The birds sang beautifully at dawn; it was nice when you walk on the main road at 4:00 in the morning. There was no traffic, no one was chatting, and there was only fresh air with a slight chill, something worth fighting. My swollen eyes had now started to sting, I did not want to sleep, nor did I want to go inside the house. The pain or sorrow or whatever I was feeling had turned into a burden and I was not able to cope with it. I sat on the trunk of my car and consumed seven cans of energy drinks.
My alarm goes full blast at 8:00 and it was 4:35 on the clock right now. Due to certain reasons, I was getting a bit desperate to be with Jessica. Thoughts of bumping into her or getting the chance to talk to her were still coming in my mind. I might not be able to handle myself better in front of her with my current state of mind and lack of sleep.
I made my way into the driveway and kept the car parked on main for now. Came inside, jumped on the bed, and instantly fell asleep. My mind was not in my control, it dreamed about whatever it wanted and right now, it was dreaming about Jessica; when she walked into the classroom for the first time.
Deep sleep was inevitable, my eyes opened at about 8:25 AM and hurriedly I got up and got ready for University. I had a good breakfast and made as peaceful a journey as I could. As I stepped into the classroom, to my astonishment, Jessica was sitting alone in the class, and the mysterious man nowhere in sight. Without a word, I sat in front of her and we both waited for others to swarm in the room while being a row apart.
Months went by with the same routine, in and out of classes and we did not have any encounters. She always roamed around with that same boy. They would sit together, eat together, and even sometimes fight together. Finally, one day, something truly beautiful happened. During the class, our instructor asked us to make groups of three, and Jessica was one short. Therefore, she walked towards me, as I was the only person left in the entire class, and spoke to me for the first time.
"Hi, are you in any group?" She asked with hesitation.
"No, I'm not in any group yet." I replied with a small smile.
"Oh, I'm one member short. Do you want to join us?" She smiled back while asking politely.
"Of course, I'd love to." I replied as I lowered my gaze.
Surprisingly, with those few words, we exchanged numbers before heading to our next class, which seemed to be too good to be true. Throughout the class, I thought to myself if should I try to contact her or not. Even though I wanted to text but there was something that just did not feel right. I think it was the fact that she was in a relationship with another person and I did not want to be the reason, which hurts her or causes problems for her.
As soon as the Marketing class ended, it was time to go home. Everybody left but me, I sat at my seat to go over the entire process again; of me being unable to tell Jessica how I felt about her even though I had her number. Lost in my thoughts, I heard a voice.
"Hey man. Want to go for some drinks?" An unfamiliar voice asked me.
I looked up to see that a person from my class was standing while holding the door open. I passed a smile, picked up my bag, and started moving towards the door. His name was Thomas J. and he was a tall and strong person but some might confuse him for a party freak.
"Yes. Let's go." I replied while moving side by side with him.
After a short walk to the café, we sat down and got some drinks and then I finally opened to him.
"So what's your full name?" Thomas asked.
"It's Eric Brown." I replied in a very soft tone.
"You must know me already?" replied Thomas.
"Well, to be honest, I know you due to your sense of humor." I said while passing a smile.
"Ha-ha, is that so?"
"Yes really, that's why you're popular in class."
"Wow, at least you've heard of me."
"Yeah, man. So, do you mind if I call you Tom?"
"Sure. No problem." He said while passing a little smile.
We sat in the café, having a few drinks coupled with a few laughs and the whole ordeal went on for a few hours. In the end, we exchanged numbers and I realized that I had many assignments that were due next week.
"I'll catch up with you later Tom. I'm heading home." I spoke as I got up from my seat.
"Why, what happened?" He inquired.
"Nothing happened, I just have some assignments due and I'm lagging."
"I understand, we'll continue tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow then."
"See you too." He replied as he extended his hand for a handshake.
I shook his hand with a good smile and started walking towards the car.
Happiness took over me when I was driving back home. For the first time, I was happy while I was going home and that was due to two things that happened today. First, Jessica talked to me for the first time and surprisingly gave me her number. Second, I met Tom and we instantly became friends, on the bright side, now I do not have to feel lonely since I did not make any friends until now because I felt that I did not need any friends in university. Well, I guess I was wrong.
The next day when I was passing by the class, unintentionally peaking from the side mirror I saw Jessica was sitting alone in the empty class, lost in her thoughts and a clear sign of disturbance. As I stepped into the class, she looked up towards me and we made eye contact for a good twenty seconds before she looked down again. As I moved to the seat, Tom blasted into the room, shouting:
"Eric, my man! We should bunk the class today."
I looked at him in disbelief and did not say a word.
"Is something wrong?" he inquired.
"Nothing, I just want to attend the class. You can bunk if you want to." I replied.
Jessica again looked at me and she lowered her gaze as I made her.
Tom was a bit confused and then left the class. I was sitting a row across where Jessica was sitting and she could easily see me whenever she wanted to. He again came blasting in but this time; he sat down next to me.
