Awkward *New Version*

Why is He Like That?

"Cool. I've never been. What's it like?"

"Michigan?" I asked stupidly. Generally I was a better conversationalist than what I was presenting as my first impression, but Carter struck me almost speechless. Everything he did was effortless and pure. "It's alright. But I like it because it's cold. It's too hot here." I then noticed how much I was sweating. It was gross, and I hoped Carter didn't see it.

"Maybe, but I've grown up around it."

"How old are you?" I asked trying to know more about him. Carter didn't seem fazed by the question.

"Seventeen. You?"

"Seventeen. Eighteen in July."

"Me too. July 1st."

"July 31st. How strange." I smiled, and Carter, for the first time, smiled at me. And it was one of the most genuine and beautiful smiles I'd seen in a long time.

"Indeed. This is weird, I know, because we just met and all, but I feel like I've seen you before."

"There might be pictures in Adam's place but other than that...probably not." After a quiet pause, Carter broke the silence with his soothing voice.

"I'm having a party," he said calmly, "that starts around five. Wanna come?"

"Uhh, I need to unpack and..." I looked for an excuse to exclude myself from social events, but Carter cut me off.

"There's enough time to unpack between now and then." I looked at my watch and sure enough, it was just after noon.

"Why do you want me to come? We just met..." I trailed off, feeling weird and tingly inside. I kind of wanted to go, and Carter had a relaxing and kind vibe about him. I was intrigued.

"Yeah...but I swear I know you. I'd bet my life on it." His intensely blue eyes searched my face for any hint of recognition on my part. I came up with a retort on my end. A pretty good one if you ask me.

"Well, do you watch porn?"

"Uhhh..." he looked uneasy just before he started to laugh. He realized it was a joke in about two seconds.

"I like you, Jane..." he was waiting for a last name.

"Donald. James Donald." He laughed again at my lamer-than-lame James Bond reference. I smiled. My humor was finally shining through. "Again, why do you want me to come? You don't know me at all."

"I don't know. I feel like we could be friends, not to sound weird or anything," he said, smiling.

"Nah...I get it." I shrugged, not really trusting his invitation. "I don't know if I'll be able to go."

"I understand...just stop by if you want?" I nodded and smiled. He extended his hand for a handshake, and I accepted. His hand in mine felt sparkly and warm. It was an exciting and nice feeling. I wondered if he felt it too. He had to have felt it, right?

"Loud music, lots of people, alcohol, lots of fun, right?" I nodded and resituated the carry-on bag over my shoulder. I was uncomfortable. I took in a deep breath and said what was on my mind the entire time.

"You have beautiful, blue eyes." I tried to sound like I knew what I was doing while giving a compliment.

"Thanks. You too. See you later." With that said, he walked away. And let me tell you, it was a sight to see. In my eyes, I was watching a million dollars be put into the bank account of a homeless man. It was the most wonderful thing.  The only drawback was he was set on seeing me at his party.

I sat my bag down on my bed and looked around. The drapes were drawn over a large window, and I wasn't going to move them and risk sunlight, although I wondered what the view was like. I was sure that it was just another apartment. The room was comfortable in size and furnishings. It was nice.