As soon as class is over I wait for the other students to leave, because I like to be the last one out. It means I don’t have to witness their stares or cruel words thrown my way. I try to keep my head down as best as possible in college, but some people can just be mean. I’ve never done anything to warrant someone’s hate; never cursed at them and never openly offended someone.
Once I notice the class is clear and all the students have left, I grab my bag and head toward the door. As soon as I get out of class, a hand wraps around my arm. I want to pull away and run the other way until I hear a very familiar voice at the other end of the hand holding me tightly.
“Have lunch with me?” My eyes start from the floor and work their way up. Clean black dress shoes followed by neat black slacks. Belt wrapped around his waist to hold up his pants, black button up shirt, and his badge attached to his belt. I look up to his eyes and avert them, so I look back to his badge. Anything but his face is a good way to start. I think he forgets that I’m angry with him and I’m not in the mood to deal with his nosy attitude today.
“No,” I answer and it’s just above a whisper. His hold loosens from my arm and his fingers graze my skin leaving a tingle where they’ve touched.
“I want to apologize and the best way for me to do that is somewhere comfortable. Please come?”
My eyes betray me and look straight into his. Somewhere in them I can tell he’s sincere, but I know not to take people for granted.
“You can apologize fine right here, we don’t need to waste either of our time by prolonging this.” I pull my bag up and stand taller and proud. I didn’t mumble or whisper; I’m speaking with authority, which isn’t easy to do when you have a sex stick standing in front of you.
“If you don’t come with me so we can talk like adults, I will follow you. I’ll annoy you at every opportunity I get, unless you agree to have lunch.” He can tell that has made me uncomfortable. I don’t like anyone in my personal business, let alone following me.
“Is this how you get women to do as you say? You threaten them?” My eyebrow is raised and my hand has gone to my hip. He brings out the worst in me.
“I knew there was a fire in you somewhere. I’m glad I’m the one to pull it out. But to answer your question, no, only you seem to make me react this way.” His eyes light up and it indicates the truth and I can’t help but smile in return. His beautiful green eyes lock onto mine and I’m held in place, unsure of what to do. I’ve never been on a date before. Actually, does this even mean it’s a date? No, I think it’s… ‘I’m an asshole, let me show you how much more of a one I can be,’ kind of date. I’ll show him there is more to me.
I don’t answer him right away and I wonder what he’s thinking, looking down at me. Does he think my clothes aren’t ladylike? Or that they aren’t good enough? I have on my old run down Converse shoes again. HHell, I live in them. I’m wearing a hooded sweatshirt and plain, ripped jeans. No, the jeans aren’t ripped for fashion; they’re ripped because I wear them way too much. My hair is on top of my head in a messy bun and I don’t have a scratch of makeup on my face. Not that I could afford that either.
I’m about to get lost in memories and completely zone out when he reaches for me and I follow like an obedient child. I walk faster so I’m in front. One of these days I’ll make a stand for myself and not let anyone or anything push me over or tell me what to do. But for now I’ll be a good girl and do as I’m asked until I can do otherwise.
I pull my bag closer to my body and start a steady pace outside of campus. I can feel his presence behind me, but he’s not saying a word. I wonder why he’s so persistent with me. What did I do to him to make him want to badger me?
I turn back to see his eyes looking over my body. I pull a face. I feel like he’s invading me. Even though that’s not possible, his stare holds something I’m not quite sure of.
His eyes reach mine and I quickly turn to evade his gaze and focus on walking straight ahead. I spot Julia off to the side and she waves at me. I give her a small wave back and continue my path straight ahead. She gives me a puzzled look with a blank stare, no usual smile and turns her back to me. I wonder what she really thinks of me? Does she also think I’m odd? I’m not like most girls. I know it, so I guess she does as well.
I take one last look before I cross the street and see Detective Black still behind me. I don’t know why? I was hoping he would’ve changed his mind and decided to leave. I guess I’m not that lucky today.