“Just one easy day” was all James could think as he got to class. It was his first semester of college and he was looking forward to starting over. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way. The college required him to take a group communication class, which was already annoying. The worst part though was a girl he knew from high school was in it. Lindsey… just the thought of her irked him.

James used to tutor her through the school’s student-tutor center. She didn’t make it easy for him. She never paid much attention, always told him to hold on so she could reply to a text. The worst part was when she would actually listen to him explain something, she would end up making fun of him for being a “nerd” and even sometimes saying it was why he was a virgin.

That last part stung the most, as it was true. He was a virgin, and a huge one as he had never even kissed a girl. He even sometimes struggled with tutoring her just because she was so beautiful. He would be explaining something, she wouldn’t be listening, his thoughts would trail off to a dirty place with her in mind, then she would throw him back to reality by saying “earth to dweeb, you gonna keep going or are you just wasting my time?”

Back to the present day, she would always tease him in class. Lindsey made the fact that they were going to the same college hell for him. She taunted him saying he wasted his time with school because he ended up the same place as here. That wasn’t true of course. He was only going to the same college because it was less expensive than a major university. He did plan to transfer after 2 years. That didn’t stop her from making fun of him for it.

James took his seat in the classroom, new spot like usual. He was always in class a bit early, so he could review the last lecture. About one minute before class started, Lindsey strolled in. She looked around the room until she found him, and promptly took a seat right next to him. This day was different though. College and work put a lot more stress on James than he had dealt with before, and his tolerance was wearing down.

“Hey loser, still wasting time studying?”

James just sighed.

“That did nothing for you back in high school. I bet we’re gonna work at the same place too after all this.”

James snapped a bit, “I don’t plan to work at a strip club, so I don’t think so.”

Lindsey was shocked at the comeback and pissed off. She kicked his chair and said “you’re gonna regret that one.”

He had no time for a witty reply, as the professor started the lecture. “As you all know, there are 4 group projects due in this class. The first one has you work in a small group, two people only. That may make it sound easy, but its not. You only have until the next class to finish it. So I will be giving you all your groups today, then releasing you to get started.”

This was a wrench in James schedule. He had everything planned down to the minute. His stress had just reached an all-time high, or so he thought. He was pulled away from his thoughts upon hearing the professor say, “Lindsey and James”

“I’m sorry, professor. But me and who?”

“You and Miss Lindsey, no more repeats.”

“Ohhh shit, karmas a bitch, isn’t it James” toyed Lindsey. “Maybe I should have you do all the work. You probably get off to it.”

James had no response, he just sat there wide-eyed as the professor finished announcing the groups. “Okay, you have your groups. Guidelines for the project are posted online. Now get to work.”

“Alright James, I gave it some thought. Since we ended up at the same college even though your supposed to be much smarter than me, I think that means I’m as smart as you. And I reallllly don’t want you messing up this project, so I will work with you on it.”

“Fine whatever. Lets just head to the library and get this over with.”

“Oh no! I don’t work well in public places, and I hate those “private” rooms they have. We’ll work on it at my house, its not far. Meet me there in 20 minutes.” She handed him her address on a piece of paper and left. He didn’t even have time to protest or even mention if he had work or another class coming up. Luckily he didn’t. He got up and left the class, still in disbelief at the events that had just unfolded.

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James arrived at her house exactly 20 minutes later and knocked on the door to hell. After a few awkward seconds of waiting, he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Lindsey opened the door saying, “Wow your right on time. I should have expected that creepy exactness from you. Leave you shoes at the door and follow me up to my room.”

“Not the kitchen?” he asked as he pointed straight to it.

“No, I work in my room. What’s the matter, never been in a girl’s room before? Never mind I already know the answer to that.” She immediately went back up the stairs, not waiting for him to follow. James took off his shoes and made his way up the stairs, and to the room Lindsey went into. It was a white room, with some purple accents. Her bed was the center piece. She had a dresser right next to it, and shelf with books on it, which he figured were just for show.