CROSS OVER

ARLEN

I'm on the verge of losing my mind, with each tick of the clock pushing me closer to the breaking point. And the culprit? None other than the infuriatingly slow bus driver, causing a traffic nightmare on the only road leading into my University.

I'm running late. Lectures must have already started, and here I am, amidst a sea of people on this bus, fighting for space. Exhaustion sets in as I recall the six rounds my coach made me run on the basketball court. "Arlen!" My heartbeat quickened at the sound of Hiroto's voice. Just hearing him triggers my fight response like nothing else. Hiroto Takumi —my roommate, my closest friend, who seems to blend in as effortlessly as a beggar with his ragged hoodie and baggy pants.

"Yo bro, you late again!! I hope you don't get any extra taunts from Professor Williams." I returned him a poker face as if I am totally speechless. "I know he hates me, who the hell In this universe of Teachers like sports?" I hid my animosity behind a neutral expression. Hiroto slipped his jacket and tossed his backpack over his shoulder as the bus stopped on our college. The gleam of the sunshine rays streaming over Briarvale University,

"Hey Arlen, hurry up! We getting late, I can't bear other lecture for getting late. " Hirorto and I run faster as we could entered in the class. my forehead was slick with sweat and my muscles were well on their way to becoming Gelatin. All Horriffied eyes were fixed on us. 

"Look at the en retard, Late as Usual". He narrowed his eyes with folded arms. "Arlen!! Do you believe you have what it takes to join the league? It requires a strong GPA. I suggest aiming for a solid grade to ensure your placement or else some one may steal your spot." Upon hearing that he had resumed his 45-minute French class as usual, a bitter feeling washed over me. Despite this setback, my determination to enter the Dutch basketball league remains unwavering. I'm hoping to recapture the motivation I once had; when I do, I'm confident I'll be able to overcome any obstacle. While in class, I found myself doodling palm trees and eyes on my French textbook, completely distracted.

As the session drew to a close, the Professor thanked the class, noting the completion of three modules and advising us to study for the upcoming test. Before leaving, he specifically called out to me, pointing a finger my way, and said, "Arlen, make sure to stop by my office during the last period. It's important that we have a conversation." After a nod of agreement, I exited the room. I shut my textbook, packed my backpack, and made my way to the canteen. I was starving, beyond belief. Having missed breakfast, my coach punished me with six laps around the court. Living close to Briarvale Boys, we're stuck with food from the dorms, which tastes like cardboard and baby food. I prefer the canteen, where the food is affordable. Despite its crowdedness, I placed an order for an iced Americano and a chicken wrap. The wrap, filled with slices of grilled chicken breast, fresh Green Leaf lettuce, and a blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese, all rolled tightly in flaxseed flour flatbread, was worth the wait. Knowing it would take a while, I decided to stop by the sports cell to collect a recommendation letter for an application.

The sun beat down mercilessly, intensifying the sweltering heat of the day. As I made my way through another block of the university, the brightness of the sun illuminated my path. Near the sports cell, a group of people had gathered, presumably awaiting the start of the elocution competition or something. Taking a piece of gum from my pocket, I began to chew absentmindedly. Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered by the abrupt thud of books hitting the ground and a collision with a  figure rushing to the competition. She let out a pained groan as she fell to the ground, her chest number pinned to her denim jacket. With her mouth forming a perfect "O" of shock, she exclaimed, "What in the world have you done? Are you blind?" Her voice was laced with both pain and frustration. "I think I've lost my teeth! How on earth am I supposed to compete now?" Despite the seriousness of the situation, I couldn't suppress a smirk at the sight of her O-shaped mouth, resembling that of an Orangutan. "I apologize, miss, I mean.. I don't know your name yet hence, miss!" I said, attempting to alleviate the tension. "That's just my bubble gum you mistook for a tooth. It fell out when we collided." Embarrassment washed over her, she hastily gathered her belongings and made a swift exit.

A foolish grin spread across my face, but I quickly wiped it away as she abruptly ran off out of nowhere. I had checked with the sports cell about the recommendation letter, but there was still no word. Despair began to creep in until I remembered my order for a chicken wrap. Devouring it hastily, I hurried off to my other lectures, feeling time slipping away like the changing seasons. Suddenly, Hiroto flicked my forehead and asked, "Hey, what's with the distant look?" Putting on a poker face, I replied, "Nothing much, Roto. Just nervous about meeting Professor William. Sometimes I wish I could just disappear from all this drama." Wondering what awaited me, I assured Hiroto, "I'll meet you at their Thair court at 5. I won't be late." With that, I gathered my things and headed off to the office, ready to face whatever awaited me.

I turned the knob of the door on my way to Professor Williams' office, mentally bracing myself for what felt like entering a lion's den. As I pushed the door open, I was met with the unexpected sight of him and a girl engaged in what appeared to be a serious conversation. Deciding not to interrupt, I approached cautiously and knocked on the door as a sign of respect. He gave me a welcoming gesture for me to take a seat.

"Take a seat, Mr. Breg," he said with a hint of surprise. "It's a rare occurrence for you to be punctual." I couldn't help but feel a strange smile spread across my face as I took my seat, stealing a glance at the familiar figure sitting opposite Professor Williams. "Look who I've encountered again, Ms. Tooth Gum," I mused inwardly. "What could she possibly have to do with this Axe-man?" I muttered these words under my breath.

Her green eyes widened as our gazes locked for a moment. Professor Williams then extended a hand in introduction. "Mr. Breg, meet Miss Sascha," he began. "She's a student from Briarvale and, as luck would have it, she's also in your French class. She excels in French, and I trust she'll be able to assist you in securing a solid grade."

I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine at his words. The idea of her becoming my tutor was unexpected, to say the least. As Professor Williams handed her my grade book, he offered her some guidance. "Ms. Sascha, please plan accordingly. Make sure Mr. Breg makes progress. He's a good kid but tends to get easily distracted. Best of luck."

My expression remained impassive as I absorbed the weight of his words. This was it—my fate seemingly sealed. As he dismissed us, reminding us to take the matter seriously, we both responded in unison, "Yes, sir."

As we agreed to leave, I graciously held the door open for her to exit ahead of me. Once she stepped outside, I closed the door behind us, and we left Mr. William's office together. Outdoors, she expressed her frustration by stomping her feet and grinding her teeth, resembling of an irritated orangutan. I couldn't help but think about what was going through her mind. Seeking to break the tension, I teased, "Well, Miss Rees, or should I say Miss Tooth Gum?" with a playful smirk. She shot me a sharp glance, pointing her finger at me, her green eyes flashing. "Call me Sascha. That's enough," she stated firmly. "And ensure you're punctual. I have no tolerance for lateness. Our sessions will begin tomorrow, and I expect you to send me your schedule via email. Don't  get too friendly convo Mr. Hump. I am your tutor; you are here to learn. So, Bye the bye."

With that, she attempted to depart, but I leaned against the doorframe, momentarily trapping her. "Ms. Sascha, you are very- very Bossy. you keep me in line" I remarked with a smirk. I was just teasing her. A faint blush tinted her cheeks as she swiftly escaped, leaving me to make my way to exit.

Standing at the bus stop, I watched anxiously for the bus to appear, knowing it would take me to the dreaded practice session at Thair Court. The anticipation of facing my coach and gearing up for tomorrow's tutoring session left a sour taste in my mouth. What an utterly revolting day it was turning out to be!