"Hi, I'm Lisa Braeden. We moved here from Canada after my father was reassigned in his job. I hope to be friends with all of you."
Of all the schools in all of the states, the goddess that is Lisa Braden landed on theirs, bringing in fortune and misfortune to students around the school. It brought luck for Alfie, he just didn't know it at that moment when Lisa walked in. He glanced sideways towards Dean and Cas.
Cas, who arrived strangely early and alone to class, had been glaring at Lisa as she walked through the door. He heard Dean plead Cas to switch seats with him so he could sit beside Lisa.
His heart thumped. He knew Cas would give in to Dean, making them seat mates. Lo and behold, a few seconds later:
"Hello, Alfie."
His heart swelled hearing Cas say his name in his low, rough voice. He gave Cas a genuine smile and looked forward to Mr. Wyatt.
He quietly took notes. Every so often, he would glance towards Cas and catch him watching Dean out of the corner of his eye.
A few minutes before the bell, Mr. Wyatt put his book down on the table heavily, catching everyone's attention. "Okay, so we have five minutes left. As I have said earlier, we will be reading 1984 by George Orwell." Alfie whooped and some groaned. "Now, I'll be asking you to pair up and each pair of you need to write a comprehensive book review to be submitted in a month from today. Please use the remaining time to look for a partner."
He knew Dean would take this chance to "get to know" the new kid. He profusely avoids Naomi's eyes (his usual partner) as he waited for his chance. Cas slumped in his seat and Alfie took a deep breath. "Uh, Cas? Do you want to pair up? I think we're the only ones who don't have a partner."
"Yes, Alfie. Thank you." Cas took out his phone and handed it to Alfie, "Can I get your number so I can contact you?"
He preferred to get Cas' number but beggars can't be choosers. "How do you want to do this?" He asks as he types his number on Cas' phone. "Finish the book in say, two weeks?"
He couldn't stop smiling to himself as he walks out of the room. You know what they say, one man's garbage is another man's treasure.
From: Cas
To: Alfie
Have you finished reading the book?
I think we should start working on our paper soon.
It had only been more than a week since the assignment was given. It was fine since he had already finished reading it; he just didn't expect Cas to finish it so soon. He quickly typed a reply.
From: Alfie
To: Cas
I have finished reading it.
When and where do we meet?
SENT
He read the message again and sent another.
From: Alfie
To: Cas
For the project, I mean.
From: Cas
To: Alfie
I know it was for the project :) Library tomorrow after class?
He replied an affirmative and took out his notes. He browsed through it, highlighting the major points he wanted to emphasize while the back of his mind busied itself with Cas. Trying and failing to concentrate on his notes, he let his thoughts on Cas flood his mind.
He yawned as he made his way to the library. He hadn't gotten enough sleep last night. He had almost fallen asleep in math but the thoughts of having Cas to himself had continued to nag him. As sleepy as he was, he felt the butterflies in his stomach getting more restless with every step he took.
He hesitated by the door, taking a few seconds to calm himself enough before pushing the door open. It didn't budge. He was about to try again when he heard a voice behind him.
"Pull."
"Huh?"
"The door opens outward," Cas said before grabbing the door, hand brushing against Alfie's, and pulling it open.
Alfie let out a small 'oh' and followed Cas inside, his cheeks pink. Cas choose a table by the wall, and they sat facing each other.
"Okay," Cas took out his notebook and Alfie did the same. "I was thinking we could focus on the structure of their society, especially the slogans. War is peace. Freedom is…"
"Slavery. Ignorance is strength," Alfie continued. "I thought we could also include how the people were being controlled and sort of stripping them off their self."
"That's a really good idea, too," Cas started taking down what Alfie just be said. He couldn't help being mesmerized by Cas' pale face while writing, biting his pink lips in concentration. When Cas looked up, he started right into those deep, blue eyes with long, curly eyelashes. "Alfie?"
He blinked a few times and willed to settle the blush creeping up his face. He quickly flipped through his notebook and handed it to Cas. "Ah, yeah. Here are the notes I made."
For the next two weeks, Alfie spent his after class hours every other day working with Cas in the library. They heatedly discussed about Winston's courage and about the old men who had still remembered what life was like before everything happened.
As they got closer to finishing their report so did they. Since Cas had been avoiding Dean and their friends, he had been spending more time with Meg and studying, which included meeting with Alfie. Alfie learned that he and Cas shared a mutual friend, Charlie, and similar interests like reading and video and board games.
He sighed as Cas pored over their latest draft. Today is their last meeting. They just have to go over the points again and make sure their report is coherent.
"I guess everything is well," he heard Cas say after one last look at their report. "It's been a pleasure working with you, Alfie." Cass extended his hand with a smile they Alfie shook firmly.
As they walked out of the library, Alfie took a deep breath. "Cas," he said quietly.
Cass turns around, "Yes?"
"I was wondering, you know, if you'd like to hang out sometime?" He picked an invisible lint on his sleeve as he waited for a response.
"Of course, I would love to." He looked up to see a smiling Cas. He smiled back at Cas, cheeks flushed. "I'm sure Charlie would enjoy it as well. I think I'll introduce you to Jo, too. She's been looking for someone to go out with…"
A/N: I wasn't sure how to end it, but that seemed realistic. Alfie will be in the sequel as well, but they're just friends. Sequel around December :)
Thanks for everything. Love you guys;-*
