So there you have it

Disclaimer: it's fictional.

Another installment without any reviews. Does anybody like it?

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Everyone was laughing, but for me it was a fake laugh. I did think the joke was funny. I was just preoccupied with the recent news. It looked as if everyone was having fun. As expected, Adam went out and got a few people I didn’t think would be there. I think everyone there actually knew Chloe too. I was surprised to find out that she had time to go around and meet all these people. It must’ve been because of her hanging out with Tom.

Her and Tom. How could I not notice? I knew they both were acting a little different lately. Tom is a really great guy. I’m happy for Chloe. Everyone is. It was then that she noticed I wasn’t all there. She came over to me with that look on her face. I wasn’t ready yet. I had to get out of there. So I let everyone know I’d be back, and headed for the bathroom. She followed.

“Why am I acting like this?” I said to myself aloud after checking the room for anyone else. “What’s wrong with me?”

“Samantha?” Chloe asked while opening the door to the women’s room. “Samantha. Are you ok?”

I just froze up. I didn’t realize she’d come in after me. I should’ve thought of that beforehand, but I was too worked up. She turned the corner and saw me sitting on one of the couches looking like I don’t know what. “Samantha?”

“Y-yes?” I couldn’t say anything else.

“What are you doing in here?” She asked boldly.

“I had to get away for a second.” I look down, “I... I needed to think for a moment.”

“Think about what?” She asked while crossing the distance to sit next to me.

“I just...” I paused for a long time.

“Yes?” She looked inquisitive.

“I don’t know.” I look at her. “I’ve been like this for a while now. I think since we brought the cake out.”

“Dad went to get the cake right after he found out about me being with Tom.” Chloe stated more than said. “Then you rushed after him.”

“I thought he might be upset about it.” I got up and moved to the wall. Looking back I said, “I reassured him that Tom was a great guy. Tom... he is a great guy.”

“Tom...” Chloe looked away. “I thought you two were best friends.”

“We are!” I shouted. “I’m sorry... I don’t know why I’m acting like this.”

“Do you want us to stop seeing each other?” She never looked up.

“No!” I cross the distance to her in but a moment. “By no means. I’m really happy for you. There isn’t a better guy you could be with.”

“But you have feelings for him.” She looked into my eyes.

“I don’t.” I answer her straightly. “Not like that at least. He’s my friend. He always will be.”

“Are you sure?” She already knew the answer. Yes.

It was left at that and we headed back to everyone. The night was young and there was still plenty to do. It was great after that. Both me and Chloe never said anything about that to anyone ever. Well, almost everyone for me. But I know it’s true for her. I really saw how much she changed that night. I think it was mostly because of Tom. She was different in every aspect, but it didn’t make her any less of who she was.

While the party was going on, I found out she was going to go to college next semester. I thought it was odd that she would start a semester later than normal, but it is college and you can go whenever you like. It’s nothing like high school. She was getting everything ready mostly because Tom had started classes there last year. He was a year ahead of us, so she didn’t want to get behind. She planned to take a summer semester as well so she could be somewhat closer to him. He didn’t take summer courses so it would add up.

I thought it was a good idea, at least up to the summer semester part. I wouldn’t want to spend my time doing that because I didn’t think I could handle it. I mean; I have good grades, but it’s not that good. I couldn’t always get the grades I needed, and too much at a time can burn you out quickly. So I decided that I would start too. It wouldn’t be as much as Chloe. I would only do a few classes at time. If I did it that way, I’d be able to take my time and make sure I get the good grades. It wouldn’t help if I got swamped. The only problem was... what major should I go into.

So, we started college the next semester. I never thought I'd go so early, but, with the way my life was going after high school, I was actually ready to take this adventure. It was there that I first met him, but I didn't think anything about him. In fact, I didn't really know he was there. Well, I did know he was in the class, because he answered some of the question in class, but I didn't register him as anything but another student in the class. I wouldn't actually start classes for another three months.

Both me and Chloe applied the day after her party. It was quick, but we got notice that we got accepted the next month. Chloe got hers before me. My mother was shocked, so I knew she didn't hide it from me. It was strange seeing her that way. She was somehow, different. My dad, of course, was the same as always. He completely ignored the situation, just like everything else about me. Actually, I think he even ignores my mother. I guess it's his way of avoiding how she normally is. David was happy for me. He didn't say anything, but I knew it was just like when Chloe got accepted. I guess I was as much of a daughter to him as he was as much of a father for me.

Things were going well at the job when we started classes. I was able to tell everybody's mood and ordered correctly every time. Since it was normally the same people that came in, it was easy enough for me to learn. I knew that it wasn’t because that though. Everything for once seemed to go my way. This had been the best time of my life, and I’m thankful for that. I gained a new friend, and had a great time with her. It was completely unlike before high school. It could be that it was just because it was Chloe, but I wouldn’t know.

