Nothing.
Another time.
Chapter 2
Mingling
Ingrid surveyed the room. It was like watching a hive of bees. Busy, busy, busy. She flicked her long, bleach blonde hair and saw a boy leering in her direction. She was not interested in boys. They were so easy. Even so, to keep all of her options open, she smiled back.
‘What about that one?’ she asked, her right hand firmly ensconced on her waist. As far as she was concerned, it was time to choose.
‘Don’t make it too obvious you’re looking,’ her dad stressed. ‘Even though here we don’t stand out, we still have to be careful. You can attract them easily enough.’
‘Sure, I’ll be careful.’ Ingrid scowled. She hated being told what to do all the time, especially by her dad. Why didn’t he trust her and leave her alone? It was not as though she was a newbie like her brother. She would do anything for just a little taste of freedom.
‘Can I go and look around?’ her brother asked, all demure. His pale blue eyes and innocent expression would have made anyone believe butter would not melt in his mouth.
Ingrid resented the fact Tomas had come along for the ride. He was too young, and definitely immature. There was no way he could be trusted.
‘You can’t allow him to go alone. If he goes, I go.’ She pouted and crossed her arms over her chest.
‘Neither of you can go alone. We are only here to observe. We have to teach Tomas to choose.’
Ingrid relaxed her arms. Slowly, she surveyed the room.
Surrounded – no.
Boisterous – no.
Trendy – no.
‘What about that one?’ Ingrid hissed. She nodded in the direction of a tall, emaciated girl with wiry bland hair and glasses. ‘She looks weak; I doubt she has many friends.’
He shook his head. ‘Look at the girl next to her. She doesn’t look like a walkover. Another time, when she’s alone. Not with friends like that.’
Ingrid looked at the redhead next to the girl and shrugged in acknowledgement. He had a point.
Ingrid watched Tomas run his hand through his short cropped hair and wink at a group of girls passing by. They giggled in response and gave him the eye.
Tomas puffed his chest and played to the crowd. He was ridiculous. Once they had gone, he turned to their dad and complained, all bravado gone, ‘I’m getting hungry.’
‘Then it’s time to go,’ their dad mused. ‘We’ll have to look somewhere else. Hardly any are alone. Give it a few weeks. Then we can come back.’
It was just what Ingrid needed, more waiting.
***
The girl Steven had crashed into at the swimming stand came into view through the corner of his eye. It momentarily distracted him from his conversation. Something about her had grabbed his attention. Her thick, auburn hair was certainly prominent and hard to miss. But, there was something about her curious expression and slim build that made up for the scattering of freckles and white skin that screamed vitamin D deficiency.
‘Hey, have you noticed how many hot chicks there are? I think I’d like a piece of everything. Especially that blonde hottie over there,’ the voice drooled.
Adam was a total letch. Steven could tell after a few hours of being with him. Still, he followed Adam’s glance and saw three students walking past, two guys and a girl. The girl was striking – for sure. With long bleach blonde hair, she reminded him of the girls he had seen on a trip to Sweden. He suspected she was foreign from the way she carried herself. She met his gaze and gave him a confident smile. For a split second, their eyes remained locked. Another day, he would have introduced himself. Today, he had someone else on his mind.
Raising his eyebrows, he faced Adam again, ‘I doubt you’ll have any difficulty finding someone. From what I hear, some girls tend to go crazy on Fresher’s Week.’
‘Yeah, finding someone is not usually the problem. But, all I want is to shag, nothing else. I bet you’ve had lots of girls.’
Avoiding the question, Steven shrugged his shoulders. Something compelled him to go. ‘I’ll catch up with you later, things to do. But hey, good luck with your shag fest.’
Adam narrowed his eyes, a deep crease running along the middle of his forehead. Steven did not want to leave like that, but he didn’t have time to worry about offending him.
Once through the congested hallway, he made his way out of the students union. Outside, he looked around. In the distance, he saw the girl turn the corner and disappear with her lanky friend. He could not understand the urgent desire to follow. This was university, he was likely to see her again. The thing was he did not want to wait for the moment to come up again. Something about their brief, and uneventful encounter, had intrigued him. They would get to know each other. He would make sure of it.
