Part 1 | Chapter 1 ~ A Walk In The Park

The soft rippling of a stream, caused by the short toss of a pebble, gently skipping over the surface of the water in an intent to sink at the end of its small journey across. In one way or another, every person is their own pebble. A single unique little stone in an enormous river of others. The pebbles may vary in size, shape, and color, but their all still pebbles at the end of the day. But as those pebbles change, whether it is due to the moving stream, carrying them off to new places and meeting new pebbles, or an unlucky stone is chipped under the others and it's existence is long forgotten, a single lesson remains. Like the sun that rises after nightfall, the rose that pushes it's way up through the cement, or the newborn calf standing to take it's first step, a delicate law is born. Every human has the capability of rising, while resilience and flexibility keeps them standing tall. While one person may not be able to rise on their own, another could be there to take their hand. Nobody is truly alone on this fortunately habitable planet, and the possibility of a single person out there for everyone is 100% correct. If I, social outcast Calvin Malone, can find somebody to call a friend, so can everyone else.

I often think about these things when I'm alone, spending quality time by myself to filter through a days work. I do most of my thinking under the old maple tree in the campus park, skipping stones, completing homework, or writing poems in my journal. I know, most people may take me for a lonely wallflower, but I see myself as a quiet observer. I'd rather watch a soccer game than play in it, not even that. Me would be more like... Going to an art show but not being the artist. Speaking of which, I've never been an artist. I've never been gifted with the side of creativity when drawing, sculpting, painting, or basically art of any kind. With words however, I could write my own world with a single poem. Gifted with words, not with a paint brush.

At the moment, I am watching a bird feasting upon a worm in the field, who's fighting for survival in an attempt to escape from the winged beasts sharp beak. The worm was defeated, and the bird had it's dinner. I quietly ran my hand over my cursive writing. Yes, yes, call me old fashioned for writing in cursive, but that's just the way I work. My name's Calvin Malone, 19 years old and on the second semester of my freshman year in college. My best friend is Cassidy Farmnook, who I am lucky enough to spend my time with for most of the day. We both major in English, which makes all of our discussions quite interesting.

I met Cassidy as if it were fate. It was my sophomore year of high school, and I was in the middle of being compressed into the tight cavity of my locker by the king of pranks himself, Jayden Griswold. I guess you could call him your typical high school bad boy, or the popular kid if you must. He was the reason why I ate my lunch in the bathroom everyday, for the fear of having a tuna sandwich shoved down the back of my shirt and being titled "Fish boy" for the rest of the week.

Oh boy how he enjoyed that.. But as I was saying-

Cassidy just so happened to be passing by on her way to the library, and decided to give me, the nerd, the time of day. Cassidy, if you must know, was a hotshot. Smart, outgoing, friendly, and not to mention gorgeous beyond belief. From her curly brunette locks, to her twinkling hazel green gaze, she was absolutely breathtaking. With the simple snap of her fingers, she could have first pick of any guy in the school, but today, she chose me. Now, the stereotypical thing here would be that we'd fall in love over time, after spending every day together in a heap of flirtatious conversations and wildly dates. The only problem is, that isn't the case. If I had been like any other guy, falling head over heels in a meaningless crush on Cassidy, she would've let Jayden and his cronies shove me into the dark. Instead, her reward for not doing such a thing, was acting like a normal human being around her, even if I was a guy who could appreciate beauty. She never seemed to mind my presence, and in fact, she let me go everywhere with her if and when I pleased. We walked to school together, studied at each others houses, and read books and played games in the library after class. Cassidy had now become one of my favorite people, a person that I could call a real friend.

Jayden's pesky pranks on me never came to a stop though. In fact, he continued his little soiree on me throughout high school, and he never stopped until his jet blue 1968 ford mustang with the roaring lion sticker on the bumper pulled away from the lot at graduation. I remember feeling the weight lift from my chest that day, seeing that pompous jerk drive off to who knows where. I have no idea where he is now, and I hope to never find out.

Ever since then, I've been one of the most outgoing people on campus, all thanks to Cassidy. Her line of friends were practically endless, meaning that I received a lot of motivation over the years. I'd consider it rare that Cassidy and I get to spend time alone with just each other anymore, and not just because of her clingy partner in crime, Julianna. Cassidy I've noticed is growing a lot busier, and she isn't getting a lot of free time to come and actually 'hang out' at my dorm. Although I don't have one myself, I like to consider Cassidy my roommate. She comes so often just to pop by for a quick hello, that it feels as if she lives with me herself. It's a good feeling really, I just wish she stayed longer.

Today in particular, is our 4 year 'friend-iversary,' the same day that we clicked in the library after she rescued me from the hands of Jayden at my locker, September 14th.We always go out for ice cream and a walk through the park, just simple time to reflect upon everything from the past years and have a good laugh while we indulge under the maple tree, watching the stars twinkle in the chilly night sky as she consumes her double scoop of strawberry, and I, my mango sorbet. I'm so excited I can hardly breath, or write straight that is. Once the clock strikes 3:00 PM sharp, I gather my things up in my bag, and start off down the trail, away from the maple tree which both Cassidy and I will return to tonight.

On my way down the street, I can't help but find myself gazing at the unusually crowded walks outside the game store. But fate be told, I just so happened to spot a flashy charm bracelet from the corner of my eye. Since when was Cassidy into video games? I made my way over, giving off a gentle smile as I settled my bag over my shoulder.

"Cal!" Cassidy called with the wave of her hand. "Excited for tonight?" She grinned smoothly, the corner of her lips twitching playfully.

"Ready as I'll ever be." I replied with a grin of my own, keeping my hand fastened to the strap of my rucksack, while the other explored the innermost anatomy of my hoodie pocket.