So classes started, even if I hadn’t chose a major. It wasn’t like I had to have a major to start out with. I could always figure it out while I was taking the regular requirements. That was what I was doing anyways. I was only taking three classes to begin with. I had to get it out of the way so I decided to take College Algebra. I knew I was going to hate it, but I knew I had to take it. Writing and History would be easy enough though, so I’d only have to watch my grades in the one class.

I guess that it would be easy enough. All College Algebra was, was the equivalent of Algebra II in high school. The only difference was the name, and that you were in College. The only thing I hate about it was that you have to take it anyways, even if you did take it in high school. At least, people like me who somehow get suckered into it. I hate it, and I’ve always hated school. It seems that’ll never change.

The first few weeks of class were going well, I guess. The math teacher was funny. I mean odd, not someone who’d make you laugh. Actually, he did make you laugh with his quirkiness sometimes, but that really doesn’t count. It did make the class bearable. I didn’t know it until later that ‘he’ was in that class. I didn’t pay attention. I was just taking the class. He told me later, and we even met once before as well. “Don’t you take College Algebra with Michael Brenner?”

“Umm... yeeessss.” I had eyed him at that time. I was with my friends at that moment. It felt awkward having someone asking you about your own personal life, even if it was as simple as asking about a class you take. That, for me though, wasn’t something I liked. “Why do you ask?”

“Did you already finish the assignment?” He didn’t even give and explanation. I was ready to dig my grave and crawl into it. “I ran into someone else, and he told me he finished it right after class. Can you believe that?” He waited for me, when, I just looked at him. “Well, I know I didn’t. I guess it was smart to do it so early, but I didn’t have free time.” Just then his watch went off. “Oh crap... I gotta go.” He nodded to everybody. “Sorry for the interruption. I’ll see you in class.”

“What was that about?” Adam asked with a priceless look on his face.

“How the hell should I know?” I was just as puzzled.

Chloe laughed, “Well, obviously that take the same class together.”

“Well, of course.” Adam said in such a way that made Tom glare at him. “But, who was he?”

“Just some guy.” I said trying to forget about it. And, of course, I did. “Let’s just leave it at that.”

“Samantha, did you do your homework yet?” Chloe asked concerned.
I had been working a lot recently. “I haven’t had the time yet.”

“I can help you if you want.”

“It’s ok.” I sigh, “I’ve just been so busy at work.”

To be honest, I would’ve liked the help, but it wasn’t like it was something terribly hard. The only reason why I’d get the help is so that I could finish it quicker. I don’t think we’d need to turn it in, though. I remembered him saying something about a test coming up, so it probably was practice for that. I didn’t tell anyone this, of course. “I think I should go do it now. We weren’t going to do anything else after this, right?”

“Actually, me and Chloe were going to go watch a movie in a few minutes.” Tom told us.

“It’s starting in about 30 minutes.”

“So that’s a no.” I got up. “If you’ll excuse me.”

“I-is something wrong?” Chloe stammered.

“Nothing.” I said not so convincingly. “I just have something on my mind. I’ll see you guys later.”

I left them quickly. I didn’t know what was really wrong. I just happened to get in one of those moods again. It had only happened a few times. Secretly, I was hoping that Chloe didn’t think it was her. I told myself it wasn’t her. I loved her, but I wasn’t ready to admit it. Not yet. Everything seemed out of focus whenever I got like that. I hated it. I could only go to the shop and have a drink when I was like that.

I arrived at the shop with my books. I ended up sitting in a booth with a window facing the lake. I left my books untouched while I was waiting for my cup. Staring out at the lake my drink came, but I didn’t notice. After I had smelled the coffee, I picked it up and took a drink. I didn’t even look away to pick it up and put it down. “It’s amazing how you do that.” David had been standing there the whole time. “While you look out the window you pick up the cup perfectly, and, as you put it down, it ends up at the same spot without you spilling any.”

“I never noticed that.” I said as I looked up at him. “How long have you been standing there?”

“A few minutes.” He said, adding, “Mind if I sit with you?”

“Not at all.” I hold out my hand to show he could sit across from me.

“Is something bothering you?” he asked as he sat down. He even had his own cup. “I noticed something after you came in.”

“I guess you would’ve.” I took a sip. “Especially since it’s this type.” Raising my cup to show was I meant. “I think you know me the best out of everyone here. Chloe included.”

“I’ve had more experience than her.”

“True, but still.” I paused. “She makes mistakes sometimes.”

“I know.” He looked out at the lake. “This is the perfect time of day looking at the lake.”

“It’s beautiful.” I agreed while looking at the lake. “I... I don’t know.”

“It’s ok.” He looked back at me. “That’s why I made that one for you.” I just look at him in shock, “I think I’ll leave you alone now.”

“I’m fine with you staying.”

“Ahh, but you have homework to do.” He put a hand on my books as he got up. “If you need any help, just call me. I do run my own business you know.” He winked at me. “I have to do this subject all the time.”

“Thank you.” No more words were said. Thank you.