Ariel smoothed her black pencil skirt. It’s her first day of class, and judging by what everyone else is wearing, she is definitely over-dressed. It’s alright. She thought warily to herself. At least the prof will appreciate my seriousness and dedication to her class. Afterall, I am 2 weeks behind.
Ariel sighed. She does not like accounting. Before she has time to dwell on it, the professor walked into the room, and Ariel decided to concentrate on the lecture.
———————
“Dude, why did it take you so long to get here?” Mike He asked Joe as they tried to sneak into their accounting class.
“Traffic jam on the road.” Joe replied.
“Since when do you wait in a traffic jam rather than manoeuvring your way out?”
“Since an unfortunate event last Friday.”
Ignore the evil look from the prof, they finally sat down near the back of the lecture hall.
“What happened on Friday?”
“I –“ Joe was about to continue when he noticed her.
It looks like her. She was sitting near the front of the class, looking totally absorbed in the lecture. Joe strained his neck, trying to figure out if it is her. Just then, the girl’s pen dropped on the ground, causing her to lean down in order to pick it up. Joe let out the breath he was holding. It isn’t her.
“Joe, Joe?” Mike waved his hand in front of Joe’s face. “Are you alright? What are you looking at?”
“Nothing,” Joe continued to look at the girl, she looks familiar. “I thought I saw Natasha.”
“Natasha? Your ex – girlfriend Natasha?”
Joe nodded.
“The one that cheated on you, and then married a rich guy before even bothering to break up with you?”
Joe nodded again. “There’s something familiar about that girl over there though. I think I’ve met her somewhere.”
“You need to get a life… and a girlfriend. Don’t like one bad apple spoil the entire crate.”
“Barrel.”
“What?”
“One bad apple spoils the barrel, not the crate.” Joe focused on the lecture.
“Whatever.” Mike tried focusing on the lecture. “Do you know what Professor McArthur is talking about?”
Joe sighed. “I’ll teach it to you the day before midterms.”
“Thanks man.” And Mike promptly fell asleep.
—————
Ariel was having trouble following the lecture. It wasn’t even because she missed a few weeks of class; it was just that she’s never understood accounting. Ariel doesn’t mind math, and she understood all of her other second year commerce courses perfectly, but somehow, accounting and her just doesn’t mesh. Not at all.
The prof ended the class after what seems like hours of lectures, and Ariel gratefully packed up. Her head was starting to hurt, and she just wanted some fresh air. Unfortunately, Lady Luck was not on her side.
“Ms. Zhang, could I speak to you for a moment?” The prof asked.
Shoot! What did I do this time? Ariel wondered as she walked to the front of the class. Damn, what’s her name again?
“Ms. Zhang,” the prof began. “I understand you just transferred into this class?”
“Yes, professor…” Shoot, what is her name?
“McArthur.” The prof replied with a small smile. It was not a friendly smile. “Ms. Zhang, I agreed to let you into my class because your overall marks for the last few years have been impressive. However, your accounting marks are perhaps not up to scratch. I am also concerned about your tendency to switch schools, therefore, I expect you to catch up to this classes’ progress as soon as possible. Please note that you will be expected to write the same midterm in a few weeks as everyone else. Is that understood?”
“Yes Ms. McArthur.” What a bitch! “I understand.”
“Good.” Ms. McArthur found a sheet of paper on her desk. “Here are some things that could help you. If you need extra help, feel free to come and see me, or if you prefer getting help from your peers, Mr. Joe Cheng is quite good at accounting.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Good luck.” She said as she walked away.
——————–
Joe is waiting for outside of the lecture hall. He finally figured out who the Natasha look-alike was. What is that crazy girl doing in my class? And why am I waiting for her? This is silly; I don’t even know her name.
Before he has time to dwell on it longer, Ariel walked out of the lecture hall. She was swearing in at 4 different languages, and did not seem to notice Joe.
“Hey!” Joe called.
Ariel paid him no notice.
Annoyed, Joe walked up to her and tapped her on the shoulder. “I was talking to you.”
Ariel gave him a bored look. “Yes?”
“Er…” Joe didn’t know what to say. Doesn’t he remember her?
“Oh, you’re the guy that hit me with his car.”
“Yes.”
“So?”
“So what?”
“So why are you talking to me?” Ariel asked him as if he was stupid.
Joe figured he better change the topic. “I’m Joe.”
“Ariel.” She looked at him suspiciously and then started walking away. “If we’re done with the introductions, I gotta go now.”
“No, wait.” Joe blocked her way. “Were you always in this class?”
“Does that matter?”
“Just curious.”
“Well then, you can continue being curious.” Ariel side stepped, and before Joe can say anything or stop her, she walked away.
What a weird girl.
What a weird guy.
