Welcome to my first story on here in a while! Please enjoy and let me know what you think! :)

My professor is going to kill me. I hurried to finish brushing my teeth, continually glancing over at the clock. My Ecology class started at 8:00 AM and it was already 8:15 AM. It was my least favorite subject especially at 8 in the morning and this would be the third time I would be late.

I spit one last time into the sink then carelessly threw my toothbrush back in the holder nearly missing the hole. I ran to my closet and threw on my light wash jeans and dark blue hoodie. I never bothered to look too nice, I mean its college, pretty much everyone is wearing comfortable clothes, heck some "outfits" people wear could even pass for pajamas.

I twisted my brown hair up into a bun securing it messily. My still half asleep roommate stumbled into my room squinting her eyes and holding up a hand trying to block out the light streaming in from my window.

"You late again Sky?" She asked, her voice sounding groggy as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes and leaned against the door frame trying to hold herself up.

"Yeah" I grabbed my shoes and stumbled trying not to trip as I shoved them on my feet.

Steph has been my roommate for 2 years and we have been friends since... well since forever. I met her in foster care when we were little where we just hit it off and have been friend's ever since. We went to all the same schools growing up and hung out all the time and now here we are in our second year of college together.

"I didn't plug my phone in so my alarm never went off."

She didn't say anything but I knew she was feeling sorry for me. Steph knew how often I missed my classes and how bad I was doing in most of them. Although it really wasn't my fault. Ever since the start of this school year, I have had such a hard time going to sleep and when I finally do get to sleep I find I can barely get up in the morning.

I looked over at the clock again.

8:30 AM

I didn't even bother tying my shoes. I grabbed my bag and shoved past Steph yelling an apology. I ran through our small living room trying carefully not trip. I grabbed my keys off the counter and ran out the door.

I jumped out of the shuttle and began running towards the education building checking my phone as I went.

8:40 AM.

I pumped my legs intensely, picking up speed. I was almost to the door of the building when all of the sudden, I felt myself falling forward and instantly regretted not taking the time to tie my shoes this morning. My backpack fell from my hands and I squeezed my eyes shut bracing for impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt someone's arms wrap around me.

"You okay?" A deep voice asked.

I slowly opened my eyes not really looking at him and stood up out of his arms. I quickly tied my shoes knowing I could not waste time falling again.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I picked up what I had dropped and ran into the building.

I know I should have thanked him but all I could think about is getting to class. I was already warned once about how much I was missing and I knew my professor wouldn't be happy with me. I was currently studying biology hoping to get my veterinary license one day. I had to pass all of my classes this year in order to apply to enter into the vet program next year. If I didn't pass I would have to wait another year until I could apply for it again and I really did not want to do that. I have wanted to be a vet ever since I was little and I did not want to waste a whole extra year to start my degree.

I ran up the last flight of steps and had finally arrived to class stopping at the door trying to catch my breath. Of course, my 8 AM class is up three flights of stairs, it made me want to go to class even more. I quickly composed myself before walking into the class. I opened the door as quietly as I could but unfortunately, the seats faced the door so when I walked in everyone's eyes immediately fell on me. I stood, hesitant for a second then took a step toward my seat.

"Ms. Chambers." My teacher spoke my name slowly not looking in my direction, disappointment laced in his voice. I froze and turned to him slowly like a teenager that had been caught sneaking into their house after curfew. "You're late." He sighed taking his glasses off and finally looked over at me. "Again."

"I know, and I am so sorry sir- I"

"I don't need any more excuses, Ms. Chambers." The whole class was staring now and I could feel my face getting hotter as my embarrassment grew. He seemed to notice this and rubbed his hand over his face frustrated. "Wait outside please." He turned back to his desk and began to hand papers out to the class.

I stepped outside quietly, thankful no more eyes were on me but nervous to hear what he had to say. I wrung my hands together and paced back and forth. He stepped out a few minutes later and stood in front of me arms crossed over his chest.

"Listen, Ms. Chambers, if you aren't going to take this class seriously then I don't think you should bother coming anymore." He stood there, arms still crossed waiting for me to challenge him.

"But I need this class and I-"

"No- no more excuses." He put his hands up. "I will see you when you decide you want to succeed." He walked back into the room without another word.

I stood there in shock feeling the familiar fire burning inside my throat threatening tears. I forced it down and took a deep breath composing myself quickly. I wasn't generally the crying type, especially in public places.

I checked the time, 9:00 AM. I could go back to my apartment but Steph is probably asleep again and she doesn't have class until 12 and I didn't want to wake her up again. I decided to head to the cafe on campus instead to try and get some work done before my 11 o'clock class.

