Chapter 2: Who Are You?

I woke up in a shock, jolting forward to realize I had fallen asleep on the sofa. The apartment was quiet, but the air felt heavy. A slight chill filled the atmosphere as I looked around for the cause. My eyes fell on the glass coffee table that was directly in front of me. Sitting proudly on top was an empty bottle of whiskey, one that had been unopened last night.

My head felt heavy, and each small movement sent unease coursing through my body. Slowly I leaned to the side to look down a hallway that led to my bedroom. Through the opened door my bed was visible, made up of a mess of white sheets. I straightened myself again and let a heavy sigh leave my lips as a brought my palm to rest against my head. Closing my eyes as the room around me still spun.

"Maybe I should just skip class today." I mumbled to myself as my head fell back against the cushion, before deciding it better I just attend anyway. When I got back I'd think of cleaning up too, if I was up to it. I'll probably fall asleep on the sofa again. A small chuckle left my mouth as I stood, probably.

I decided to walk in today, the air felt great against my warm skin. I also thought it refreshing to see others struggling the way I felt, kept me in step and realize rough starts to a day pass. It wasn't long until I reached the campus grounds, immediately being greeted by one of my classmates. I gave them a subtle wave as they walked in my direction.

Internally I groaned, I was definitely not in the mood to be talked up. That's all anyone ever does here, they know the future I hold and think I'll be piled high in cash. They're all fake. Having the last name Wolfe didn't help hide the fact of who I was. The son of Gregory Wolfe who is the owner of Wolfe Enterprise, and I'll start my internship under him when I receive my degree.

"Hey Damian." Garrett Fritch greeted as he fell in step next to me. He was an average guy with an average lifestyle, and in tow was Maria Jackson. She was a cute girl with a petite frame and over the top enthusiasm, when she was around me anyway. I've caught glimpses of her ugly side, and had to say made her unattractive and a leech.

"Morning." I mumbled, shoving my hands into my pockets to avoid- and Maria slipped her arm around mine. She pressed her cheek against my arm and giggle. My stomach turned, but I went with it.

"Good morning." She practically purred, "heard we start an assignment in Human Resources, and I have already chosen my partner."

I refused to look down at her and give her the pleasure she begged for, "oh really, what a lucky guy." I wanted to roll my eyes, but I was a professional. Sure.

She, however, only gripped my arm tighter, her hand massaged at my forearm. "Don't be silly, I'm working with you!"

"Give him a break, Maria. Don't think he wants to always work with someone who does nothing for the project." Garrett laughed, he held the door of the building for us and I could only dream the door was smaller so she'd let go.

"I do to help!" She called back at Garrett, tugging slightly as she pulled at my arm to better look back at Garrett. Then she whipped right back around to walk right up along side me.

My eyes looked down into the hall though, I had stopped listening to her and only wished Garrett would distract her further. Thanks for nothing, Garrett. We went to turn the corner towards the stairs when I abruptly stopped short of running into someone coming around the corner. Adrian.

Adrian jerked slightly, his eyes went to Maria immediately before falling down to the ground. "Sorry, excuse me." He whispered, but I picked up in his voice how desperate he wanted to say something else. Was it because of Maria? I only smiled, are you jealous, Adrian?

"Oh my gosh, move!" Maria spat, "can't you see you're blocking our way."

"I think he knows, Maria." I said Maria's name as to have it roll off my tongue. The first glance at her today and it was to spite Adrian. My eyes warmly looked down at her before giving Adrian a sideways glance.

I caught his eyes, disgust. Disappointed. Loathing.

Why did it bother me?

Maria seemed to notice and stuck her chest out, here we go. "Do you even know who you almost ran into?" Maria hissed, even though she practically hid behind me. Sure she could use fighting words, but she'd get her ass beat the second she actually broke a fight out. "He deserves more than just a 'sorry'!"

I looked down at Adrian expectantly, he went to move around us only for Garrett to block his path. "It's not very respectful to run away." Garret said, staring down his nose at Adrian.

A hard frown formed on Adrian face, his fist balled at his sides before he took a step back to look up at me. "Damian Wolfe, I apologize for almost running into you." His words shook as if he'd spoke through grit teeth. The way he emphasized almost stuck out as well as to make it clear he didn't actually do anything wrong.

"Who even are you," I laughed, "to even know my name." Maybe I let this drag on too long as I watched Adrians eyes gloss over with tears. He turned immediately and practically ran from us.

Maria began to laugh, pointing at Adrian as he left. "Did you see his face!" Letting go of my arm finally, "like he actually has a chance to be around you," Maria walked ahead of us before turning to face us, a smile plastered on her face. "Well I should get to my class, I'll see you in Human Resources." She chirped, giving me a wink before she skipped along the hall.

Garrett and I continued to walk towards our first class, economic principles. I should talk to him later, maybe clear last night up. The way his eyes feel on me, they had undressed me last night and now they bore into me as if he completely hated me. I knew he only would for the moment, we would make up long enough to repeat last night then he'd go back to hating me. Why though? I know it's not because of the money, he's refused my offers to pay him after each night we're together. So why deal with the total disregard I give him when he's so easy to forgive me?

We sat down in our seats and I rested my arms on the table. I couldn't help but turn to glance over my shoulder, and there he was. Since when has Adrian been in this class with me. I went to stand but opted not to, I'll talk to him after class. I'll let the incident earlier fester a bit longer, it's not like I can't feel his eyes burning holes in the back of my head. The thought made me smile slightly. Nothing genuine or one that reached my eyes.

"We'll be grouping everyone together today, I've already chosen those groups. Once everyone is seated with their partner, I'll go over our instructions." The instructor stated once she got situated at the front of the classroom.

I listened to the names being called and froze when she called mine. My eyes widened towards the front of the class. I shook my head at the smallest chance that it could have played out like this.

"Damian Wolfe and Adrian Doe."