I slumped against the table I sat at in the library. I always managed to snag a spot in the children's literature section. There's nothing like a good story to inspire me on my worst day. And there is no genre shame in my reading game.

I tiredly sat up as I tried to regain consciousness from my previous classes. I only had three classes today, but the first two were so dreadful that I wasn’t entirely sure I wasn’t really a zombie. And at this point, I was a mindless one.

I sighed and set myself up to write. I didn’t care for doing articles. Occasionally, I’d do one just for kicks, but I was more into novels than periodicals. Unfortunately for me, I haven’t felt that creative spark in almost three weeks! It’s been driving me to infinity and beyond. The only thing keeping me sane is Des. She’s seriously the best. She keeps me going, looking for the brighter side of things.

And when that doesn’t work, cookies and cream ice cream does.

I sighed, flustered that I was still stuck. I’ve been trying to come up with my own comic series, but to no avail. You would think being an avid reader on the subject would give me some insight on what to write about. Regrettably, that just reminded me of exactly how many great storylines were out there already. It was downright depressing.

I stared out the window, watching the trees sway and the pigeons fly past. Come on, Penn! Think!

I stared at the time. I had almost forty minutes until my last class.

At least I don’t work today. I thought, trying to remember that I needed a life. Speaking of, I wonder what is down those stairs.

It could be anything… or nothing. Honestly, it was a coin flip. But I really wanted to know what was there. What if it was one of those things that changes my life forever? But it could just as easily be a big letdown. Regardless, I had to know. It would bug me until I solved it.

This insatiable curiosity of mine sometimes had me wondering if I was in the wrong major. Reporting just isn’t for me though. It never has been, and it never will be.

“Penn?”

I looked up to see Colin staring at me from one of the bookshelves. My heart sped up as he approached me.

“Colin,” I grinned.

Whoa, am I smiling too much. Dial it back! Dial it back!

“What’s up?” I asked—showing fewer teeth—as he sat across from me.

“Not much. I was just returning a book and figured I’d see if I wanted anything else.” He paused, staring at me with those dark brown eyes that made my breath quicken. “I was going to head to Artsy next to pick up some supplies. Did you want to come with?”

Artsy was CC’s number one place for arts and crafts. They had everything people like Colin and Des would need. Artsy to Colin was like POW! to me. He spent most of his time there, and rarely invited others to go with. He was a little bit of a loner, but that only made me want to be alone with him more.

Yes! Of course, I’ll go! I was ready to burst. That is, until common sense kicked me in the head. Wait a sec., don’t you have a class in less than thirty minutes?

Damn my common sense. Always using logic.

“I’d love to, I really would, but I have class soon, and can’t really afford to skip. Maybe next time?” I hoped.

He shrugged it off. “No problem. We’ll go some other time. Have fun in class.” Before he turned away, he said, “By the way, Dad knows you dropped the bouncy balls.”

I made a face at him. “Damn,” I snapped. “I knew he woke up in a cold sweat that night.”

Colin laughed—a laughter few people have heard besides me. I smiled at him, trying hard not to look like I was in full dreamy-girl mode.

“Well, see you tomorrow.” He walked away.

“See you,” I half-whispered as I watched him leave. 

*****

“Not today, Jack.” I said, sitting beside him before he could say a word.

I had the pleasure of taking my environmental science class with him. We’ve been sitting next to each other in it since the first day. It’s entirely his fault, really. He chose the desk beside mine, and before I knew it, these seats became our permanent ones.

The only good thing that came out of it was when I needed help. Jack was more than willing to explain it to me and with few cracks at my intelligence too. It was the closest we got to being nice to each other.

“Uh, oh,” he pouted. “Did someone get rejected?”

I rolled my eyes at him. “No, not rejected. Maybe a little dejected though. If only I didn’t have this class right now!”

Jack stood silent for a moment, watching me with an almost serious face. “Did Colin really ask you out?”

I stared at him, surprised by his tone. It was almost like he was mad. His cheeks were a bit pink, but it was barely noticeable behind his faint freckles. Did Jack always have freckles?

I chose my words carefully as I answered. “Not exactly. He invited me to Artsy with him, and if I didn’t have this class I definitely would have gone.”

He looked down at his open notebook and nodded. After a moment, he burst into laughter. “That’s what you got all worked up about? A date to look at paper and brushes?” he put his head down against his arm as he made fun of me. “What would you guys have done for your second date, watch paint dry?”

“Shut up!” I yelled, smacking his arm. “At least I wouldn’t be doing his homework for him.”

“Ooh, low blow, Penelope. Low blow.” He smirked as he said my name.

I glared at him, fury bubbling up inside me. “Y-your—”

“Alright everyone, let’s take our seats and open up your books to page fifty-three.” Professor Maxwell demanded.

“I seriously hate you right now.” I whispered.

“Love you too, Benson.” I could hear the sly smile in his voice.

I really hope I understand everything today. I fumed as I tried to ignore him for the rest of class.

*****

When I got home around eight o’clock, Des was waiting for me. She stared at me from the sofa, smiling like she didn’t have a care in the world. Unlike her, I felt like my homework had just beaten me into the ground.

“Uh, oh,” she began. “I know that face. That is your Jack-face.”

I leaned against her as I plopped myself down. “Isn’t it sad that I have a scowl named after him? I think when he makes me have a tumor, I’ll name it after him too.”

“What did he do now?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” I sulked. After a moment, I just shook my head, deciding against bringing up Colin. For some reason, Des wasn’t a huge fan. I know she’d be happy for me if we ended up dating, but I got the sense that she didn’t approve of him.

She chuckled for a moment before standing up. “Penn,” she started. I sat up and quick. Des rarely used my name let alone combined it with such a serious tone. She usually likes to stick to her pet names for me.

“Yes?” I asked, cautious.

“You do not work today, correct?”

“No, ma’am.” I saluted. “Why?”

“Let’s go out tonight.”

“And do what?” It was, after all, the middle of the week.

“I know some people from design that are going to Connect tonight. They invited me. We should join them.” She bounced excitedly.

“But…” I hesitated, thinking about the nightclub.

“Come on, Petite! Neither of us have classes tomorrow. Let us enjoy the full college experience, yeah?”

“Mhmm…” Well, I did say I needed a life. “Alright, but I don’t have anything to wear to places like that.”

“No worries, ma amie. I will help you with that.” She grinned. “This is very exciting! Come, let’s go get ready.” She demanded in this playful manner as she grabbed my arm and pulled me into her room.