Chapter 11 Joining Us

It was safe to say that over the last few weeks Wes and I had become good friends. I would even consider calling him one of my best friends.

Nate and I were still stuck in the same spot. Some days he would be normal, greet me with a kiss and spend some time with me while we studied together or just hung out. Most days though, he was distant and a little mean. Every time I would try to have a serious conversation with him, he would dismiss me or get annoyed.

"I can no longer do this!" I groaned loudly, slamming my textbook shut and sliding it across the floor.

"Woah," Chris mused, staring at me with wide eyes that looked slightly frightened. "That's the first time I think I've seen you bail on studying."

I gave him a flat look. "It's been hours, my brain can not handle any more studying for tonight."

"That is exactly why I gave up hours ago," Michelle chuckled. She laid on her stomach on her bed, carelessly scrolling through her phone.

"You're right, we've been at this too long," Chris agreed as he also shut his books. "We still have enough time before exams to study more. We'll be fine."

I sighed, leaning my back against the side of my bed. I stretched my legs out in front of me, where I sat on the ground. "I never thought I'd say this but I'm actually looking forward to winter break."

"Really?" Michelle looked up, raising her eyebrows in surprise. "I thought you were dreading going back home."

"Oh, that I am. But I'm glad we get a break from classes. Everyone was right when they said freshman year was going to be hell."

"So, what do you say we go grab some food?" Chris offered, looking between Michelle and I as he wiggled his eyebrows. "I am starved. You guys really need to stack up on snacks in here."

Michelle scoffed, not looking up from her phone. "Boy, I am a broke girl. College freshman with no job - I spend all my money on protein bars and coffee."

Chris laughed deeply, leaning back against the wall, sitting on my bed. "That is relatable. Seriously though, are you guys up for food?"

Michelle groaned, pouting out her bottom lip as she looked between Chris and I. "I'm lazy and tired. I don't want to go out. Plus, I look like a mess."

I rolled my eyes at her but a smile still played on my lips. "Elle, it's college. Everyone looks like a mess especially during exam season."

Michelle shrugged her shoulders lightly, giving me a puppy dog face. "I still don't want to go out. And, the Kardashian's say that you always should look your best because you never know what the day will bring you. However, I am exhausted. Can we just order in?"

I laughed at her comment, the same comment she would make every time she would get extra dressed up even when we were just going grocery shopping. "I can go pick up some pizza," I offered. "I kind of want to get out and breath some fresh air. We've been hauled up in here all day."

"If you're offering, I won't argue." Chris beamed a smile at me, stretching his legs out on my bed as he got himself more comfortable. "Half pepperoni, half whatever you guys want."

Michelle and I looked at each other, simultaneously locking gazes.

"Olives, onions, feta," we both spoke in perfect sync. It was the same pizza order we would always get.

Chris scrunched up his face as he looked between Michelle and I. "That was utterly creepy. Please never do that again."

Michelle and I couldn't help but laugh at the look of horror on Chris's face.

I stood up and grabbed my purse, my laughs coming to a stop. "I'll be back in 20. Don't do anything crazy without me."

Michelle snorted, "I am too tired to move, girl."

I called the pizza place while driving so it would be ready by the time I got there. A ten minute drive later, I had arrived and headed in.

I paid for the pizza and took a seat in a booth, having to wait a bit longer for the pizza to be ready. I busied myself on my phone when a presence appeared.

"Seems like I'm always running into you. Must be destiny."

I looked up to see Wes grinning down at me, an eyebrow quirked.

"I'm a stronger believer in fate but either works."

Wes laughed as he slid into the booth across from me and peered at me with intrigue. "What are you doing here so late and all by yourself?"

I shut off my phone and folded my hands together, looking at him. "On pick-up duty because everyone's worn out from studying. What are you doing here?"

A small grin tugged on Wes's lips. "I had a date. I bailed after appetizers so I came here to get food because I'm still hungry."

I laughed, not surprised by his classic Wes answer. It didn't surprise me the least. Someone it was just part of his charm. "And why did you bail on this one, Weston? What'd the poor girl do?"

"Nothing," he muttered sheepishly but a grin still danced on his lips. "She was just too obsessed with Harry Potter. Wouldn't shut up about it."

I gaped at him. "I love Harry Potter."

Wes stared at me with wide eyes, amusement flickering through them. "As one does but there's eight movies. For God's sake, imagine sitting through a full summary of each movie."

I narrowed my eyes. "I would totally give you eight-movies worth of summaries. Personally, the fifth and sixth movies are my favourite but the Goblet of Fire has a special place in my heart. Robert Pattinson and all."

Wes blinked, and blinked and blinked. He just stared at me.

I smirked, quirking an eyebrow. "Shall I go on?"

Wes rolled his eyes. "Thank you for understanding my misery." His voice dripped in sarcasm.

I chuckled. "Never disrespect Harry Potter."

"Noted."

I exhaled. "Got any other dates planned for tonight?"

Wes rolled his eyes at me, still seeming amused. "I'm not that much of a jerk. Two dates in one night is too much for even me to handle, considering the types of girls on this campus."

I quirked an eyebrow, suddenly more intrigued myself. "Really? And what must those girls be like?"

Wes narrowed his eyes, an amused glint in his eyes. He caught onto the trap I was setting him into. "Well most of them happen to be rather annoying. There may be an exception or two."

I laughed, giving him credit for his quick save.

"Have you ordered anything yet?"

"No," he answered, giving me a confused look. "Why?"

I shrugged nonchalantly, "Well I'm waiting on my pizza. I got a large that three of us won't be finishing if you want to join us back at my dorm."

Wes smiled in awe, his eyes lit up. It was cute how happy he seemed to get, almost looking surprised by my offer. "Are you saying you want my company, sweetheart?"

A blush crept onto my cheeks making me shake my head so my hair would curtain my face.

I let out a breathy chuckle, dramatically rolling my eyes at his comment. "No, Weston. I'm saying we'll need someone to finish the leftover pizza. Wouldn't want it going to waste."

Wes dramatically placed a hand over his heart and pouted like a little child, making him look all the more adorable. "And here I was thinking Fia actually enjoyed having me around. Now I see you just need me when it's convenient."

I swatted his arm lightly, smiling nevertheless. "Shut up, Wes. You know I love your company. What do you say?"

A soft smile made its way onto his face, his eyes shining even brighter as the light hit them. "A boy can't say no to pizza, can he?"