Transfer Student

I pick up my bag and walked out of my apartment. I glance back at my roommate on the way out. She sleeps peacefully, not a care in the world. I sighed. If only I could be that carefree. I’ve no time for that. Being a doctor means many things. One of them would be zero downtime for one’s self. Go me. I’ve made it this far. Having second thoughts would be idiotic at this point. I’ve already studied too deep into the subject to back out now. Three whole years of medical education only for me to hesitate. I don’t have time for hesitation. I take a deep breath and march out the door resolutely, a jolt of energy suddenly coursing through me body.

It’s a rainy day today. I pull my hood over my head and dash for the car. I open the door and jump in, throwing my bag in the passenger seat.

Traffic is slow. As usual. I drive by neighborhoods of other college peopl. Not much to see other than students struggling to drag themselves out the door. It’s a good medical school, but it is draining. I make it to the building for my class. I’m early but that’s a good thing. I plop myself down on the bench near the entrance under the roof hangover and pull a medical journal and water bottle out of my bag. I stare down at the open book silently for what felt like a long time. A brief cough breaks the silence and snaps me out of a trance, and I look up. A guy stands in front of me with a slanted smile and hands in his jean pockets. Tall, pretty strong build. A little slim. He’s got a pretty face. I haven’t seen him in my class before.

“Hey. I’ve been sitting in my car for ten minutes and you’ve been sitting here in the cold rain ever since I got here. If you want, you could come sit in my car with me until class starts.”

He looks pointedly over to his Honda and then back to me with a hopeful grin. I do not return it.

“I haven’t see you before.”

His smile falters a little bit, but he recovers it carefully. Is he disappointed about something?

“Drake.”

He offers his hand so I can shake it. I stare at it. And then back up to him.

“I’ve never seen you around here before, Drake.” I say.

“Transfer student.” He replies as he puts his hand down awkwardly.

Well, that would make sense. He does look about my age.

“I’ve got the same book actually.” He continues. He flings his bag from over his shoulder and pulls out the same medical journal I have in my arms.

Huh.

“That’s alright. I like the cold.” I glance at my watch. “Besides, class is going to start soon anyway.”

He pulls a phone out of his pocket.

“You’re right. Well, I’m that case, I’ll just sit out here with you until we’re able to go in.”

He smiles happily and lands next to me with book in arm. He grins down at his journal as he hums to himself.

What is with this guy? I usually scare people off. Why is he so insistent? He is sincere in his giddiness. What’s he so excited about?

I don’t have time to ponder my thoughts as our teacher walks towards the entrance. She looks over at us and smiles.

“I’m glad to see that my students are already getting to know you, Drake! Hi Emily!” She says cheerfully.

Drake looks up and replies, “Me, too! I was worried it would be hard to be aquaintanced with them, but they seem really friendly!”

What’s he playing at? I was very cold towards him. I keep my facial expression the same. I smile back to our teacher.

“Drake seems very keen to learn! I can’t wait to study with him!” I answer delightfully. “He’s very chipper for someone new. I’d be rather shaken!”

Lies. I wouldn’t be bothered with this social crap. I already know that I’m no good at making friends. Why make a fuss about it? I must play along though to escape this conversation and make it to the classroom without trouble.

The teacher seems satisfied and turns to walk into the building. Drake turns to me with the same smile. This time, however, is different. There’s something behind the charm. Like some sort of mask. I can’t tell what he’s trying to hide, but he isn’t just smiling at me. Is he studying me?

“See you in class!” He calls as he gathers his belongings and heads in.

Hmph. I don’t have patience to be caught up on someone like that. Emotions going haywire. Studies first. I can talk to people any old time. I need to get through this year. I need to keep reminding myself not to get distracted. I stand up resolutely and stride through the entrance. As I turn around to look through the entrance doors, the clouds part... almost unnaturally. The rain disappears. I turn around with a shrug without a second thought. Probably just weird weather.

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