Fading Fate

1-

My life was so typical; studying, college and friends, that’s it. I’ve never believed that one thing can change a person’s life and that exactly what happened to me.
I’m twenty-two year old, in my last year of college studying Architecture, I’ve always loved studying in my school years. Anyway, I’m not a ‘cool’ guy…I mean I’m a geek or sort of, guys I know wear t-shirts and low-waist or skinny pants and I hate this style. I believe that a chemise and a regular pants would be perfect and suit me well. Although, my friends make fun of me and they always say that I’m a gloomy-old-fashioned. My best friends are Nate and Nick, they’re twins and we have known each other since Kindergarten. Nate is more than a ‘bad boy’ style and character, we’re totally different but we’re best friends. Now I’ve arrived at college, here we go again, walking and walking and walking , suddenly
“Luke, dude! Good morning.” Nate told me.
“Good morning, what’s up?”
“Nothin’ much, checking out the new girls.” Nate said looking with flirty eyes at the new college girls.
Nate is a womanizer, although, he has an amazing girlfriend who’s really in love with him, Jasmine, she’s an intelligent girl, pretty and kind.
“What are you doing, for God’s sake!?” Jasmine said rushing into Nate.
“Nothing..darling! you look wonderful by the way.” Nate said trying to escape.
She looked at him a I’m-gonna-kill-you-someday look.
I’ve never liked a girl, I mean, never been in a relationship or even a crush, even when I was a teenager. People get me wrong but, I’m sure that God is busy writing me a love story. Judi comes with the wide cunning smile “Good morning, all!” she said.
Judi is my friend too, since Elementary school, it’s nice that I have half of my friends with me n the same university. Anyways, Judi is a brunette, she’s short and she enjoys being short. She’s cunning somehow, but I love her.
“Nick and Rose aren’t coming? Asked Jasmine curiously.
“I don’t think so, they were busy loving each other on the phone all night long!” commented Nate sarcastically.
Rose is Nick’s fiancée, and Nick is madly in love with her.
“Don’t make fun of them! Their love is beautiful.” Jasmine told Nate.
Hours passed, I drove back home. When I arrived, my mother was on the phone with Mrs. Peterson aka mom’s best friend. Mrs. Peterson is a very kind person, she’s been mom’s friend for twenty years. I gave mom a kiss in the air, then I went to my room, changed my clothes, studied a bit, played music..to be exact I played ‘Wires by Athlete.’ My phone rang, it was Nick, we talked for a while then I went to bed.

I had a very strange dream, I was with a girl, a beautiful girl, with brown, silk hair and blue eyes and I was holding her hand, walking on a beach. I was going to talk to her when suddenly my alarm rang, I was like ‘Oh-what-the-hell-I-wanted-to-finish-the-dream!’
I was surprised by the dream, ‘cause I never dreamt of any girl before, and I never held hands in my life! I changed my clothes, kissed my mom’s cheek, and headed to college. This is my typical life, everyday is the same.
One day, Nate told us that he had a cousin who lived in Canada, with her father and he said she’s arriving today and tomorrow will be her first day of college.

