It was induction week — a whole week of activities, like a 0th week.
It was a rainy Friday morning, and today we were going to the library for a subject-specific introduction, but honestly, it already felt like two weeks had passed. It was both fun and stressful.
Last night, I was so exhausted that I forgot to call Mom. She didn't even call me either, so I decided to call her first.
When we talked, she sounded so dull. I asked what was wrong, and she said she had a slight headache. I told her to take her medication and have a nice rest. She asked how school was going, and I told her it was a bit stressful but fun. She said, "Have a stress-free day," and I replied, "You too," and hung up.
I miss my mom so much and wish I could visit her, but not until vacation.
I quickly finished my morning routine and set out for college with my umbrella. It was still raining heavily. As much as I love the rain, I didn't want my clothes getting soaked before class. I bought a bicycle yesterday, but since it was raining cats and dogs, I waited for a taxi.
Soon enough, I caught one and made it to college.
I went inside, but class hadn't started yet. Penelope came over and greeted me, then sat beside me.
Of course, Chris wasn't there yet — he was probably still at the coffee shop. I wondered how he would make it through the heavy rain. Maybe he would catch a taxi too.
Penelope and I were chatting when Chris walked in. I didn't notice him at first, but Penelope motioned toward him, then stood up and left, and Chris sat next to me.
Our first class was in the library, so we all quickly moved there. After class, as Chris and I were walking out the door, I saw a senior guy coming toward us.
"Hey, Felicity," he said.
"Um, hi. How did you remember my name?" I asked, surprised.
"How could I forget the name of a pretty woman like you? Don't tell me you've forgotten mine," he replied.
Chris was still standing beside me. We had grown close and were planning to have lunch together.
"This looks like it's going to take forever. I'll get going — come find me later," Chris whispered in my ear and rolled his eyes.
I smiled and said, "I will," and he left.
"Is something wrong?" the senior asked.
"No, nothing's wrong," I replied.
"Okay, so, dear, do you remember my name?" he asked.
"Alex, right?" I guessed, unsure.
"Yes, honey, you remembered! I'm glad," he said.
"Let's have lunch together," he added.
"I'm so sorry, but my friends are waiting for me. Maybe next time — rain check?" I replied.
"Alright, have fun," Alex said, and I immediately left to join Chris and Penelope at the cafeteria.
"So, how was your conversation with Mr. Not Too Cool?" Chris teased, using air quotes.
"You decided to name Alex 'Mr. Not Too Cool'? Why?" I asked.
"Because you're too cool for that guy, Alex. I'm just saying," Chris replied.
"Oh, come on, Chris, it's not that bad. Surprisingly, he's kind of fun," I said.
"Hmmm, so you like him, don't you?" Penelope asked.
"Eww, no! I just met him. How would I know? Besides, he's not my type, and I want to focus on my studies," I retorted.
It was still raining heavily when college ended. Chris, Penelope, and I decided to wait a little longer for the rain to subside, but it didn't seem like it would stop anytime soon.
I began to feel bored while waiting, so I went downstairs and stood by the door. The view was lovely. I touched the rain with my hand. Soon, Chris and Penelope joined me.
"I love the rain," I said.
"Oh really? I'm shocked," Chris replied sarcastically.
"Oh, shut up," I said, playfully pushing him.
"I also love the rain, but I wouldn't want to get wet," Penelope added.
I turned to face them and said,
"That's the best part," smiling as I ran off into the rain.
It felt wonderful. I twirled and spun, enjoying the feeling of getting wet.
Chris called out,
"Come inside! If you get a cold, you'll fall ill!"
"Yes, I agree with Chris!" Penelope added.
"No, it's fun! You guys should come join me!" I shouted back.
"No," they both said in unison.
"Your loss," I said, laughing.
I started dancing ballet-style, twirling and turning until I almost fell — but someone caught me.
It was Alex. I didn't even notice when he got there.
"Careful, Princess. You don't want to hurt your pretty little leg," he said, smiling mischievously.
I started to feel awkward under his stare, but thankfully Chris and Penelope came to my rescue.
"Are you alright?" they both asked.
"Yes, I'm fine, thanks," I replied.
"And thank you, Alex. If not for you, I would have hurt myself," I said, facing him.
"It's no hustle, sweetheart," Alex replied.
I thought to myself, Was there ever a hustle? It must be his favorite phrase.
"Thanks, but I'll take it from here," Chris said firmly, frowning.
"Oh, okay. Bye! See you tomorrow," Alex replied.
"Goodbye," I said.
As Alex left, I teased Chris,
"Is that jealousy I smell?"
"I think so," Penelope chimed in.
"I am NOT jealous. He's just annoying," Chris grumbled.
"Oh okay," Penelope and I said, exchanging looks.
"Goodbye, Penny. See you tomorrow," I said.
"Goodbye, Felicity," Penelope replied.
We hugged, and she went on her way.
******
Christopher's POV
I woke up very early. My alarm didn't even ring. I went through my morning routine.
It was a rainy Friday, and I couldn't stop thinking about Felicity.
I rushed off to work with my umbrella and hadn't even eaten yet.
After work with my latte coffee, I boarded a taxi and headed straight to school.
When classes ended, we waited because of the rain.
While talking about the rain, without warning, Felicity ran outside into it.
In my mind: She's so beautiful when she's wet.
Then Penny asked,
"How are you doing? How are things going?"
"I'm well and fine. How's our family? Doing alright?" I asked.
"Yes, they are. Mother misses you a lot," she said.
"Yes, but I can't go back there — at least, not now," I replied.
Just then, Felicity almost slipped, but Alex caught her.
I was furious.
I ran out to meet her and took over from there.
He left, and then Felicity and Penelope started teasing me.
Later, it was just Felicity and me walking home and chatting.
"So, how's your mom?" I asked.
"She's fine," she replied.
"What about your parents? Are they alright?" she asked.
"Yes, they're fine. But I miss my mom, though," I said.
"Then you should visit her. My mom means the world to me," she said.
I stayed silent for a moment, then broke it.
"What about your dad?" I asked.
"I... I don't want to talk about him.
This is me. Goodnight, Chris," she said.
"Oh, okay. See you tomorrow, my love. Don't miss me too much," I teased, kissing her hand again.
"Oh my goodness, gross! Stop doing that, please," she said, laughing.
"Nope, you can't make me. Goodnight," I replied.
And then we parted ways.