Benji's attempt at trying to befriend Bumper, the lead singer of the Treblemakers, was a cringeworthy experience. I felt sorry for him, really. Jesse tried to make his magic trick seem impressive through awkward commentary and me nodding along to agree with his enthusiasm but in reality, Bumper was just not having it.
I refused to look at the beat boxer of the group as we entered the conversation. Every time I looked up to seem immersed in the conversation, I would glance for half a second at him, and as I assumed, he was still looking straight at me.
"But why don't we just exchange emails and then totally hang out right now, together?" Benji insisted.
"No. Hard pass. Hard pass," Bumper shook his head profusely.
Jesse guided Benji away from the Treblemakers, comforting him on his terrible social encounter. I followed closely behind, as if a weight had been lifted. Or rather, a pair of eyes. Really... Really cute eyes.
I shook my head as I followed Jesse. Of course, that weight came crashing back down when I felt a light tap on my shoulder. Turning around, I gasped as I was faced with exactly who I was avoiding.
"Um... Yes?" I squeaked.
"What's your name?" The beat boxer smiled as he stuffed his hands in his pockets. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, exposing his forearms. His forearms distracted me for a moment as my thoughts wondered what the rest of his arms looked like, or rather, what the rest of his body looked like.
Wow. I needed to stop being such a... guy.
"Y-You know, usually before asking someone that, you introduce yourself first," I shrugged, trying my best to look nonchalant.
He chuckled, "Sorry. I'm Donald Walsh," He held out a hand to shake with mine. "Now can you please tell me your name?"
His smile was pretty cute. Crap, I think I might just be developing a crush. On the first day too? I mean, he was texting his girlfriend during the song. Ugh, I really have no self control. This is why college is going to suck.
"Lucy Harper. Nice to meet you Donald Walsh," I shook his hand reluctantly, and for good reason too. His fingers held my hand just a little bit tighter when our hands touched. We shook. For a long time. By long time I mean like five seconds, but it was much longer than a normal handshake would have been. All during this, he kept eye contact with me.
"I haven't seen you around before," he said, still holding my hand, "I'm guessing you're a freshman?"
"Yeah," I nodded back at him, savouring the moment until he would let go. "I'm down at Baker Hall. Are you a freshman too?"
Donald chuckled, "I'm a senior. The Treblemakers have their own fraternity house, so I don't live in a dorm room."
"Oh," I said, perhaps too breathlessly as I realised that he was a senior. I definitely had no chance.
So far, being a high school senior beats being a college freshman. "So... I guess I'll see you at more of our performances, since you enjoyed this one," Donald smirked, referring to our shared moment of eye contact.
Wow, he was so confident. "Yeah, sure. I'll probably ask Benji about when you guys are performing." I nodded.
"Or, you can ask me," Donald shrugged, taking out his phone and passing it to me. The new contact screen was already up and running.
I laughed quietly, impressed by his straightforwardness. I had to give it to him, he was pretty brave. I typed in my number and name, returning his phone back and was slightly regretful as our hands let go. "I guess I'll uh... See you around," I smiled.
His smirk coupled with a small chuckle, "I sure hope so."
I waved goodbye as I caught up with Jesse and Benji.
"Whoa, what was that all about?" Jesse commented, eyeing Donald as he walked back to his group.
"I don't really know," I shuffled my feet around, still feeling slightly light headed from our sudden conversation. "He introduced himself, wanted to know my name... Said he was looking forward to seeing me at some performances... Gave him my number."
"What?!" Jesse shrieked. "Some guy is already asking for your number?"
"Whoa," Benji added, "Not just some guy, he's a Treblemaker."
"Lucy," Jesse kept his eye on Donald, "I don't think a guy who is asking for a freshman's number on the first day we all arrive has good intentions."
I sighed, exasperated as Jesse began to turn into an older brother, "Don't worry Jess, remember how he was on his phone during the performance? It's obvious he was texting his girlfriend. He probably just wants to garner more fans for the Treblemakers."
Jesse scoffed, looking over at Benji, as if to say, 'can you believe her?' "Yeah... I don't think that'll stop a player from playing the game."
I rolled my eyes. Even though Jesse protested against this sudden act of 'promiscuity', I did relish in the fact that Donald wanted to get my number. Wait, no. He has a girlfriend, Lucy. Nothing is worse in the world than cheaters... Amongst other things.
"I'm still going to audition for them," Benji told us, "And speaking of which, we should take Lucy to the Barden Bellas. I know they're looking for a whole new group of girls since... Well, we should just introduce her to them."
