Whos That Handsome Man

All of my writing is fiction, and the stories and characters are products of my imagination. They were created for my fun and, hopefully, your enjoyment. Some of the events in the stories are not particularly condoned nor encouraged by the author but are there to create and enhance the story of the imaginary characters and their lives. Comments are always encouraged and carefully reviewed. All characters within the story that need to be are 18 years of age or older. I hope you enjoy! And take a second to vote and comment.

~~~

"Holly, If I can work out my end, will you go with me?"

"Oh my gosh, Ash, where is it you're going?"

"Molugustan."

"I still don't think I've ever heard of it."

"I hadn't either until I stumbled upon it on the Internet and started doing a little research. It's tiny and tucked into the mountains. It looks totally fascinating, and it has an internationally recognized university. Balesford. I want to take on international studies there."

I'd shared with Holly the information I'd found about Balesford University and also Molugustan, the latter being somewhat meager. Foreigners seemed to love the European university, and the teaching staff was international.

"So, your parents have agreed to this?" Holly asked innocently.

"Well, not exactly. I was hoping to get your agreement to go with me before I presented it to them." I took a deep breath and waited.

"You what?"

"Hey, remember when we used to sit and imagine things we'd do when we grew up, all the adventures we'd be part of. What was the common theme?"

"I'm not sure what you're talking about unless it's Europe."

"That's it, exactly. We were always in Europe. And Molugustan is in Europe. It's not that expensive, and we both have scholarships to help us get started."

Holly paced across the room and then back. Slowly, she smiled.

"That would be about as exciting as anything we ever used to think about. But this is reality, and I've learned to be a bit more practical despite still being a high school girl."

"What are you trying to say, Holly?"

She chuckled. "I'm not sure. I think I want to mull it over a little." She glanced at me for approval.

"We can't wait too long if we decide to do it. I don't want to miss the enrollment deadline, and I may have to arm-wrestle with my parents."

"Um, mine, too."

"How much thinking time do you need?"

"I don't know, Ash. I mean, it's so freaking exciting that I want to do it. I have money of my own, and Mom and Dad have always said they'd pay for my college. But I don't think they were thinking of Molugustan."

"They love to have American students there, and our tuition would only be a thousand dollars a year more. I need to contact them about housing, but I'm sure that the two of us living together would save money."

"Wow. That didn't take long," she said, laughing. "I'm ready. How about if we go together to each set of parents. If they see we're united on this, it might be more compelling."

"More compelling?" I was trying not to let my doubts sound in my voice.

"Let's sit down and plan our presentation, and then we'll figure out who to attack first."

I wasn't sure I'd ever seen Holly so excited.

"Wait," she said almost immediately. "How about we get both sets of parents together and just make one presentation?"

"If we're really going to do it, that makes a lot of sense."

"Find out about housing, and we can decide."

I'd contacted Balesford University via email asking a couple of questions, and when I opened my email to check on the housing, I had an message from Balesford asking if I had further questions. So, I asked about the housing and hit the reply tab.

Holly and I went to lunch, and when we returned, there was our answer. There were price ranges for residences, apartments, and a third option. It seemed that many residents close to the University enjoyed housing foreign students, and if you didn't mind living that way, it was the most economical means. It sounded fine to both of us.

Holly and I hugged. I felt like, when we had our presentation together, there was no way our parents could refuse us. I hoped I wasn't being overly optimistic, but didn't think I was. After dinner, as they sat and sipped coffee and it was our turn, my optimism hadn't retreated completely, but was significantly subdued.

Smiling, my father couldn't contain himself any longer.

"Have you noticed how quiet the four of us have been?" he asked, glancing at Holly's parents, who nodded confirmation. "This reminds us of show and tell day in elementary school, although since you are high school seniors, we suspect it may be a bit more serious."

"Yeah, go ahead, girls," Holly's dad tossed in, a big smile on his face.

It was my turn to begin.

"As seniors in high school, Holly and I have been deeply engrossed in our future, I,e., our college futures. We've talked extensively with you guys and have done research on our own, and tonight, we want to present you with the results."

"I'll bet you two want to go to school out of state," Holly's mother suggested.

I was glad it was Holly's turn to speak, and I could tell she was ready.

"We've done some serious research and decided we want to attend Balesford University in Molugustan."

I could barely wait for reactions.

"Two words and places I've never heard of before," my dad said, his brow furrowed.

"Where in the world are they, and why would you want to go there?" Holly's father asked, an incredulous sound to his voice.

Both women simply shook their heads.

"Tuition would be about a thousand dollars a year more, but room costs would be less."

I had the map ready and showed them where Molugustan was located.

"Wow. A small place."

"But they love Americans and have been super cooperative and answered all of our questions almost immediately. They check with us daily."

"I'm not sure you can trust a small university like that. Is it accredited and all?"

My turn. "I can show you a list of famous people who've attended and have very positive things to say about their education. It's internationally famous."

"Wow," my dad said, chuckling. "I'm surprised you guys aren't registered."

"We're accepted and will be registered when we pay."

"Holly. I think we need to discuss this a little further," Holly's mother insisted.

And so we did. We showed them the book with all the information we'd put together. They read, asked questions, nodded, and finally asked the key question.

"Why the heck do you guys want to go there?"

We explained about our early fantasies of doing something exciting and that, silly as it might seem, this is our chance to fulfill some of that fantasy while, at the same time, getting our education. It seemed so simple.

Thankfully, both sets of parents had been a touch wild and adventurous as well when they were younger. An additional hour's discussion, and all four agreed. Yes, we were going to be freshmen at Balesford.

The following days were filled with transferring funds, finalizing travel plans, and letting Gertrude know that we'd be rooming with her. She replied quickly that she could hardly wait and was anxious to learn about the United States. She was older, and we wondered if she'd be a strict and fussy landlady. We were going to find out.

Holly and I hugged, hardly able to believe that it was really going to happen.

"We're going to Molugustan. We need to plan what to take with us because it's a long way home to get things. We made two lists and split many of the things that we wouldn't be using at the same time. Since there was a five inch difference in height and about thirty pounds difference in weight, there'd be little sharing of clothes.

The summer seemed to fly by, and the parents, after some discussion, decided that one mother would go with us to get us settled. The other mother would be available if needed at a later date. We didn't share with our friends until the last minute in order to keep from being constantly bugged with questions about Molugustan and Balesford University.

