All characters are over 18. This is my first submission, so feedback of any kind would be greatly appreciated.
CHAPTER 1
It was cold again, the temperature couldn't decide whether it wanted to be frigid or warm. Today was especially frigid. It was 8 am and Reece was out running as he normally did every other day, breath leaving his mouth in billowy wisps. Coming to a stop in front of his house (an old yellow thing near the end of the street), he paused, reflecting.
Two semesters and I'm done. Two and then I try to figure out my life for a second time. Two for me to try and find an answer before I leave this place...
Suddenly melancholy, he ripped the keys out of his pocket, fumbling with the frozen lock. Inside, warmth assaulted him, slowly heating up the extremities that had become numb with cold. Going up-stairs to his room he was sure to try and be quiet, conscious of the fact his roommates were likely still sleeping. Grabbing a towel he headed for the bathroom and the hot shower that accompanied his morning ritual. The pounding water slowly worked away his stress and soreness, letting him focus on the day ahead, thinking to himself,
Thank God it's almost the weekend.
Leaving the shower and getting ready for his one and only class of the day (Arabic language), he was in the middle of eating his breakfast when John, his roommate, appeared in the kitchen.
"Morrring John, you jussh wake up?" Reece said, pausing mid-bite to slur out the syllables.
"Ya and I'm feelin' today is going to be great," John replied, with as much animation as was possible after just waking.
"Really and why is that?"
"You forgot, didn't you? Party, Valentine's day, Cynthia's house...ringing any bells?"
"Right! Ya totally forgot, but I'll be there -- I promise. It'll be nice to see Cynthia for once, it's been to long since we've done anything with her."
"She doesn't have anytime for us man, nursing majors don't have a life," John sarcastically said while making his way to the bathroom, "I'll see you tonight then?"
"I already told you yes, holmes. I'll shoot you a text when I'm coming over."
"I just know you dude -- don't bail on some lame ass excuse again. I'll see you later." With that, John shut the door to the bathroom and water from the shower was soon adding white noise to the house. Putting away his dishes and quickly brushing his teeth back upstairs (the joys of two bathrooms!), Reece made one final check of his things before leaving.
****
Class was uneventful and Reece spent the rest of the day studying for his other courses, of which there were too many. The hours slowly ticked themselves away and eventually the library had cleared out, leaving him and a few scattered students here and there. Sighing, he put his books away and was throwing on his jacket when he heard a voice behind him.
"Hey Reece."
Turning around, he found himself looking at a familiar face.
Crap, I know this girl but I don't remember her name. Was it Shelby? No, shit, what was it?!
Perhaps sensing his problem, the girl went on,
"It's fine, we've only met once before. I'm Faith, Cynthia's friend."
Faith! That was it. How could I forget that, with a figure like hers?
Faith stood at around 5'8'' with blond hair and smile that could instantly warm you, no matter how cold the weather seemed outside. But, it was her eyes that captured you, making you want to be closer just so you could see them better. Clear blue, they expressed her every emotion with clarity -- right now they seemed bemused.
She was in fact bemused and was thinking,
Why haven't I talked to this guy more? Cynthia always mentions that he's nice. And there's something in his expressions....
Recovering, Reece managed, "Faith, that's it -- I'm so sorry"
"No need! Just wanted to say hi is all. I actually have to get going; I'm helping Cynthia prepare for her Valentine party tonight."
"Well, don't let me stop you then. I'm sure I'll see you there."
Flashing a smile and walking away she said, "I look forward to seeing you then!" With that, she was through the doors and walking outside amidst flurries of snow.
Snow!
Thoughts of Faith evaporated quickly as the realization hit him.
Seriously? How much longer do I have to endure this crappy weather?
With a long walk ahead, he finished packing his stuff and made his way back home.
Once there, and thoroughly frozen, he quickly changed into something more presentable. Nice jeans, a black v-neck, and his pea coat would suffice - weather be damned! Looking at himself in the mirror, he was suddenly aware that there would be a lot of people at the party.
Do I really have to go?
But an image of Faith appeared in his mind and suddenly he was more interested in going. Sending a text to John letting him know he was on his way, Reece walked along the snow covered sidewalks for a while before coming to Cynthia's house. It was a modest 2 story affair, great for college students short on cash and was close enough to the campus to make walking possible. Going inside, loud music was playing over the bustle and commotion of too many people in such a small place.
While making his way to the kitchen for alcohol, he was intercepted by a thoroughly drunken John.
"Duuuude! You made it! I was worried that you wouldn't show!"