"I've decided to take the class with you. We can go out after class then." He spoke while patting my shoulder
"Yeah sure, if I'm up for it then." I replied as I looked at the blank board.
He poked my arm and still was confused about why I was acting like this. How should I tell him that my mood died out when I saw Jessica in this state of mild depression? Should I even tell him? How would Jessica feel if she found out? I am still just an acquaintance to her and she definitely would not want me interfering in her business. Everyone started coming into the class and soon it became full. Everyone waited impatiently for the instructor to arrive and the lecture would begin but then the assistant announced that the instructor was not available and he would reschedule today's class next week. The whole class shouted in happiness and instantly went outside leaving me, Tom, and Jessica in the class.
"So Eric, let's go now?" asked Tom.
"Yeah, wait a minute." I replied while getting up from my seat and started walking towards Jessica.
Jessica was a bit confused as to why I was approaching her and looked me in the eyes.
"Hey, we are going for lunch. Would you like to come along?" I asked in a very polite tone.
She passed a smile but then her so-called boyfriend came into the room and her expressions completely died when she saw him. She immediately got up and went out of the class. I looked towards Tom.
"What was that all about?" asked Tom while getting up and grabbing our bags.
"I have no clue. Anyways, leave it. Let's go for lunch." I replied in a very hurt tone.
What was that person doing to Jessica? Why was she upset in the first place, I swear if I ever found out that person was the reason she was upset. I would tear him up to pieces.
"Eric, would you mind if I drive today?" asked Tom excitedly.
"Sure." I replied as I threw the keys towards him with a smile.
He grabbed the keys and very happily sat in the car. Turning the key and he realized the power of the car he was going to drive.
"What's under the hood?" he inquired.
"It has a small v6." I replied with a wicked smile.
He was in awe by the fact that he was going to drive such a powerful car for the first time in his life. Carefully, he took the car out of the parking and as we were crossing the University's main gate, I saw Jessica in a very upset state.
"Tom, is she crying?" I asked Tom hurriedly.
"Yeah I think so; she's hiding her tears." He said as he slowed the car.
We watched Jessica wipe her tears, smudging her eyeliner a bit in the process.
"What did he do to her, Tom?" I asked with a tensed tone.
"Who did?" He inquired.
"The guy that came in the class before she left."
"I guess they had a fight."
"Who is he anyway?"
"I know who he is. His name is Eric White."
"What?" I asked him in disbelief.
"Yes. He is not even in our department. He's in engineering."
"Oh."
"I've heard that he's a control freak and a hothead."
"Seems like it."
"Yes."
"Do you think they had a fight because I asked her out for lunch?"
"No, I don't think so."
"Are you sure?"
"Don't worry about it. She'll be fine."
I felt bad now. What a coincidence that we had the same first names, which meant that she would remember whatever he did to her when she heard my name.
"Pull up on the side." I shouted.
"What?" Tom asked.
"I said pull up on the side and unlock the door."
Tom immediately stopped the car near; I grabbed a chocolate bar from my bag, hopped out, and started walking on the sidewalk until I was standing bank opposite to her. I just stood there, looking at what he had done to her, she was so sad and was unable to hold back her tears. After a few seconds, she caught me and was stunned with zero expressions. I crossed the road and went towards her; she had now started to shiver. To my surprise, she had started to move towards me as well. We just stood there, looking at each other in the eyes. She had stopped crying and looked at me in her vulnerable state. I looked down and offered her the chocolate bar in my hand; she looked down and looked back up in astonishment. I could not do anything else but smile at her. After a few seconds, she started to smile back at me and accepted my chocolate bar. She clutched it tightly. I turned back towards Tom, who was still sitting in the car but I then immediately remembered that I also had an unused tissue paper in my pocket. I took it out as well and handed it to her. She also accepted it and gave an incredible smile this time. Without any word, I turned towards the road, crossed it carefully, and stood next to the car to see her again.
"Eric, she is going. Want me to follow her?" Tom asked me as he started the car again.
"No. Let her go home. I don't want to force my way in her life." I replied after I sat inside the car.
Tom kept on driving until we reached Burger Joint, the usual spot for lunch. Sitting there made me realize the torture Jessica might be going through with that person. I did not even want to say his name because it makes me hate my name. Tom could see how upset I was about the whole scenario so he chose to stay quiet about it but I could not just ruin our lunch so I decided to change the topic to distract myself.
"If you don't mind me asking Tom, do you have a crush on someone?" I asked while munching on a Big Jack Burger.
Tom quietly ate and smiled.
"I thought you would never ask, obviously I have a crush on someone." replied Tom with a considerably large smile.
"Well, who is it?" I asked with curiosity.
"Sidney." he replied with a blush.
"Sidney? Are you serious?"
"Why? What's the problem?"
"Nothing, it's just that there are bulkier girls in the class than her. In my opinion, you should have a girl that has the same physique as you."
"True, but I didn't see her body while developing a crush on her."
"I don't believe you."
"It was spontaneous, genius. Come on mate."
"Okay, Okay. I believe that you should have gone for Sandra instead." I replied.
