The Nerd And The Nincompoop

chapter two

Author's note: I also updated the character aesthetics (which technically should have been updated before the first chapter but I'm weird like that) so be sure to check them out too!

I hope you enjoy reading this chapter!

Happy reading! :]

A few weeks had passed and so far, university life was going pretty good.

"You were pretty fun back in high school," I heard a familiar masculine voice. Yeah, not that good now. "You've become boring now," I looked at him. Of course, it was none other than Huzaifah Haroon.

"Hmmm, let me think about that nonexistent moment when I asked for your opinion about me," I replied with a thinking expression.

I looked away from him and I heard him laugh, making me roll my eyes.

"Good morning, students," Mr. Sykes, our English teacher, said as he entered the class and received a few, dull 'good morning's in response. "We have a debate today," he announced.

"But you didn't inform us before head," one of the students complained.

"This isn't high school, Mr. Samuel," Mr. Sykes responded.

"It still is just the beginning of university!" The same student protested.

Ignoring his statement, our teacher spoke, "Is it alright for men to cry?"

"Yes," I quickly responded and my reply was followed by another one. "No," the masculine voice said.

"It is easy for you, a woman, to say that," he added, addressing me.

"Are you serious?" I asked looking at Huzaifah now. His face showed nothing but confidence.

"Okay, for - this side," Mr. Sykes pointed towards me, "and against - this side," He added pointing at Huzaifah.

The class shuffled, changing places and once we were all settled, Mr. Sykes spoke.

"Support your answer with reasons,"

"It isn't masculine. Men are supposed to be strong and crying is the work of a weak person," he confidently spoke.

"That's stupid," I said. Realizing, I may be breaking the rules, I added, "I'm sorry, but that's against the human nature. Men are humans too. The 'we can't cry' attitude actually makes men emotionally weaker than women. In my opinion, it absolutely fine to cry sometimes," I added.

The debate went on until the class finished.

"Well, that was a nice talk," Mr. Sykes said. "Of course, both sides had their highs and their lows but the for side clearly had better points which led them to victory. Good job, students,"

We all got up to leave the class and just as I was about to walk out of the door, he called me.

"Nawal," he called, pronouncing my name incorrectly.

"You have a lot of potential. You're confident and you can debate smartly. There is an international debating competition that will be held around the end of this semester. I want you to represent our university in it," he said. "I know I'm letting you know about this very early but I want you to be prepared. The official announcement will be made in a few weeks," he added.

"That's very kind of you, Mr. Sykes. I'll try my best," I replied. Competitions weren't on my 'important stuff' list right now but I also didn't want to disappoint Mr. Sykes. He taught us English in high school too and has been one of my favorite teachers ever since.

"It's good to see you again," he said with a smile.

"It's good to have you as a teacher again," I returned his smile and headed to the library since I had a no class.

I picked up a book about law and began reading it.

I had always wanted to be a lawyer but things didn't quite work out. That didn't lessen my interest in law, though. I still read books about it whenever I get time.

"Hey," Miranda whispered, sitting on the empty seat in front of me.

"Hi," I replied with a smile.

"You're coming tonight, right?" She asked and I gave her a confused look. Coming where?

"It's Blake's birthday party!" She said and I rolled my eyes.

"No, thank you. I'd be happier spending my Friday night writing my Socio paper than partying with Blake and her gang," I honestly told and Miranda let out a laugh. She was aware of the fact that I wasn't fond of Blake White.

"Gang," she laughed. "Nice choice of word," she added. "But, c'mon! It's going to be fun!" She insisted.

"Yeah, I doubt that," I just didn't want to go and I wished Miranda would understand it.

"C'mon, Nawaaal. Everyone's going!" She pouted. This girl won't give up. After a while, I gave in.

"Alright! I'll go," I told her and her face lit up.

"Yay!" She clapped her hands in excitement. "I'll pick you up at seven thirty," she added and with that, got up to leave.

I returned to the book I was reading.

---

I got back from work at quarter to seven and freshened up before taking out clothes for the world's most unnecessary party. Miranda had texted me that the dress code of the party was black and gold so I decided to wear my full-sleeved gold metallic top with black jeans and black heels. I changed and did a soft smokey eye makeup look. I picked up my phone and headed downstairs. Miranda and Amanda arrived a few minutes later and I informed mom before leaving home.

"You look gorgeous!" Amanda complimented.

"You too!" I replied with a smile.

We reached White residence in ten minutes and got out.

We got in the house and wished Blake. I met a few other friends from high school. It was nice meeting them after so long.

"You met them after such a long time. Aren't you glad I forced you to come?" Miranda boasted making me laugh. I was about to respond when I was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Looks like someone forgot the way to the library," Huzaifah smirked.

"You asked me if I was glad you forced me to come..." I said, looking at Miranda, totally ignoring his comment. "I genuinely was until a few seconds ago," I added now looking at Huzaifah and his smirk had disappeared. He just glared at me now.

"Who do you think you are, huh?" Huzaifah asked, stepping closer to me.

"I am Nawal Siddiqui and that's exactly who I think I am," I said with a fake smile. "Now if you will excuse me," I signaled him to get out of my way before walking towards the main door.