Tracy: Hey Rose, admirer alert.
Rose: Huh?
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Mom: I wasn't paying attention to everyone around me because, as usual, they were busy murmuring here and there, and I really wanted to be on track with what Mr. Stanley was seriously lecturing us on.
Algorithm.
Me: Algorithm? As in algorithm in engineering?
Mom: Yes.
Me: Wait, so you are saying you and Dad studied engineering instead of the drama you told everyone about? Including me and Debbie?
Mom: Yes
Me: Then what about all those pictures of you dancing on stage, plus the acting award Dad got?
Mom: That never happened.
Me: .....
I was speechless.
Mom: To take up our new identity and stay protected, we had to put everything behind us. Any single mistake could backfire against us. And that's what we did.
Me: Makes sense.
Ok, back to what you were saying. What did the lady, what's her name again? Uhhh
Mom: Tracy?
Me: Yes, her. What did she mean by admirer?
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Tracy: Hey Rose, admirer alert.
Rose: Huh?
Tracy: Someone is staring, dumbass.
Mom: I followed Tracy's line of sight, and indeed someone was staring at me.
I gulped.
Rose: Why is he looking at me?
Mom: I asked no one in particular.
We locked eyes with each other for what felt like hours, and then he turned away. Much to my dislike.
It was Eugene.
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Mom: The class ended sooner than expected. It seemed Mr. Stanley just wanted the attention of the class with his earlier threat. Not that he got the full attention, but it was better than nothing.
Rose: I'm going out for some fresh air, Tracy. Care to join me?
Tracy: I'm good. I've got to catch up on some work before the next class.
Mom: Tracy was no friend, but she was no bully either, just a bit mean sometimes, but compared to the others, she was alright.
She was the only person I felt I could have as a friend, but anytime I tried coming close to her, she'd turn me down.
Not once had she ever accepted to join me when I asked.
Yet for some reason I couldn't stop asking in any opportunity I got.
Rose: Alright, see you in the next class.
Tracy: Sure, sure.
Mom: She flapped her hand at me.
Another one of her mean habits. Not that I was bothered. I was kind of used to it.
I left the class and walked down the enormous corridors. I could never get used to how beautiful they were, with their intricate designs on the walls and those angel sculptures.
I stepped outside and descended the stairs.
As usual, the Mirabelle Bistro Café was packed. I wasn't surprised.
They did make the best coffees and cappuccinos I had ever tasted. The flavor combinations were sheer genius, at least in my opinion.
Being a regular customer, I had a favorite spot near the window where I could enjoy my drink and relax.
They knew exactly what I wanted and how I wanted it.
A cappuccino and a chocolate-strawberry cake with a cream on top. Those were the best days.
Me: Mom! That's so gross.
Mom: Anyways, I had the sneaking suspicion they reserved the spot just for me.
As I was served by the waiter, a guy approached me from nowhere and asked to sit with me.
He didn't look like he was from there. He was stunning, just like your dad.
What stood out most about him was his long blonde hair reaching his shoulders and his green eyes.
Me: Don't tell me you liked this guy too, aside from Dad.
Mom: And what makes you think that?
Me: I don't know? You are talking about him the same way you talk about Dad, just saying.
Mom: Well, it's nothing like that.
Me: Mmmm I don't think so.
Mom: Would you let me finish?!!
Me: Okay, okay continue. geez!
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Rose: Sure, have a seat
Mom: He sat across from me and asked my name.
Rose: Rose. My name is Rose.
You?
Mom: Collin, he said.
Rose: Nice to meet you, Collin.
May I ask why you wanted to sit with me?
Collin: I just thought you were pretty cute.
Rose: Huh?
Collin: I like cute girls
Rose: ........
Mom: Before I could say anything else, my alarm rang. The next class was starting in 5 minutes.
Rose: It was a pleasure meeting you, but I need to run. Goodbye.
Mom: He nodded, and I paid my bill before rushing off.
I hurried to class. I hated being late, and fortunately, I arrived just a minute before the lecture began, much to my relief.
A few minutes into the lecture, I heard murmurs of excitement from the other students while I was busy taking notes.
I looked up to see what was causing the commotion, and then my eyes met a familiar pair of green eyes.
Mr. Stanley: Class, this is Mr. Collin Brown. He just transferred to the university, and I would appreciate it if you all gave him a warm welcome.
Rose: Him? Here?
Tracy: The new guy is so cute. I think I like him.
Mom: Tracy shamelessly let that out, which brought me back to my senses.
Mr. Stanley: Alright, Collin, take your seat next to Eugene.
Tracy: Now this is a sight to behold.
I guess Eugene has found himself a rival.
Let's see what the new guy brings to the table.
Rose: ...