~~~

At last, it was departure day, and Holly and I were tingling as we drove to the airport. We'd admitted to each other that we hadn't expected the parents to concur with our wild plan, but they had, and now we were about to live it.

Hugs and kisses, a few tears, and the three of us boarded the plane, Holly's mom having somehow been chosen to go with us. The first flight to London took about eight hours, and none of us got much sleep. From London, we flew to Warsaw, and then ten total passsengers continued on to Koslovik, Molugustan. It was three in the afternoon when we landed, and Gertrude Hamel was waiting for us at the airport. She was a bright and alert sixty-year-old who hugged all three of us and led us to her car.

"Welcome to Koslovik and Molugustan. I am so happy you are here, and I know you will enjoy your time at the University."

"We're really excited and can hardly wait to get started," I volunteered.

"Good. I will take you to the house first. Then we'll have some dinner, and I will show you Balesford. You know that it has only about four thousand students, so it's not large. The agricultural campus is off to itself and has about fourteen hundred students, so the main campus has only twenty-six hundred. What are you studying?"

"International studies," we said in unison, Holly and I having the same major.

"It's what the school is famous for, and you'll get to do some traveling as part of your courses, particularly in the last two years."

"Are you associated with the university?" Holly asked.

Gertrude's look changed. "In a way, I guess. My husband was a professor, and our home was always filled with students talking, debating, and having fun. When he died, I missed that, and so I'm housing students so that I keep in touch with things."

All three of us expressed our condolences to Gertrude, and she thanked us.

"Of course, I miss him, but staying involved with the students keeps me busy. As part of your board, you'll have breakfast and dinner with me, and I enjoy cooking. Lunch is not technically included, but I've been known to prepare sandwiches and other goodies on occasion."

