DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything. This disclaimer applies to all chapters.

"I had no idea art classes required this much writing."

He didn't know if it was the greatest come on line, but it was all he could spit out.

"Excuse me?"

Was that a joking "excuse me?" or a don't interrupt me, annoyed "excuse me?"

"I'm just saying…I thought art was all about drawings…and sculptures…um…paintings too."

"So you've been watching me…"

"Observing…you seem to be studying so diligently…"

He trailed off. He didn't know if this girl now hated him because of his goofy comments so he just stopped.

"You got that right."

She said it as she continued to write something down.

"Listen I'm sorry if I insulted you about art being about paintings and stuff…I know there is writing involved too...But I just honestly have never seen anyone intensely write so much down…Look you have a whole page in what fifteen minutes tops. When I came over here I saw your art history book and thought maybe you were drawing a picture and not writing, but I was right, you were writing."

She couldn't believe how much this guy was trailing off-topic. He was either very nervous or just a chatterbox.

He went on "You write more down than me, and I'm in the pre-Law program."

She stopped him from talking by asking "Going to be a lawyer?"

Ah, yes, a sign of interest he thought.

"Yeah. That is if I get accepted into the program next year."

"Senior?"

"Yeah…and you are a…"

"Sophomore…majoring in art history"

"Sandy"

He reached out his hand.

"Kirsten"

They shook hands.

"Nice to meet you"

"Likewise"

"You look like you could use a break…what do you say we go grab a coffee at the café in the student center?"

"Why do I like tired?" she asked defensively.

"No, but I just thought you could use a break. You know it's a proven fact that if you don't take a break, you'll get less studying accomplished anyway because you won't be able to concentrate as much as you would be able to had you had some snack."

She was squinting here eyes and looked like she was counteplating the offer in her head.

"What do you say? Come on…"

"Notice the latte right here?" she smirked.

"Yes, but you could use another one. I mean with all that studying you are doing. The extra energy boost wouldn't hurt. Come on, whaddayasay? Or at least just come with me and keep me company while I go order something."

"Oh…umm…"

"Please…"

"Oh alright…I guess I could use a break"

"Yes"

She packed up her stuff and followed him outside. Wow, she thought, what a come on…if that's what it was.

He sighed happily. He felt it was his smooth moves that got her to take a break. He couldn't wait to find out more about her.

They conversed as they walked to the café on campus.

"So…do you have a major exam coming up that you're studying so hard for?"

"No"

"Okay…"

Silence. She wasn't the best conversation starter and he felt a bit awkward, considering they had just met.

"Haven't you ever heard of studying as the material is taught…the same day you learn it so when you study its fresh in your mind and you remember easier…that's the way you're supposed to study…"

"What makes you the expert? Last time I checked I was the one who told you the rule about studying…that you won't remember as much if you study too hard without taking a break!"

"I'm taking one right now, aren't I?"

She had this sarcastic defensive side that Sandy would have expected to see from someone in the pre-law program who was ready to defend someone. Never did he expect it from someone like her, with such soft facial features. He changed the subject.

"So how do you like Berkeley?"

"It's exactly what I wanted. What about you, how do you like it?"

"I love it. Getting the scholarship was the best thing that could have happened to me, not just financially, but emotionally. I wanted to come here. It's great…so different from back home."

"Where are you from?

"The Bronx-in New York City."

"Wow…long way from home."

"Yea it is. So are you from here?"

"No, I grew up in Newport Beach."

He looked confused, maybe he was thinking Newport Beach was in Florida or somewhere else, so she went further.

"In Southern California."

"Ah."

By this time they had made it to the café. He held the door open for her.

"Hi can I help you?" the counter person asked.

"Yeah I'll have a large coffee black with sugar, and she'll have…"

Kirsten paused for a second. He was paying for her.

"And I'll have a bran muffin."

She led him to a high table against the window.

"A bran muffin?"

"Whats wrong with that?" she smiled a little.

"You could have gotten at least a donut or something more filling. Look at you you're like a twig already."

"This is fine…thanks though…I needed this…"

"Sure. Glad I could help improve your studying habits."

They both laughed. It was that awkward laugh that was delaying them from continuing the conversation. Finally Sandy spoke up.

"So…will I see you again in the same spot next Wednesday?"

"Actually I hae a class at 10, but today we had an exam and I finished early. When you saw me I was just using that extra time to study for another class…"

"So maybe we could meet a different day?"

"Maybe…"

"How about Friday?"

"Friday?" she asked surprised.

"Yeah…"

"Next Friday?"

"This Friday" he said determined.

"I was thinking next week…"

"I was thinking this week!"

"Are you asking me out?"

"Are you saying no?"

"No" she paused, "but okay, fine. Friday is good..." she paused again, thinking about how she promised herself she would not get into any relationship while in college so she continued "since after all I will be studying on Friday, and I could use a study break…according to you…how about at 2:30?"

Sigh of relief she thought to herself. I get to see him, but he'll think its for another study break, and I'm not really breaking my promise since I will study, after all, I don't know this guy that well yet. This will be a good way to ease into a relationship. What are you thinking? You just reminded yourself, no relationships in college! You saw what happened with the last one. No if's and's or but's. But that doesn't mean I can't have him as a study partner she thought.

He was a bit bummed. 2:30 for a study break? He was planning on a Friday night date at a restaurant across town. But, if he had to be the study break guy, he would settle with that for now.

"Sure. I'll meet you in here?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, see you then. Once again nice meeting you."

"You too. Bye."

They went out their separate ways, both thinking about the other person and the next study break they had with them.

TBC