***
After unpacking an assortment of food supplies into her allocated cupboard, Caitlin sat on her bed and fidgeted. There were a lot of bare walls. At home, she had posters covering every available space. Determined to rectify the situation, she stood up and took out the posters she had brought with her. She uncurled a selection, laid them on the floor and opened the packet of Blu-Tack. She broke off generous pieces and stuck the Blu-Tack on the back of her favourite – a massive A1 sized poster of a great white shark. Her mission was to transform the room as soon as possible.
Whilst stretching on tiptoes on a chair, a faint knock on the door startled her. It made her loose balance and fall.
‘Ouch, just a minute,’ she winced, and rubbed her foot.
When she opened the door, a blotchy-faced Georgina stood in the hallway. Her voice sounded strained, as she said, ‘Hi, hope I’m not interrupting.’
‘No, err, well actually I just fell. It was my own fault. I could barely reach to put the poster up.’
‘Sorry, I can come back later.’ Georgina took a step back.
‘No, it’s alright. I’ve just added another bruise to my collection. You look upset. Do you want to come in?’
Georgina took another step back, and then said, ‘No, I’m fine. But maybe I can help?’
Her tone was unconvincing but Caitlin let it drop. She probably didn’t want to talk about it.
‘You know, you’re much taller than me. You have come at the perfect time. Fancy helping me put these up?’ Company was always welcome, especially if it served a purpose.
‘I’d love to help,’ Georgina replied, ‘I have to get some myself. My room looks really sad at the moment.’
Caitlin could have sworn she had smiled. That was the most she had heard her say since they’d met. ‘I’m sure I’ve got spares. You can have some of mine.’
‘Really? That would be great.’
Caitlin picked up the slightly crumpled poster and ironed it out. ‘Right then, this is it.’
‘Where do you want it?’ Georgina held it up and waited.
‘As high as you can get it,’ Caitlin replied.
With relative ease, Georgina stretched her arms and stuck it on. Height was definitely an advantage.
‘You are so lucky to be tall.’ Caitlin hated being at the lower end of five feet. Georgina had to be at least six feet.
Georgina nodded, as a smile graced her face, ‘I wouldn’t call it luck. So, I guess you like sharks?’
Caitlin admired the image of the deadly, yet graceful, shark that now dominated the room. ‘As you see, I also love whales and dolphins, anything that lives in the sea really. What about you?’
‘I prefer land animals. Tame ones, like rabbits. I had to leave Fluffy behind.’
Caitlin nearly laughed out loud, but she managed to hold it back. She didn’t know anyone her age that still kept a rabbit at home as a pet. ‘Fair enough, shall we get the rest of them up then?’
‘Sure.’
After five minutes of concentration, they stood back to admire their handiwork.
‘That’s much better,’ Caitlin said, ‘Shall we go and do your room now?’
‘Now?’
‘Of course, I saved the landscapes for you, didn’t think you’d want any shark ones.’
‘Oh, I wouldn’t mind. But, I don’t know if I could sleep with a shark staring at me, so you’re probably right. Thanks a lot,’ Georgina replied, a glint in her eye.
With the remaining posters and Blu-Tack they hustled over to the opposite room to get started. Georgina’s room was really bare. It looked void of any personality. The room was immaculate, practically untouched.
‘Where’s all your stuff?’ Caitlin frowned, one hand on her hip.
‘Oh, I-I like to keep a tidy room.’
‘Have you unpacked yet?’ Caitlin raised an eyebrow.
Georgina froze.
‘Do you want some help?’ Caitlin asked, her tone softer, both arms now at her side.
Silence confirmed her belief.
‘I don’t want to unpack,’ Georgina admitted, her voice forced, ‘I have to be honest, I don’t know if university is for me.’
‘Hey, don’t get upset. It’s difficult to come to a new place. Especially if you’re a bit shy. I’ll help you. Come on then, let’s get these posters up first to cheer up the room. Then we’ll grab a cup of tea and unpack your stuff.’ Caitlin held back from giving her a hug. She barely knew her after all.