"Sandra? Who wears glasses bigger than her body?"
I burst out in laughter. "Yes, that's the one."
"You know, you're a goof." Tom mocked me.
"Why, what did I do?"
"There are so many girls in our class and you fell for someone who is already in a relationship."
"Who's already in a relationship?"
"Jessica."
"I didn't fall for her." I straight up denied it.
"Oh please, stop lying to me. I have noticed the way you went out to comfort her no less than thirty minutes ago. I'm not blind, I can see stuff."
"Okay."
"Well, at least you accepted it."
"What are you talking about?"
"That you fell for her."
I stopped eating and then looked at my leftover meal.
"Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way." Tom defended himself.
"It's okay." I replied as I continued eating.
We finished lunch and then decided to go home, this time I was behind the wheel. We were halfway there when Tom asked:
"Do you have her number?"
"Yeah, she gave it to me." I replied.
"Okay. Have you sent her a text yet?"
"No. I haven't."
"Why?"
"I didn't felt like it."
"Well, I think you should."
"Oh. Is that so? What should I text her?"
"Just send a general text, simple."
"A simple text, do you want her to hate me?"
"What?"
"Leave it, it's nothing"
"Come on Eric."
I stopped the car outside a bank. Looked him in the eyes and asked:
"What should I send her?"
"Something general"
"Like: Hey babe, want to bang tonight?"
"No. That's a bit too extreme."
"You think?" I replied with a harsh tone.
"What are you upset about?"
"It's just..." I stopped to take a breath.
"It's what?"
"It's just that I promised myself that I would not have feelings for anyone in university. But unknowingly, I've developed feelings for Jessica and the way the other Eric is treating her, makes my blood boil, and wants to hit him with my spanner." I replied abruptly.
Tom became quiet for a few seconds.
"Listen, Eric, it is okay to have feelings for anyone in your life. It is something natural. I think you should send a text and come on talking terms with her; you might become the one who saves her from White. Think about it." replied Tom in a very comforting tone.
Tom was right. I thought I should just send a text and see how it goes.
"But what if she doesn't reply to me?" I asked out of fear of rejection.
"Don't worry. She will reply."
"How do you know that?"
"I just do. Trust me."
"Okay. I think I will just simply ask her about the test we have tomorrow for Financial Accounting. She approached me for it specifically, she might reply to it."
"Yes, that's a good idea. Write it up and send it."
I took out my phone. I wrote the entire message and before sending the message, I gave my phone to Tom so that he could proofread it.
"If it's alright then send it."
After Tom read the message, he instantly sent it.
"Now wait for her reply. Even if it takes her a day or two." said Tom.
"What? Are you serious?" I freaked out.
"Yeah, anything is possible. I'm making you mentally prepared." He comforted.
"Should have told me before sending it, what's wrong with you?" I shouted.
"Relax Eric, she'll reply. I know her."
"Hold on, so suddenly you know her now? Didn't it cross your mind that you should have mentioned it a bit earlier than you know her so that I could have written a better message?"
"What? No, be yourself. What good could have happened if I had given you some information on her?
"Well, I hate to admit but you're right about that."
Tom started laughing.
"You know what? You're the unbelievable one." I shouted at him again.
"What?" He asked.
"If there is even a 1% chance that this blows up, I will strangle you."
"And, if it doesn't blow up then I get a treat. Want to make a deal?"
"It's a Deal."
We waited for her to text back and after 2 hours of waiting she replied, I was a bit worried about what she could have replied and with a heavy heart I opened the message and it read:
"Hi Eric, Sorry I was caught up in some work that's why I couldn't reply earlier. About the Financial Accounting thing, I think sir wants us to split the work equally so that every group member gets to put in their effort."
I took a very deep breath like a sigh of relief
"See? I knew it. Now I want my treat." Tom shouted.
"Not so fast, wise guy." I mocked him.
Right after that, I got another text.
"I'm afraid there's bad news Eric. We were three members but I guess Ruby has bailed so it leaves us two now."
Hallelujah! What great news. It was just Jessica and me now, Ruby had bailed. I had always been a strong believer in God's work and I could not thank Him enough for the blessing he may have bestowed upon me.
"Okay Tom, I guess it's time we head back home now." I said abruptly.
"Why, what happened now?" He asked in a worried tone.
"Nothing, I think I should go home and rest, we have a test tomorrow and I have to prepare for it." I replied with a smile.
"Okay. See you tomorrow then." He remarked while he stepped out of the car.
I waved at him and headed home. As usual, my Dad was home before me. I went in and hugged him while greeting him.
"How are you home early, son?" he asked in a very humble tone.
"I got free early, Dad. You know that I come home straight." I replied, hugging him again.
"I don't know if you remember but I promised you when you'll get an admission in one of the prestigious universities, I'll get you your car." he smiled.
"Oh yes! I forgot. Thanks, Dad." I was filled with joy.
"So? Make your pick tomorrow and we'll go on Sunday." he hugged me again.
Oh boy, tonight just got a bit more exciting.