I could see that we were going to enjoy Mrs. Hamel, and I could tell from the look on Holly's mother's face that she was feeling more comfortable as well.

At the house, we were shown our quarters. We each had a small but adequate bedroom and shared a large bathroom. There was plenty of storage, and the view out my window was spectacular, looking past old buildings to a backdrop of mountains.

We had a special goulash for dinner that was nearly as tasty as anything I'd ever eaten. I could see I'd have to be careful, or I'd gain fifty pounds. Holly seconded that thought.

"Do you share recipes," Wanda Sowel asked, smiling.

"My goodness, I'm not sure my food is that good, but it's a recipe from my mother, and I'm happy to share it."

"I hope I can do justice to it when I get home."

"It's not difficult, and I'll have the girls preparing it before long, as well," she said with a laugh.

We reluctantly finished dinner and then toured the small campus with information about every building from Gertrude. It was fascinating to listen to her, and she sounded like a practiced tour guide. Back at the house, we talked some more, then went to bed. My bed was so soft and comfortable that I was asleep almost instantly.

I awakened to the sound of bells, church bells, I found out later. I waited my turn in the bathroom, dressed, and Holly and I went to Balesford to finalize everything, and receive another tour led by an upperclassman who Holly thought was very cute. All of our group spoke English so that simplified things. We were through a little after lunch and met

mom

at the village market, which was both indoors and outdoors.

We helped her select gifts for several friends, and she also found several things for herself. I looked around a good bit, knowing I'd probably be using the market during the next year.

Wanda's flight left at seven that evening and would have her spending the night in Warsaw. An early departure the next morning would begin a long and lonely return trip to the USA, something she wasn't looking forward to, even though she was anxious to get home. She'd traveled extensively in the US, but this was her first international adventure, and she'd decided there was no place like home.

We went back to our house, and Holly and I talked about our first day of classes. We would be having all of our classes together, and we were both excited.

The first day of classes was a Monday, and we each had five one-hour sessions. Wednesday and Friday were the same, while Tuesday and Thursday had only two sessions. They would be our heavy study days.

We met English speakers from all over the world, and we felt a little behind as many of them were

English as a second language

people. Everyone seemed friendly, and several were anxious to establish study groups, even on the first day of classes.

Holly and I had decided to try the university cafeteria for lunch, and prices were reasonable, with the food being good, if not exceptional. Our professors were friendly, and thorough with their first offerings and explained their office hour policies but said they were very flexible regarding that and wanted to be available to help students, no matter what the circumstances.

Both of our classes on Tuesday were in the afternoon, and there were already a few things I needed to pick up from the market, most of them related to school. Holly had decided to sleep in, so I ventured off by myself.

I was wandering from shop to shop and came across a notebook that I thought was pretty and would be useful. As I reached for it, something banged into me, and I found myself face-down on the counter.

"I'm sorry, I'm so, so, sorry," a deep male voice was saying as his hands were helping me straighten up. "Clumsy me slipped, and I crashed into you. Are you all right?"

When I looked up at him, his face matched the voice, handsome with a slightly regretful smile.

"Yes, I'm fine," I said, finding my voice.

He handed me the notebook I'd fumbled.

"You're sure you're okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Just surprised, I think," I replied, chuckling.

"I would think so. Again, I apologize. Have a great day."

"You, too," I replied, watching his back disappear out the door.

I took a deep breath and sighed. I wondered if all the men in Koslovik were as handsome as that one.

I had decided that I needed a new ballpoint pen, and I wanted one that had either Koslovik or Balesford University written on the pen. I found a shop that appeared to have souvenirs and thought it might have what I was looking for.

As I rounded a blind corner in the shop, I was jarred for the second time that day.

"I'm sorry," that deep male voice said, then stopped.

I saw a big smile on that handsome face once again.

"Hello again. This has to be kismet, so I would like to invite you to have coffee with me to hopefully make up for my crashing into you relentlessly."