Cassidy suddenly jolted as a finger prodded into her side, revealing the laughing appearance of Julianna. I should've known that she'd be here to, being the video game fanatic she is. Not to mention her sudden infatuation with teasing Cassidy.

"Stop that!" Cassidy cried, swatting at the infiltration of her space while Julianna pokes at her a bit more.

Juli stopped when she noticed me however, then gave off a teasing smile.

"Hey Cal, how's it goin'?" She inquired.

I shrugged in response. "Work, work, work. You know how it is." I gave off a heaved sigh.

"I hear it's you n' Cassies anniversary today." She swung her elbow peskily at the steaming Cassidy.

"Yup... Pretty excited. I've been craving ice cream since last week when Professor Brandy brought in that tub of mint chocolate chip."

We all shared a laugh.

"Man, that guy gets me going. Always eating in front of us. I swear, he eats one meal for every class, just to torture us." Julianna continued to rant about several experiences that involved Professor Brandy and his crazed food antics.

I gave a short glance to Cassidy who giggled silently at the ongoing conversation that Juli seemed to be having with herself. She suddenly allowed her grin to fade.

"I'm going to go grab us some food from the taco stand, save our spot Juli." Cassidy stated as she gestured for me to follow across the street.

"So, have you come to challenge me for the throne to my ice cream eating champion title?" I asked with a smirk.

She chuckled emptily, before she stopped to wait in the food trucks line, chewing at her thumb nail in thought.

"I know that look." I crossed my arms.

Cassidy looked to be shocked. "What look? I'm not giving a look." She denied, but left her thumb at her lips.

"You always chew your thumbnail when you're nervous. What do you have to be nervous about?" I inquired.

She was silent for a moment before she sighed. "I'm sorry Calvin. An assignment for my writing course was posted 10 minutes ago, and at the rate this line is moving, I won't be able to start working on it until tonight."

I knew what this meant. She was going to cancel, like always. If there was one thing that bothered me about Cassidy, it was her inability to keep a schedule plan. In other words, she was a flaker.

"Julianna said she wants me to experience what it's like to play the limited edition version of the game in house, rather than buying it later. You know how she is, she always wants me with her at these conventions."

She looked at me quietly, observing my features for a reaction. I didn't give her one, and only kept my arms crossed with the slight scowl pasted over my appearance in silence.

"Don't look at me like that Cal, we can do it some other time." She smiled reassuringly.

"That's the fourth time this month.." I grumbled.

"What?"

"You always flake out! When we wanted to go to the premier of the new Star Wars, you said you were working a late shift at Pizza Palace. When we were going to go to the aquarium, you said you needed to study for an exam. Need I remind you of last week when you-"

"Alright alright, so I'm a little busy right now, I get the picture." She interrupted with a huff. "The schedule change and everything is stressing me out, and I only have today to finish my project for English."

I seemed confused for a moment. What did she mean by schedule change? The second semester just started two weeks ago. Before I could ask, she placed a ten in the tender of the food trucks hand in exchange for the tacos. She grabbed the bag and turned to head back over to Julianna. I'd just shoot her a text later tonight.

I didn't really want to wait in line for the rest of the night, so I decided to finish my taco with them and head off back to my dorm to binge watch the bachelor. I said my goodbyes to the girls and walked off down the road to the housing. I headed up the main stairs and into the three way corridor to the elevator, pressing floor 3, then stood back to wait. I swayed gently with the motions of the elevator, paired with the hushed jazz tune cascading over the speakers. Once I reached my floor, I left down the singular hall to room 302, and unlocked the door with my key. I stopped in the frame to stare at my empty room, before heading inside.

I laid quietly in bed, my AirPod's in as I watched my phone with mild interest. The new season of The Bachelor was nothing compared to the last of them. Call me crazy, but I do love some romance from time to time. I was quickly shaken from my daze of Bachelor criticism when the notification of a message from Cassidy pinged. I paused my show and clicked on it.

Cass: What's ur new schedule?

I thought for a moment. Maybe she messaged the wrong person.

This is Calvin. Did u loose my number or something? Lol

There was a small pause.

Cass: No. I just wanted to see what ur new class times were for the semester.

Now I was completely confused.

What do u mean? The semester just started.

Cass: You really don't know? Administration sent out an email last week that schedules were changing because of the complaints from students.

I just about swallowed my own tongue. Instead, I bit down on it hard as I whipped my computer from my bag and pulled up my inbox. I scrolled through a few that involved projects, assignments, and exams for different courses- then stopped at the one titled 'Change of plans.' I clicked on it and read it through.

Dear Students and Professors,

We're sorry to inform you that due to the lack of cooperation within our offices regarding the new schedules of our second semester, we will be forwarding every class by two hours in order to make up for the loss of time, starting September 15th of next week.We will do our best to assign every student a new dorm if need be so they will be closer to their first class on campus. If you have any questions or concerns, please email any of the following contacts listed below:

• RachelLee@icloud.com

• MarshalBriggs@gmail.com

• OliviaVex@gmail.com

Thank you!

I felt my heart rate kick up as I swallowed hard. I checked the time. 9:30. The offices were closed by now, as they were every evening at 7:45. I decided to try and shoot out a message to one of the emails so I could receive my schedule for tomorrow as quickly as possible. I sent it off, then laid back in bed to stare at the ceiling.

This would be a long night...

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Hi! Thanks for reading the first chapter of  "Once Upon A Friday Night!" I'll try and upload chapter two within these next two days. Turn on notifications to be alerted whenever I make my uploads. Thank you! Stay safe and stay healthy! <3