Collection of Short Stories

6. Not My Prince Charming.

                          PART I

"Hi. May I sit here?"

I looked up from my book, sliding my glasses up the bridge of my nose.

"Yay, sure", I said, my cheeks automatically flaming. It wasn't everyday that a gorgeous boy would voluntarily sit across the chair from me.

I returned my concentration to my Jane Austen novel, which I was reading for the seventh time now. It was my favourite, you know. I always dream of finding the Mr. Darcy to my Elizabeth.

"Pride and Prejudice?"

I looked up, my glasses sliding down, again.

"Yes", I mumbled. He chuckled. I looked at him confused. What was funny?

"You're cute", he said, smiling. My cheeks were on fire, my intestines were somersaulting in my abdominal cavity. I never had spoken to an attractive guy before, let alone receive a compliment from him.

I said nothing, holding the book in front of my face to hide it, and to prevent myself from further embarrassment.

There was a tap on my book.

"Knock knock", he said. "Is anybody home?"

I lowered my book and looked up at him from below my lashes.

"What?" I asked softly, a small smile playing on my lips.

He gazed at me, his eyes glistening with mischief.

I cleared my throat, becoming increasingly uncomfortable with his wandering gaze.

"You have beautiful eyes", he said.

My eyes grew big like saucers, and I jumped up from my seat, pushing my book clumsily into my backpack.

"Hey, hey! Listen", he called out to me, reaching for my hand when I didn't stop.

He held onto my wrist to stop me. I turned around to try to glare at him.

"I'm getting late for class", I mumbled, not making eye contact.

He let go of my hand. "I just wanted to ask your name", he said, scratching the back of his head.

"Why?" I asked abruptly.

He looked at me, confused. "Because.. I want to get to know you..", he stated, unsure.

My heart was flapping in my chest.

"Tara", I mumbled.

He smiled. "Tara", he repeated. "When can I meet you again, Tara?"

My palms were sweating and my breath was hitching in my throat.

"I don't know".

He smiled, and took two steps towards me. I took two steps back.

He sighed.

"I have been noticing you for a while, and I love how you stick out your tongue when you're concentrating", he chuckled.

I looked up at him, hugging my bag close to my chest, sliding my glasses up.

"I r-really need to g-go", I mumbled.

I turned to walk away, but he held my arm this time.

"Tara", he called out. I stopped, but did not turn around.

"Tell me where I can find you. Your dorm number, or your class schedule, or your phone number. Just something. I just want to become your friend".

His voice had a hint of desperation.