‘Thanks,’ Georgina sniffed a reply, ‘I’ve never been outgoing. I come from a quiet village. This place is just overwhelming.’
‘I’ll look out for you.’ Caitlin placed a hand on her shoulder. It felt awkward so she quickly removed it.
The sound of talking alerted Caitlin to the return of Sally and Julia. They had company.
‘Let’s go see what they’ve been up to, shall we? They might not be that bad.’ Caitlin doubted it, but there was some hope left.
‘Good idea.’
Caitlin wondered if Georgina ever said no to anything.
‘Oh, there you are!’ Sally exclaimed, as they entered. ‘Sorry, I missed you both earlier.’
She did not seem sorry to Caitlin.
‘So, here we are. Our second week away from home begins. Is anyone homesick yet?’ Sally adopted an ominous tone, a cheeky grin on her face.
Everyone shook their head, but Caitlin could see the signs of doubt in their eyes. Even the most confident could break when some of their creature comforts were taken away.
‘I, for one, am looking forward to not having to deal with my baby sister. It’s blissfully quiet here,’ Caitlin added, as she turned to boil the kettle.
‘Quiet!’ Julia exploded, her eyes wide, ‘Far from it, there is so much going on.’
‘Obviously, there’s a lot going on,’ said Caitlin. ‘But, trust me, it is quiet. My baby sister never shuts up.’
‘Oh,’ Julia paused, and frowned. ‘I only have an older brother, and he usually leaves me alone.’
Sally broke the moment and jumped in with further introductions, ‘Anna, Grace, this is Caitlin and Georgina.’
‘Hi,’ they both said simultaneously. They raised their hands and gave what looked like fake waves.
‘What are you both studying?’ Caitlin asked, in an attempt at casual conversation.
Georgina leaned against the door frame at the entrance to the kitchen. She looked like she cherished her means of escape.
‘I am reading Law,’ Grace added, her nose high in the air.
‘Oh, so I guess you’ll be with Sally then?’ Caitlin was always amused when anyone said they were reading not studying – what was the difference anyway?
‘Well, yes, there is only one first year Law course.’ She held her fingers up to her mouth and gave a slight huff. She was obviously amused by her wit as she glanced at Sally and Anna, whilst raising her eyebrows.
The exchange was unspoken, yet clear, as Sally shrugged. They obviously thought Caitlin was beneath them. If Caitlin had been confrontational she would have told them to piss off. She resented anyone who considered themselves superior to everyone else. To stop herself from being rude she looked at Anna, and asked, ‘So, what about you?’
‘Same as Julia – Medicine.’
Caitlin could not believe it, lawyers and doctors, just what she needed. She was glad her parents weren’t there. They would have given her the look. The look that said why didn’t you choose a vocation?
‘Good for you,’ she faked enthusiasm. ‘Well, I guess we’ll leave you to chat about your stuff. We were just having fun. See you later.’ Tea in hand, she carried both mugs to the doorway and handed one to Georgina, before she strolled out with her head held high.
As they entered Georgina’s room, they heard a chorus of giggles erupting from the kitchen.
‘Oh boy,’ Caitlin gave a sigh, and put her mug on the study table. ‘I’m glad you’re normal. Just remind me, you’re not reading Law or Medicine?’
‘Nope, I’m doing Biochemistry.’
Caitlin nearly burst out laughing. A scientist! All she needed was a trainee teacher and a nurse and the circle would be complete.
‘They don’t seem that bad,’ Georgina said. She lacked conviction.
‘Trust me, they’re the worst kind. I don’t tend to judge, honest, I don’t. But just by what they are reading, wearing and saying – I get the picture. We are not in their clique. But, hey, you never know, my mum is always reminding me not to judge a book by its cover.’
Georgina sipped her tea and nodded as a short period of silence ensued.
Impulsively, Caitlin stood up and suggested, ‘Shall we go and check out the bar? We might meet some other people down there.’
‘I think I’ll stay and read. I’m a bit tired.’
Caitlin was disappointed and unsure if she was brave enough to go alone to the student bar. Yet, she had to go out. She didn’t plan to arrive at university and stay indoors, away from the action.
‘Oh, okay then, you don’t mind if I go, right?’
