My College Life | ✓

Chapter 8

"Ouch!" he roared, rubbing his aching forehead. He narrowed his eyes as he shot me as nasty glare. "What do you want!?"

I looked up at him, holding my hands up in surrender. "Just trying to wake you up."

He sighed, placing his palm against his forehead. "Next time, could you please not hit your thick head against mine?"

I smiled sheepishly at him, picking myself up from the ground. "Can't promise you that." I smiled.

"Now... I was wondering if you could take some notes for me in my one o'clock class. You're scheduled for that too right?"

He blinked, his eyes scanning the room for something. When he found it, he picked it up, his eyes quickly looking over it. "Sure. You're lucky I'm in that class too. I'll print you a copy then."

I grinned. "Thanks man. See you around five." I slapped his shoulder and was about to turn around when he opened his mouth.

"Where are you going?"

I smirked. "To find Maranon Chocolates for the pretty lady."

Amanda's POV~

My first lesson of the year had finally ended, and to tell you the truth, it wasn't that exciting. The professor went on and on about numbers and letters—something about formulas and equations. I know I should have payed more attention to him but all I was thinking about was John.

Danny texted me around eleven this morning, saying he left campus to go find my chocolates. I can't believe he actually went to get them. They aren't exactly easy to find, and I don't think they're cheap either. Then again, I don't think money is an issue for John, he's loaded.

My eyes traveled toward the ground, seeing a small piece of rock. I kicked it with my shoe, watching it fly across the sky and landing in the pond with a splash.

A little girl came into view and she stared at me with big blue eyes. Strange... Why is there a little girl on campus? Maybe she's someone's little sister?

"Um, sweetie, are you lost?"

She shook her head, her pigtails swinging back and forth.

"Where's your family then?"

"I don't have one," she spoke quietly.

I stepped closer, leaning down to her level. "What do you mean?"

"Mommy and Daddy are gone."

That's when it hit me—she's an orphan. But what is she doing on campus? And how did she just wander in? Sure it's an open place and people pass it all the time, but they've never exactly been this close to campus before.

"Are you visiting someone, sweetheart?" I asked, flashing her small smile. Somehow, this girl reminded me of... well, me.

Mommy and Daddy are gone... Why did they have to leave me behind?

Blinking my eyes, I stopped the memory from playing through my mind any further. I don't want to remember that ever again.

"My big brother."

Brother? I thought she said she doesn't have anyone.

"Big brother?"

Before she had time to speak, a loud voice silenced her.

"Britt!" the voice spoke again. "There you are!" he cried, panting when he reached us. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

I took a good look at him; he looked nothing like the little girl, whose name is Britt, I'm guessing. He had shaggy dark brown hair with bright green eyes, while the little girl had curly red hair and big blue eyes.

His eyes drifted away from the little girl, finally noticing me. His eyes widened a bit before he smiled, composing himself.

"Who are you?" he asked.

I stood up, patting my knee. "Amanda, you?" I asked, being polite.

"Neal," he replied. "Did you find Britt?" He pointed at the little girl standing in between us, watching us curiously.

"Yeah, are you her brother?" I questioned, still a little bit confused.

He shook his head. "She's an orphan I'm taking care of, but she's like a little sister to me."

He leaned down, grabbing her shoulders. "Don't run away like that ever again, alright? You have no idea how worried I was." He sighed, pulling her in for a hug. "Thank God you're okay."

"Sorry," she mumbled, hugging him back.

They talked a bit more before he wrapped her in his arms, lifting her up.

"Thank you for finding her; maybe we'll see each other again?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with hope.

I smiled. "Maybe."

I waved goodbye to Britt as I watched them disappear around the corner. Even though she lost her parents, at least she still has someone who cares about her. Neal seems like a sweet guy.

I stayed out for a few more hours, enjoying the fresh air before I decided to head back. Opening the door to my dorm room, I was surprised to see John sitting on my bed, smirking at me.

How in the world did he even get inside my room!? I thought I locked it.

"John, how did you get in my room?"

He stood up. "I have my ways."

I don't want to know. "What are you doing here?" I asked, changing the subject.

He pouted, his lips quivering. "Is that any way to talk to someone who spent eight hours on the road getting you candy?"

My eyes nearly popped out. Eight hours!? "You did what?!"

His eyes lit up, producing a box of chocolates from his back. "Here."

H-he really got me them. This is the real deal. The box was a square-like shape, with the name 'Hot&Cold' printed in neat writing in the middle. A bow across the top finished off the look. Moving my shaking heads up, I took the box from him, lifting the lid. The sweet aroma of cocoa hit my senses, making my taste buds drool. I could practically already taste the rich, creamy sensation.

"You like?"

I shook my head, turning his sweet smile into a frown, with sadness pooling in his eyes. "I love it."

The corner of lips rose again, his pearly whites on full display. "I'm glad."

I laughed, shutting the lid before I devoured them all. "So... how much did this cost you?"

"It doesn't matter, as long as I'm forgiven?" He raised his eyebrows, waiting for my answer.

"You're forgiven."

***

A/N: If you're a fan of the side story 'My High School Life' please don't forget to support me in the Watty Awards for 'Teen Fiction popular' and Special Award 'Big Screen Adaptation' by voting for me please :) I need all the support I can get xD Thank you so much if you do vote for me though!! <3