My name is Jane. I'm an ambitious law student in a prestigious university. My drive to succeed is widely acknowledged. As my fellow students have grown to know, I don't suffer fools gladly. No one can tell me what to do.
Or at least that's what I used to think. Now I am a different person entirely.
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Today is one of those standard lecture days. I'm diligently taking notes, which I will later revise in the peace and solitude of my student apartment. Much to my annoyance, there is a constant hum of chatter in the auditorium. Especially in the back rows, where most of the idle layabouts have nothing better to do than muck about. The row directly behind me is especially boisterous this afternoon. As the noise grows, so does my annoyance. It is getting hard to concentrate, so I decide it is time put the irritants in their place.
Turning around in my seat, I cast a fierce gaze upon the noisy lads.
"SSSSSHHHHHHH! Shut up or get out! Some people are trying to listen."
Most of the perpetrators are instantly taken off their guard and quiet down as I expected, but one defies my expectations.
This is the one I find a particularly offensive specimen by the name of Liam. He first caught my eye due to the uncouth way he unbuttons his obviously tailored shirt in a semi-casual manner, revealing his broad chest. His pompadour haircut and cheeky grin evokes the impression of gigolo. I have caught wind of various rumours pertaining to certain scandalous deeds he may or may not have committed, which do not surprise me in the slightest. This is the type of male that repulses me.
Unlike his fellows, Liam seems to enjoy the attention my outburst has given him. He flashes a sly grin like a child caught stealing chocolate.
"Sorry, Jane. We'll try to keep quiet."
I feel slightly taken aback. On the one hand, I wasn't expecting an apology, on the other hand I have my doubts about his sincerity. I maintain a hostile gaze at him for a moment longer before turning back to my notes. It is a welcome surprise that the lads stay true to their word and don't cause any more upheaval.
As the afternoon lecture draws to the close, I carefully pack up my documents before leaving the auditorium. As I pass into the hallway, I find myself brushing past someone. To my unpleasant surprise, I realise it is Liam.
"Hey, wait up, Jane."
Rolling my eyes, I turn to him.
"Yes?!"
I am not interested in getting held up, least of all by Liam. Also, it annoys me that he knows my name. We haven't had anything to do with each other in the past and I have no intentions of taking up contact now.
"I want to apologise again for distracting you during the lecture. The lads and I were finding it hard to concentrate. I hope we haven't offended you?"
I let out a short, slightly exasperated sigh.
"You'd do better to take notes rather than muck around. Don't count on anyone helping you out during exams."
Liam's face twists into a little smirk.
"Thanks for the advice. I'm sure we'll be able to compare notes with people and make up for our little distractions. Hold up, you seem to have something here..."
Before I can react, I feel Liam's thumb gently run over my bottom lip. It feels slightly moist and I suddenly feel a bit uncomfortable. I cry out, startled:
"Hey, what do you think you're doing?!"
Liam glances down, looking slightly sheepish.
"I beg your pardon. You had a smudge."
And with that Liam suddenly disappears into the crowd. I'm left slightly bewildered, not quite sure what that was meant to be. Giving my lip a quick lick, I realise it now has a slightly funny taste, so I wipe it with the back of my hand. I sense it is probably best to stay away from Liam in future. That guy is very odd and probably a bit unhygienic.
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The next day I wake up feeling very much relaxed. There is a multitude of relatively intensive lectures coming up, but I don't feel like hurrying for once. I calmly drink my morning cup of tea and realise I feel like it's the sort of day where you want to take things slow and avoid fuss. I take off my pyjamas in front of the mirror and decide to put on a comfy sports bra. I also opt to tuck in my smart shirt into a black high-waist full skirt instead of my usual plain, straight trousers. After applying my makeup, I decide not to tie my wavy hair up in my usual pony tail, but let it hang loose. This look pleases me. I feel very easy-going and at the same time quite elegant.
It's a beautiful early summer day and most of the students are outside enjoying the morning sunshine before heading indoors. My main focus is to get a good seat in the auditorium, I don't tend to waste my time hanging around when there is other stuff to be getting on with. As I head through the main entrance, I can feel some interested glances in my direction. On other days I'd usually find the attention annoying, but today it gives me a rather satisfied sensation. I'm not one to worry about my appearance, but it's good to know I've dressed myself well today.
I take a seat a bit separated from the others in order to avoid a similar debacle like yesterday. Shortly before the lecture begins, a large number of students come piling in. I ignore them mostly, but then I sense someone taking the place next to me, accompanied by the scent of aftershave. To my dismay, I realise it's Liam.
"Hey Jane. Do you mind if I sit here?"
My sincere answer would be yes. I'm about to say as much, but then realise it shouldn't really bother me, seeing as Liam's friends aren't with him, so he won't be making too much noise. And if I were to say no, he'd probably just move one seat over anyway.
"Yeah, it's fine," I say curtly.
The morning passes by uneventfully. Liam seems to be focussed for once and is taking notes. I notice a look of concentration on his sharp features. If he were to sit alone more often, he'd probably be a more competent student.
The lecture is arduous and makes me feel quite thirsty. Soon my water bottle is empty. I let out a small sigh and realise I'll have to wait another hour to refill it, otherwise I might miss something important. My mouth feels very dry, however. I try to ignore it. Liam seems to notice my suffering and leans over towards me.
"Are you thirsty?" he whispers, "I have a spare flask on me if you like."
I hesitate for a moment, but I really do need a drink.
"Alright," I say, "Thanks."
Liam hands me his spare bottle and a take a large gulp. It isn't the freshest water by the taste of it, but it's just what I need right now. By the end of the lecture, I've drunk it all up. As everyone's packing up to go, I turn to hand Liam back his flask, but realise he's already legged it. That forgetful fuckwit! I'll have to return it next time I see him.
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As usual, I spend my lunch down in a quiet corner of the park away from most of the others. I enjoy the peace and it feels good to enjoy a sandwich out in the open. I watch as some of the lads playing on the sports field from afar. It looks like sweaty work. It's a wonder why anyone would want to run around in this midday heat.
I hear some voices approaching and realise my peace is about to be disturbed, so I put on my sunglasses and pretend to read my lecture notes. Right now I'm just in the mood to relax. I glance up and realise with a sinking heart that it's Liam being chased by a gaggle of girls.
"Oooohoooo, Liaaaaam! We're gonna catch you!"
Liam suddenly splits off from the group and they pursue him into the undergrowth behind me. For several minutes I can hear people stomping and giggling among the vegetation. So much for my peaceful lunch break.
Soon the girls dart out on the other side and continue down the path. Thankfully they didn't spot me on my secluded bench! Their footsteps slowly fade into the distance. All of a sudden, I hear a voice behind me:
"PSSSST! Jane! Can I hide here?"
Startled, I realised a sweaty Liam has crawled up behind me. He looks quite battered.
"Looks like the quarry has evaded the hunters," I say, drily, with a slight smirk.