‘No, not at all, you go. Have a good time.’
‘Cool, I’m going to be brave.’ Caitlin sipped the last dregs in the mug, stood in front of the mirror and fluffed her hair. ‘Well, there’s nothing I can do to improve the face, so I’ll have to go as I am.’
Chapter 3
Game, Set And Match
Steven held the cue like a true master and potted the last shot. The black slid into the pocket and sealed his victory. Pool was so much easier than snooker.
‘Good game, I’ll try my luck again later,’ the student he’d been playing against said, as he shuffled off in defeat.
Steven passed the cue to the students waiting to play, and headed off to get a drink from the bar. As he waited for his beer, he glanced towards the entrance and saw the redhead standing at the entrance, alone. She swayed on the spot, clasped her hands together and turned her head from side to side, as though unsure of what to do. Without a second thought, he paid for his drink and made his way towards her. A few strides away, his opportunity vanished. A couple of girls bounded in front of her, all smiles. In a chorus of laughter, they walked off.
Steven licked his lips, thwarted. In an easy stroll, he sauntered back to where Adam was sitting. There were quite a lot of students getting acquainted. A few had paired up and were getting close. He was not surprised some were quick off the mark. After talking to Adam, he realised the only thing on some minds was how often they would get to make out or hopefully when they would get to do more. It was all so boring. At boarding school, he’d had his fair share of female attention and experiences. The freedom of living away from home and the novelty of having girls around had long gone.
He hadn’t really given a lot of thought to getting involved. It was not the kind of thing he wasted time on. If someone came along and he liked them then he’d give it a go. He was never desperate, at least, not until this afternoon. He still failed to understand why he had been compelled to rush off to see where that girl was going. He had been weighing it up for a few hours and come to a few conclusions. Her expressive blue eyes had caught his attention, her accent intrigued him, and
the way she blushed was amusing. Yet, all of it was completely superficial and it left him annoyed. So much so that he knew he had to talk to her again. Just to check.
***
‘Thanks for coming to say hello.’ Caitlin dropped her shoulders and smiled, relieved.
‘It’s okay, we saw you standing there looking, well, lost. There’s nothing worse than being alone when you hardly know anyone, right? By the way, I’m Lisa,’ she added, in a strong Brummie accent.
‘I was totally scared when I got to my accommodation yesterday. It’s so easy to panic. I was convinced no-one would talk to me. Then Lisa popped her head in my door and I relaxed,’ the other girl added, ‘Anyway, I’m Abbi.’
‘Hi, I’m Caitlin,’ she sang back, still nervous.
Lisa started to introduce her, as she looked around. ‘This is John, Dan and… Megan, was it?’
Caitlin gave a small, embarrassed nod in their direction, ‘Hi.’
A few acknowledgements followed before they resumed their conversations.
‘We were just saying that this place is excellent. Have you settled in alright?’ Abbi asked, as she took a sip from her turquoise drink.
‘Yeah, haven’t been here long enough to tell,’ Caitlin replied, ‘what is that? It looks vile.’
‘Some alcoholic concoction, cheap and highly alcoholic,’ Abbi chuckled, ‘it’s actually alright, fruity.’
‘Let me see that,’ Lisa sighed. She sniffed and coughed, ‘It smells lethal. I’m not carrying you back later.’
‘I’m not planning to get plastered, just tipsy. I’m sure I can make my own way back.’
Lisa rolled her eyes. ‘Guess I’d better join you and finish my drink then. Are you having a drink, Caitlin?’
‘In a minute, I’m alright just now.’ She was not in a hurry to get embarrassed in front of strangers. ‘I’m not sure about the others in my hall. I’m sharing with three girls. One is really nice, just super quiet, and the other two are, well, to be polite, intimidating.’
‘Really, in what way?’ Dan rubbed his stubble and leaned in. He looked nice, friendly.
‘Like just, oh I dunno, they seem really ambitious.’
‘Aren’t you? Isn’t that what people come to uni for?’ he asked, all serious.
‘Well, yes, but to be honest I don’t have a clue what job I want to do eventually. They are doing Law and Medicine. Vocation sorted. Hard core, if you know what I mean.’