and looked back. It was Sarah to my relief.
"So we are having a freshers party and I want you to come with your friends. The college ones are boring and ours is for fun.", she said hastily. Maybe she had to go somewhere.
"No please. I don't think I could go.", I replied.
"I'm not here for excuses. I'm just telling you and you'll be there tomorrow at 7. I'll WhatsApp you the location later. See ya!!", Sarah ordered and then left.
"But.. No.. listen...", I couldn't finish my sentence.
I was never a party person. I'm bad at making new friends and under confident. With what happened today I was already done with pushing my limits.
"Hey Ash! What was Sarah saying?", Arin asked.
"She invited us all to the freshers party tomorrow.", I replied showing no interest.
"Wohoo!! The thing I was waiting for! FRESHERS!", Arin replied excitedly.
"SHH!! Its library.", I said.
"Oh yea I got carried away!", she whispered.
"The informal parties are something else. Our seniors are so extra and so are their parties. I believe you'll experience things that you probably haven't seen in your life.", Josh said.
Its been two days of me here and I've already seen so much. I don't wish to see anything more now. I don't want to go. But Sarah has asked me to come and Arin would also force me to go so there's no point in discussing about whether to go or not. I only fear one thing. What if I see Chris there too? What he did today was not good and I'm already hurt. What if he hurts me again? What if he takes his revenge tomorrow? Oh I wish this tomorrow should not come.