"Yeah, sounds good," Jesse replied, placing his arm around my shoulders haphazardly, making me almost tumble to the ground. He proceeded to drag me to the Barden Bellas' booth.
"Lucy," I bumped into Beca, just about to leave the stand. "Hey."
I smiled, "Hi Beca. Are you... Joining the Barden Bellas?"
"Yeah, no," Beca shook her head. "I'm kinda looking for a DJ club, or something like that."
"Oh, alright," I kind of wanted to audition with Beca, at least I wouldn't have to face the prospect that I'd be trying to join without any friends with me. Sure, Jesse would be auditioning, but he would be trying out for the Treblemakers.
Speaking of Jesse, he was smiling during our conversation, eyes never leaving Beca. She took her leave soon after, awkwardly waving bye to Jesse. I waved goodbye to her, feeling less encouraged in approaching the booth. I didn't have much time to think though, since one of the girls running the booth approached me.
"Hey! Are you interested in joining the Barden Bellas? We have openings!" A red head girl greeted me with a sweet smile and a flyer that had all of the information about their auditions.
"Do you know that girl?" The blonde next to her pointed to Beca as she walked away.
"Beca?" I turned around to see if I was correct. "Oh, she's my roommate."
The blonde seemed to disapprove at that fact as she gave a grimace to her friend. I looked over at the red head in a slightly confused state and she gave me an ensuring smile.
"Auditions are in the auditorium!" Red head chirped, still offering the flyer.
Well, at least this girl was cheerful. Acapella couldn't be that bad. I looked back at Jesse hesitantly as he nodded in approval, making me take one of the handouts she was giving out. "Sure, I guess I'll see you there."
"Great! See you then!"
"Let's grab some lunch," Jesse suggested. We followed Benji to the open air cafeteria set up for the activities fair. It might not have been gourmet, but a hot dog was more than enough.
"So Benji, how long have you been following the Treblemakers for?" I asked before taking a big bite of the condiment-filled bun.
"Three years. Four, if you count when I started following acapella in general."
"Wow, that's a pretty committed relationship you got there with lady acapella," Jesse's stuffed mouth made him almost difficult to decipher.
"Yeah well, the Treblemakers have truly changed my life," Benji looked so proud to say that.
I, on the other hand, was slightly concerned for his choice of hobbies, but I suppose if he ain't doing drugs, no reason to interfere. "And are the Treblemakers usually nice people? I mean, the way they performed made it seem like they're pretty confident."
"Are you trying to ask me in a subtle way if Donald is a nice guy?" Benji too, chewed through his hot dog while speaking.
"What?" I almost choked. My face began to heat up again. "No! What? ...No!"
Benji and Jesse glanced at each other before stifling a laugh. Benji replied, "Donald is a really good performer. He's got this amazing stage presence. I have heard some rumours, however, about his... How can I put this delicately?"
"Is he a player?" Jesse took the words right out of my mouth.
Benji shrugged, "I wouldn't totally know if they're true or not but... The rumours point to that particular direction, yes."
I cringed. Oh great. Finding a player attractive was exactly what I needed on my first day at Barden University. Jesse gave me the infamous 'I told you so' look. I rolled my eyes again.
"You happy there?" I retorted, taking a sip of my coke.
"As long as you stay away from him, yep," Jesse said smugly.
I knew there would be a con to going to university with someone who has known me since I was in diapers. Jesse and I grew up as next door neighbours and since we were in the same neighbourhood, it meant we went to the same schools. The friendship obviously developed from there on out. Being so close to him, he became the older brother I never had. It was great, I got to have a playmate around when we were younger, especially since I was an only child. He would protect me from bullies in elementary, we would study together in high school, but now that we were in college, I could only assume he would be more of a brother than a friend.
"Thanks, bro," I emphasised the last word, letting him know how suffocating he was starting to become. He only laughed at my misfortune.
As I finished my food, I grabbed everyone's rubbish once they were done and headed to the trash. Amongst the empty cups and napkins I accidentally picked up the Bella's flyer. Lucky I took notice. I threw away the rest as I read the flyer one more time.
"Auditions are next week, huh..." I mumbled. I realised if I auditioned and potentially got accepted into the Barden Bellas, I wouldn't just be a part of the audience for the Treblemakers.
I would be their competition.
Hi there! Thank you for reading the second chapter of I'm Your Freshman. Please do show your support or let me know your thoughts by giving a review! I'd really appreciate it!