AUTHOR: dragons-dumpling
26th of November, 2014 - We Met on A Cold Day
"That test was the hardest one this semester!" Alfred exclaimed as he exited the Chemistry classroom with Matthew, the teacher aid. "Yeah, it was a tough one, but what did you expect? It's finals this week. "Matthew uttered."So, what will you do now? Your next class is in three hours." Alfred gave a shrug and replied, "I dunno. Play games, get something to eat, study some stuff, the choices are endless. I will take a nap for starters." The teacher aid gave a sigh and let Alfred off on his merry way. Saying their goodbyes, Alfred rushed out into the cold, fall weather. "Maybe a walk around the quad won't be so bad, it'll clear up some thoughts." he concluded to himself and slowed his pace. Damn, it's like a ghost town or something. Nobody's here! Alfred thought when he made it to the campus grounds. It can't be helped though, weather's gone wonky and it's freezing right now. Adjusting his blue scarf, he began to second-guess himself.
Maybe taking a detour of the quad was a bad idea but before he could turn around and leave, a peculiar object catches his eye. What is that? Alfred wondered. Hmm, can't tell. I should probably check it out. Walking up to the object, he couldn't identify the mysterious brown...thing for a thick layer of leaves covered most of its features. As he advanced towards the item, an image of a shoe finally registered into Alfred's brain.
Something's not right, he started off. Is it a lost shoe? But it's sticking up. Is it connected to a body? But the shoe isn't moving, so are they dead? But what if they aren't dead and they're zombies?! Alfred began to panic internally and paced back and forth when the sound of rustling caught him off guard as a hand shot up from the layer of leaves and the sound of air emitted from the other side. The shoe disappeared into the pile and thus striking Alfred's curiosity once more. Maybe an investigation isn't such a good idea, but he can't leave now, not when he still hasn't figured out what's in that pile of leaves! Curiosity wins this round, Alfred grumbled as he trudged over the last three feet. He leaned over the leaves, upon closer inspection that it looks like a wall to block something, to come across the face of a young man. Surprisingly, the man hadn't noticed him yet so Alfred took this opportunity to observe the other.
The first thing Alfred noted was that his eyes were closed. Strange, maybe he's sleeping. He was lying on the layer of leaves, his right leg propped up. That's where the shoe went. He had strawberry blond hair and pale skin, a couple of little freckles dotted around his nose-
"I know you're there." Alfred jumped back a bit, startled for a voice broke the cold silence. He franticly looked around to see if anybody was talking to him and realized that the voice was coming from the person he had been examining. Emerald orbs glared back and they didn't look too happy. The male sat up and gave Alfred a skeptical look. "What are you doing here?" he inquired." Well, I should be asking you that." Alfred responded, "Aren't you cold? There's literally nobody out here other than us." The young man scanned the area and gave a shrug. "It doesn't matter. Now leave me alone." Alfred pouted. "Aw man, it's freaking cold here and you don't want company?"
"That's correct. I don't need any company from anyone." The man stated once again. Alfred decided that he'd be alone for the rest of the day anyway, so he plopped on the wall of leaves and sat in front of the young man. "What's your name? You don't look like you're from around here." Alfred said, beginning to enjoy the reaction of the other, who spluttered from the fact that Alfred had breached his wall of leaves. "I said, leave me alone! It doesn't matter!" the green-eyed man lashed out once again, with more voice to it. "I'm not leaving until you tell me!" Alfred sang and smiled as the man realized that any threats could end up futile. But he seemed hesitant, so Alfred concluded the he should give his name first. After all, he did ask right? "My name's Alfred. Alfred Jones. Chemistry major." He started off as he gave the man his hand.
The male seemed hesitant, but soon took Alfred's hand and gave it one firm shake.
"Arthur Kirkland. Performing Arts major."