I walked into the cafe hearing the soft chatter of voices around me. It wasn't crowded but there were a few people here and there. Some were studying, others just having breakfast with their friends. It was one of the best times to come because it wasn't too loud and you could get work done without chaos going on around you. I found a vacant table in the corner of the cafe and dropped my stuff down there before going to grab some food.

I walked around surveying the different options. It was all pretty general and didn't change too much from day to day. There was chicken, salad, veggies, pizza, all the general food groups. I walked up to the Pizza bar deciding that looked the most appetizing at the moment.

"Hi," There were two people working behind the counter but I kept my eyes trained on the menu. "Can I get some pizza and a water please."

I took out my student ID and swiped it entering my pin. We all ate for free with our student ID's so I never had to worry much about money for food.

"Here ya go." I saw my Pizza slide in front of me. "So did you make it to class on time." Someone asked.

I looked up confused and I saw a tall guy facing away from me getting a water out of the fridge. He had to be at least 6 feet tall. When he turned around I could see he had not too short dark brown hair and almost emerald green eyes that stood out like gemstones against his tan skin tone. It all looked so... familiar.

"Uhm do I know you?"

"Oh right." He came out from the counter and stood in front of me. He was definitely 6 feet tall. "Maybe this will jog your memory." He swiftly kicked my foot out from under me. I gasped squeezing my eyes shut in shock and fell back into his waiting arms. I opened my eyes to see him smirking down at me and my memory jogged.

"Oh! Oh my gosh, you are the guy from this morning!" That's why he looked so familiar! I stood up, out of his arms and blushed slightly.

"Name's Grayson by the way." He held out his hand.

"Skyler." I shook his hand. "I am so sorry about that by the way. I was rushing and didn't tie my shoes and-"

"It's okay, you don't have to explain." He chuckled interrupting me. "So... did you miss your class or...?"

"Oh." I had forgotten about his original inquiry. "Uhm, how did you know I was going to class?"

"Where else would you be running to that frantically?" he tilted his head slightly, his lips turned up in a small smirk.

I chuckled, he was right. "Yeah. I um I made it but I was really late, so I decided to skip and come here." I lied, walking to the end of the counter to grab some napkins and he followed.

"What class was it?" he asked.

"Uhm ecology." I was slightly distracted and confused as to why he wanted to know so much about my class.

"Oh, I loved that class! That's with Mr. Barr right?" He looked to be in thought for a second "Wait that class doesn't end until 9:30." He checked his watch. "It's only 9:00."

"Yeah." I stared at the plate in front of me hoping he would drop the topic.

"So why aren't you there? You still could have gone in for a little bit." he spoke with genuine curiosity.

I opened my mouth to ask why he wanted to know so much when I felt a hand grab my arm pulling me away from him. I tried not to trip as I was spun around and all of the sudden had someone's lips pressed against mine. I pushed them away and quickly stepped back. I regained my senses quickly and realized it was Kyle.

Kyle has been my boyfriend for about 2 years now. We met during my first year here. He was and still is on the soccer team. Captain of the team in fact. Star player, everyone loves him, guys want to be him girls want to be with him blah blah blah. Needless to say, he was very well known on campus and I... well most people wouldn't know me if they fell over me.

"Hey, babe." He was smiling and grabbed my hand pulling me in for another kiss but I stopped him this time putting my hand on his chest and looking at Grayson awkwardly. I have never been one for PDA, even though there weren't many people here I still felt awkward, especially since Grayson was standing right next to us.

"Hey." I gave him a quick peck before I stepped away from him to grab my food from the counter

"Cmon let's get out of here I have practice." He began walking to the door pulling me with him before I could reach my food.

"Wait, hold on a second," I said attempting to grab my food again but he groaned and didn't let go.

"No, come on I don't wanna be late." He took my arm again and walked us back over to the door.

"Alright." I gave up and decided I would just eat later. "Hold on, I have to get my stuff." I pointed to the booth where my stuff was and he nodded walking out the door. I turned to the Grayson who looked a little taken aback.

"Sorry about that. Thank you again for this morning and sorry about the pizza." I felt bad I had ordered it and now it's going to waste. I walked back over to the table to gather my things.

Kyle liked me to go to every practice and game, said I was good luck and they would lose if I wasn't there. To be honest, I didn't even understand the game or why he liked it so much, but I guess I didn't need to, I was just happy to support him.

I headed for the doors where Ky was waiting on the other side and waved to Grayson on my way out. I couldn't help but notice he looked a bit confused and... hurt? I paused to explain why I had to leave so suddenly.

"Sky!" Ky called, interrupting me. He was pushing the door open standing halfway in the cafe now, inpatients threaded in his voice.

I smiled at Grayson and kept walking following Ky out, pushing away the guilt I felt for now.

Thank you so much for reading this first chapter, I am excited to share the rest of the story with you and would love if you could leave feedback, let me know what you think! Please remember to always stay kind! :)