2-

The next day we were at college, together standing we didn’t have a lecture and then Jasmine looked behind her with excited eyes and said “Oh my God! She came, Callie came!” Callie was Nate’s cousin who arrived today. I saw her approaching with Jenna; Jenna is our friend too and I knew that Callie was Jasmine’s and Jenna’s best friend. She came and Nate greeted her and introduced her to all of us, I was too shocked to react but he finally introduced her to me. “Callie, this is Luke, my best friend.” “Nice to meet you.” Callie told me with smiling eyes. I was still astonished, the reason of my astonishment was that it was HER. I swear she is! She was the girl I dreamed of! Then I returned to my senses and told her decently “Pleasure to meet you too.” She was eighteen-years-old and also studying Architecture.
“I’m really glad that I’m back home, after all those years..I’ve never forgotten here.” Callie said passionately. She looked so simple, her beautiful silky hair was pony-tailed, she wasn’t wearing make-up..she was beautiful anyways. They all started chatting about Canada and such, I was standing awkwardly listening to them talking. They were talking about how they should hang out and go for a movie together and they agreed that they would go tomorrow. “And you’re coming.” Nate said pointing at me with wary eyes. I had to excuse myself so I said “Umm..sorry guys, I have to study, maybe next time.” Nick sighed, so did Nate and said “You see, Callie. This is Luke, the serious-gloomy person who is an enemy of fun!” and then he looked at me and sarcastically smiled. Callie chuckled, and I was like ‘No! I want to give her a good impression.’ I rolled my eyes, then Callie turned to me and said “Maybe..you don’t like me hanging out with you.” She felt awkward. HELL, NO OF COURSE, I thought. I quickly replied saying “No, of course not! I really have studying to do, but I’m totally pleased to know you.” She smiled an innocent-child-like smile that made my heart go down my knees.
I arrived back home, after that eventful day and all I could think of was Callie, and only her. My thoughts were interrupted by my mother entering my room with a kind smile, asking me about how my day was, how was I doing..typical motherly questions. Then she said “Callie’s mother called me and said that Callie was having issues with coping with Architecture. So, I offered to let my nerd, smart son that he could help her with this. What do you think?” my heart was beating so hard that I exploded and answered quickly “Yes! Sure! Of course! No problem at all.” Mother looked at me a look that meant that she understood me very well, I tried to avoid eye contact though. I couldn’t believe that I would have a chance to actually talk to Callie, I was too excited to sleep well, creating scenarios in my mind to apply tomorrow. I had to impress her, REALLY impress her. I felt like a 16-years-old boy who was excited for his first date with the girl he likes..although it wasn’t a date, it’s just a ‘studying date’.

3-

The next morning when I arrived at college, Nate and Nick were out of sight, but I saw Judi standing with Callie talking. I was passing by them when Judi sarcastically commented saying “Will you say ‘good morning’?” I was embarrassed, and I cleared it and said “I haven’t noticed you, good morning.” Said with a simple smile to them. “Luke, will you help me with studying please? I asked my mother to ask yours, because I was a little embarrassed to ask you. But I knew you’re clever.” Callie shyly said with a soft voice. “No problem, sure. Your mother asked me and I definitely have no problem.” I smiled. The awkwardness was decreased between us and she said with relief “Okay, great then. I’m free today at 12 pm, if you’re free, I can meet you at the Cafeteria.” She said. I replied “Sure, sounds good. I’ll meet you then.” I took off and went to my lecture, I wasn’t focusing, was too busy thinking about Callie’s meeting, my heart was beating and I was shaking out of excitement. It was 11:58, when I went quickly to the Cafeteria, waiting for her awkwardly and worried. After 5 minutes she came and sit, and she asked shyly “Am I late?” “Not at all, I came early.” I replied smilingly. “Shall we start?” I asked. She nodded.
After one hour I finished explaining to her, she seemed to understand too. “Wow, you’re amazing, I understood everything now.” She said. “No, you’re smart and you understand quickly.” She smiled shyly and said “Can I ask you a question I wanted to ask you since the day I met you?” she asked me. my heart stopped and I thought No, I am single and I don’t have a girlfriend, but you’re welcomed to change that. Ok, back to senses. “Sure.” I replied. “Do you usually wear contact lenses? I think you do. I mean, nobody wears those dumb glasses you wear, hahaha.” She said laughingly. That was no cool. I laughed too “Yes, I do wear lenses, but mine have expired and I’m waiting to buy new ones this week.” Liar, liar. Pants on fire. I thought. I’ve never worn lenses and I hated them always, and hated the guys who wear them, I’m convinced that glasses are better! Plus, my glasses aren’t dumb, they’re original with a rectangular shape and a thick black frame. “And why don’t you wear T-shirts like Nate and Nick? Those chemises make you look as if you’re forty.” She chuckled. Alright, shallow girl. I thought. “Actually, I do wear. But I..was dared to wear like this for a week.” I replied, and lied again. And again, she was making fun of my clothes. I love wearing plain white chemises with a sleeved-cut dark blue or black vests on it! That’s classic. Not like the girly t-shirts they wear nowadays. She laughed “I thought so, I mean you’re Nate’s best friend, so I thought you might have the same clothing style.” “Actually, I do.” Lied again, with a smile. Her phone rang and she answered “Hey, mama. Okay, I’ll let Judi give me a drive home. Bye.” She turned to me and said “Luke, I have to go now home, thank you very much for today. I replied “Don’t ever mention it. Do you mind if I drove you home?” I offered. “Hmm, do you have lectures? Or you’re free?” she asked. “No! not at all, I was going home, actually.” I lied, for the hundredth time. I had a lecture but I would skip it for miss beauty. “Okay, great. Let’s go.” She replied with a smile. For the first time in my life, I skipped a lecture. But for her, I would. Although it’s been only a while since I knew Callie, but I was stupidly attracted to her.