"That isn't necessary," I said. "We just happened to be at the same place at the same time."

"Exactly." He extended his hand to me.

I wasn't about to take his hand, but the thought of coffee with the handsome stranger seemed suddenly appealing. And I had the time.

I returned his smile. "Okay, I could use some coffee. Lead the way." I'd worry about the new pen later.

It was only half a block to a quaint little shop, and the coffee was in front of us quickly.

"Is there anything else, sir?" the server asked, standing off from our table slightly.

"I think not. This looks perfect."

She backed away, then turned and went to the kitchen.

"The final time, I hope, that I apologize for being clumsy." He took a sip of the coffee. "Careful, it's very hot."

"Apology accepted, and no more expected," I said with a chuckle.

"Are you a tourist or a student?"

"A little of both, I guess, but mostly a student."

"What year?"

"Freshman."

"Ah, a newcomer to our country, then."

"Yessir. Just a few days here, and I'm loving it."

"Wonderful."

"Are you a native here," I asked cautiously, not quite sure how to address that.

"Yes, I was born here, attended Balesford, and was also lucky enough to spend two years studying in England."

"I don't want to offend you, but your English sounds very American."

"No offense at all, but I think I have a bit of an English sound to some of the things I say."

"I'll listen carefully."

He laughed. "What is your course of study?"

"International Studies."

"Good choice for Balesford. You might be interested to note that there are currently six ambassadors around the world that graduated here."

"I'm not sure I want to be an ambassador, but I guess it's early to decide. But that does speak well for the university"

"Many possibilities if you enjoy being abroad."

"Are you with the University?"

"Oh, no. I just have several things I look after. Not always exciting work."

I decided not to pursue that line as he didn't seem to be anxious to share what he did for a living.

"Where are you living while you're here?"

"My friend and I are living with an older lady near the University. We've already found out that she's a wonderful cook."

"I think that's an ideal way to spend your time in Koslovik. I'm sure she'll be happy to share her history and the history of our city."

"She's very sweet and friendly, and I'm sure we'll learn much from her."

We both took a long drink of our coffee.

"So tell me, how did you happen to choose Balesford and come to Molugustan?"

I related the work that Holly and I had done, including our parental presentation.

He chuckled. "Wow, I've never heard anything like that before. I hope you're satisfied with your choice."

"It's only been a few days, but so far, so good."

"We've been talking a while, so may I ask what I may call you?"

"I'm sorry. I'm Ash. And you?"

"Pretty name. Just call me Paul."

"At least we have simple names," I said, chuckling.

"I have a fairly flexible schedule, so If you'd like to have a guided tour of Koslovik, I'd be more than happy to do that for you."

That was unexpected, but I Ioved the big smile that accompanied it.. Mother had told me to be cautious and I should probably reject his offer. But that face and that smile, and his friendly manner.

He smiled again. "I recognize that look, but I'm trustworthy," he said. "I'm sure your mother told you to be careful, but you have nothing to worry about with me."

It would be the perfect way to see the city.

"I may just take you up on that. I have Tuesday morning free."

"As do I. More kismet."

I returned his smile.

"And I've enjoyed talking with you over coffee. I assume you have breakfast and dinner at your home, but lunch is on your own."

I nodded.

"Then allow me to invite you to lunch tomorrow so we can talk more."

"Paul, you don't need to do that. I'm looking forward to the tour."

His face saddened. "I'd enjoy your company very much."

I sighed. I knew Mother would have a fit about it, but she was back in the US. "Okay."

"We'll meet right here at noon, then. They have excellent sandwiches and salads if you'd enjoy that."

"I would, and I'll see you then. I need to get ready for my afternoon classes."

He tipped his head toward me. "It's been my pleasure, Ash. I hope your day continues with no further crashes."

I laughed. "Me, too. Have a great afternoon."

"Thank you. Until tomorrow, then."

We exited the shop and went in opposite directions. This certainly wasn't the way I'd expected my first few days at Balesford to go, but if Holly and I were living our fantasy, this was certainly a pleasant addition to it. I hurried to the house to meet Holly.