Geek to On Fleek

Chapter Two: Alex

Chapter Two: Alex

First semester, last year, I got two things.

A best friend.

And a boyfriend.

But this isn't about me, not really. No, this is about Alex, and the fact that he spent our entire freshman year of college glued to his computer. Sure, I wasn't exactly the epitome of school spirit either, but at least I was on the school's fashion magazine.

Every day after my poetry lecture, I would pass by him. I never noticed him look up, he was always concentrated on the computer, but I always gave at least one glance at him, to try to see his face.

I knew who he was just by the original sticker that said "Flores" on his computer. Alex Flores, the guy who's always typing, typing away and yet he has not gotten lower than an "A" on any class. Not one, not even organic chemistry, and he took that for fun.

Yeah, let that part sink in.

I didn't talk to him until sophomore year; I was too shy, still am. Comfortable, voluntary isolation is my cigarette and I wish I could stop smoking. If I'd known Alex would have changed my life this much, become my person, maybe that would have been the only push I needed to just say hello to him. But it doesn't work like that.

Then I witnessed the most baffling event, halfway into the first semester of second year.

For some strange reason my lecture was cancelled and the professor decided the best way to let us know was to post a haphazardly written note on the door. I had gotten up early and drove to school in morning traffic just for this class, only to find it cancelled. The nerve of these professors, I'm still not over it...

I decided to walk to the little coffee cart near the science labs on the other side of campus. The coffee at this specific cart is known for being the best—and the least expensive—so I decided to take the long walk to have a cup and work on some assignments.

Now, my school is fairly small, in regards to population size, compared to other schools. It boasts an undergrad population of about 4,000 students, but the school itself is spread out and massive. It's beautiful red-brick architecture and lush greenery around it make Amaryllis University a comfortable place to get an education.

That being said, it wasn't uncommon for people to know each other well. It felt like an extension of high school. I thought once I was in college, everyone would treat each other with more respect and appreciation, but it wasn't the case. You can take the people out of high school but...

Once I arrived at the coffee cart, and before I could even order, I saw Alex leaning against a wall of a building nearby, his leg kind of kicked out in front of him, his face glued to something other than a computer screen, surprisingly. It was an old book, and he was about halfway through it, although I wasn't familiar with the title.

As I contemplated whether I should go over there and say something to him (but, what would I even say?), I saw Adrian Windsor shove Alex's book, as if the book fell off a cliff to its doom.

I couldn't help but notice Adrian's shiny black hair bounce at her movement. Alex jumped a little, probably because he didn't expect it. I looked around. No one bat an eyelash.

I took a few small steps towards them, forgetting my coffee craving altogether, and silently sat down at a table near them. I pulled out my laptop to look like I wasn't just here to eavesdrop, but I didn't take my eyes off them for one moment.

She spoke in a low, demanding voice. "Don't forget, I own you."

He frowned at her, like he didn't believe her, and picked up his book. He made a big show of dusting it off and adjusting the bent pages, all while she angrily waited for his answer. I admit, the last part of her sentence sent a shiver even down my spine and in that moment I was glad I wasn't in his position. I admired his calmness, even if he really was freaking out on the inside.