4-

We finally arrived, she turned to me with her eyes wanting to say something. “Thanks, Luke. I never thought you’d be like that!” she exclaimed. I frowned confusingly “What do you mean?” she quickly replied “Oh, no. Don’t misunderstand me, I thought you were a different person, a serious one, not fun to be with. But I was totally wrong.” She explained. I smiled stupidly then asked her “Do you mean that I am fun to be with?” “Yeah sure.” She replied with the smile that makes my heart goes like a wild cheetah running. She left, so did I. I went to a place where I don’t visit often..a clothes store. So, I decided to change my appearance for Callie. I entered the men’s department and telling myself You can do it, Luke. Finding t-shirts, low-waist pants, sneakers, made me shiver in anxiety. I bought five t-shirts of different colors, two pants, and three sneakers. Which cost a lot! That’s when I cursed Callie. Then I took off to buy contact lenses, bought a pair and then I left to go home. When I arrived, my mother noticed the shopping bags and of course she insisted to take a look, a typical female of course. After studying the clothes, sneakers and the lenses, she looked at me a suspicious look with raising an eyebrow and said “Hmm. New clothes, new style, contact lenses. Is that a change, Lukey?” A, I’ve always hated the word ‘Lukey’. B, I don’t wanna be nicknamed. C, this is embarrassing. “Yes, I…thought it would be time for ..umm a change!” I replied hesitantly. “Great, sweetie. Good luck with the ‘change’.” She smiled at me a cunning smile, she sort of understood me, I smiled back and then rushed into my room to hang the new clothes. And oh, unlike other guys, my room is always neat and tidy. Unlike Nate’s room for example. A barn.
The following day, woke up, wore the new clothes, wore my lenses and drove to college. I arrived, and walking towards my friends’ group, kind of ashamed of myself, as I approached, I saw their reactions; astonished, surprised. I broke the awkwardness and said “Hi, guys.” “What the heck happened to you!?” Nate asked me confusingly. I simply replied “What?” then Judi took part of the conversation, “Okay, Luke Delaurentis with contact lenses? You’ve never worn lenses in your life and you hated them, preferred your glasses!” I noticed Callie’s reaction was like ‘Seriously?’ I ignored it. I denied also and said “Did I?” “And you’re wearing a t-shirt!” Judi exclaimed. “You hate t-shirts and you think wearing t-shirts is artificial and stupid.” Nate continued. “You even hated my style!” Nate finished. Callie’s reaction went epic. Judi began “Okay, it’s either two things and don’t have a third; you have a crush on a girl and you want to impress her, or you’re schizophrenic. And I think it’s the first.” Judi smiled her evil smile. “Me!? no way! I..I was wrong to come and stand with you guys in the first place!” I sort of yelled and started heading off when I heard Callie calling me, “Luke!” I looked at her. “I like your t-shirt.” She told me smilingly. “Thank you.” I smiled a dumb smile and my eyes were dancing. Then Jasmine looked at me a ‘I know what you did last Summer.’ Look. I sat alone staring to nothing, I had a feeling that I’ve never felt before, why did I do this? To impress Callie? I’ve never wanted to impress a girl ever! Why her..? I don’t want to be rejected, I don’t want to fall apart. Days passed, we talked normally. It’s been six months since I knew her, it just can’t be.

5-

One day we all went to a café, we talked, laughed and had fun. Until one of our colleagues, Vanessa, came to us and told Callie “You’re a one lucky girl, aren’t you?” Callie didn’t understand what she meant then Jasmine asked her “What do you mean, Vanessa?” Vanessa began “It is that, John Reed likes you and wants to ask you out, cutie.” My face went white, I was breathless. Then Callie oddly replied “John Reed? Wants to date me? we never talked a lot, only twice.” “Anyway, what will you say?” Vanessa asked. “Please, leave me to think.” Callie politely replied. And the discussion began.. “John isn’t a bad person, I think. If you gave him a chance, maybe you’ll like him.” Nate told her. She signed in confusion. “It’s her first time, give her a break!” Jasmine commented. “She needs to think.” Judi said. “Cal, please give yourself a chance to think.” Jenna told her. I got furious and jealous, so I said “I think John is a jerk, he dates girls, play with them then breaks up with them eventually. You shouldn’t date him, he’s bad!” I exploded. They all looked at me, then Judi sarcastically told me “Oh, we didn’t need your opinion, Luke.” I got angrier, “Oh yeah? He’s an *******, you won’t date him!” I told Callie. Her expression was beyond confused, then Jasmine meanly told me “Are you demanding her!? Get off, Luke.” I cleared it by saying “I’m not. I’m saying my opinion.” “Then, thank you so much for sharing.” Nate told me sarcastically with a smile. Callie looked at me pathetically, but I stood up and said “You know what. I’m out of here.” Then Nate quickly tried to follow me “Dude, wait..look.”
I drove in the streets for three hours, heading to nowhere. Every five minutes, my mobile rings; it was my mother, Nate, Judi and even a text message from Callie saying “Are you okay :S?” even she was worried about me, to be honest, my reaction was very rude and out of control, so I decided to call her, not knowing what would I tell her. I called her and she answered with a worried tone “Hello.”. I waited for some seconds not knowing what to say then I told her with a hissing, crying-like voice, “I’m in love with you.” She didn’t reply but I heard her sigh in surprise. I hung up the phone, feeling out of my senses. I didn’t know how did I even drove home with those nerves. When I arrived home, my mother stood for me sharply and asked “Can you explain to me where were you all that?” I whispered in a tired voice “I was doing nothing. Can you please leave me for now?” I pathetically asked. “What’s up with you? Me and your friends tried to call you, they said you had a fight with them.” She said. “Nothing. Nothing at all.” I whispered then went to my bedroom, lied in bed, trying to sleep. The next day I didn’t go to college, giving a reason that I was sick. Truth is, I was Love Sick. It’s the first time for me to fall in love, I wish I’d never met her. In the afternoon, Nate came to see me, he found me in bed, with a messy hair and facial hair. “You look wrecked.” He commented. “I’m fine.” I lied. “You’re not. Tell me you’re in love with Callie! I saw it in your eyes, Luke.” He told me. I sighed “Never mind.” “Never mind, what!? It’s your first love, you have to never let go of it.” He told me sharply. “I’m not the type of person that she would likely to be in a relationship with. I’m un-cool.” I pathetically said. He came and sat next to me patting on my shoulder “You have to be confident, you’re a great person, she’d be lucky.” He calmly told me. “Thanks..” I whispered. “I’m not complementing you. You have to face her, you have to go tomorrow.”. After he left, I laid my head down on the pillow, closed my eyes, lost in my thoughts. I started to think, Am I really a good person for Callie? Should I be more confident?
The very next day, I went to college, didn’t see her. And after two lectures, I went to the cafeteria and sat on the same table we sat on last time. After a while, I was surprised to see her coming to me and said “Hello.” In a breathless voice. I replied, “Hey, how are you?” “Not good.” She sadly said. “Why?” I asked. “Because I hurt you.” She innocently replied. “I’m not hurt.” I denied, with a fake smile. “You’re amazing.” She softly replied. “Am I?” I asked with doubt. “You are. Tomorrow’s the music competition, I want you to come. I won’t sing unless you come.” She smilingly said. I was cheered up and said “I’ll come.” She smiled, “For your information, I’m a lucky girl; because someone like you is in love with me.” she assured me. I felt enormous, relived and comfortable.