Chapter 2, Hesitation

Aria doubts creep up on her as she wonders whether an uncertain future leaves room for making lasting bonds.

Aria groaned as her alarm started to beep. She did a stereotypical roll-and-smack on the snooze button before shifting her feet towards the edge of the bed. She shivered at the ice cold wood as she set her feet on the floor. After a second she perked up a bit, realizing how long her day would be. To wake up this early and be out and about would have most people her age complaining, but she was actually a little happy. She stretched her arms and stifled a yawn as she walked to her dresser. It had been a week since she arrived in town, and it was her first day of classes at the college. After picking out an outfit she showered and stuffed her things into her messenger bag backpack. Aria ran down the stairs, grabbing an apple from the fridge and giving Mariam a friendly wave before heading out the door.

She headed in the direction of the college, the slowly shrinking apple in one hand, the other holding the strap of her bag. A neighborhood kid waved enthusiastically and Aria turned and waved back as she walked. The only problem was turning the corner. Instead of continuing on, she slammed right into someone, falling to the frozen ground.

“Hey watch where you’re-“the masculine voice stopped abruptly as Aria looked up. It was the blonde from the week before.

“Hey! Chase right?” She smiled as she got up. “Funny running into you! You heading to the university too?” she asked in a chipper tone.

“None of your business” the cranky young man started to walk away. Aria was a bit surprised.

“Wake up on the wrong side of the bed?” she asked in a somewhat playful tone, following him since that was the direction of the university.

“Does it matter?” he said quietly, and obviously irritated.

“sorry.” She stayed silent, however unable to leave him since she was headed in the same direction as he was. The silence was heavy, almost suffocating. Aria couldn’t take the awkward feeling of quiet.

“So it seems like you really are headed towards the university. What are you studying?” she asked politely, wondering why he was acting so cold.

“Music” he said bluntly.

“That seems nice, you should show me sometime, what do you play?” she asked. She was glad he was talking now.

“We’re here” he said coldly. The university campus sprawled out in front of them, old and almost ornate. There was a sign in front of the building that read Harrison University of Fine Arts.

“I’m going for culinary could you maybe-“Aria was interrupted when Chase jerked a thumb right in front of her face, pointing towards the eastern building of the university. “er, thanks?” she waved as he turned away. What a cranky guy. Aria chose not to think anything of it; she didn’t even know him so she was in no position to judge.

 

“Hey! Aria, right? My name is Stella, nice to meet you!” Aria turned as a girl around her age greeted her.

“yes, Aria Sylvana. Nice to meet you too Stella.” Aria smiled, shaking the girls hand. Stella shared both the class they were currently leaving, and the one previous.  She was in the culinary program like Aria, however with less home experimenting experience. She had pin straight hair the color of caramel, grey eyes and lightly freckled cheeks.

“I didn’t see you around last semester, I assume youre new here? If you have time before your next class would you like to going me for lunch?” Stella chattered as they headed towards the campus cafeteria.

“Yes, I am new.” Aria was a bit surprised at how forward she was, but was also grateful. “I would love to join you for lunch.” She mirrored Stellas bright smile. She couldn’t help but think Stella had a nice smile.

“I like your smile Aria, it’s so honest!” Stella complimented.

“Funny, I was just thinking you have a nice smile too!” Aria replied, followed by the two of them laughing together.

They shared an oddly normal lunch together, and parted for their last classes. Afterwards, Aria found herself pensive as she walked home. Stella had been forward and friendly, and Aria was incredibly surprised at the immediate bond they had formed. Perhaps tomorrow things would be different? It was probably one of those ‘caught in the moment’ things. No one was that friendly.

Aria continued to rack her brain until her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a guitar. A melancholy tune drifted through the cold winter air and Aria stopped to listen a moment. She headed in the direction of the sound, spotting Chase sitting under a tree in a nearby park. The park was empty aside from the melody strummed out on the old acoustic guitar propped on the blondes lap. His back was to her, but as she approached he stopped playing and turned his head towards her.

“Well looks like someone’s got good ears.” Aria said with a smile. Chase started packing up his guitar, a scowl on his face. “Don’t stop playing because of me, I can leave.” She said apologetically.

“I’m done anyway.” He said coldly.

“You know, you don’t have to be so angry. I never did anything!” she gave him a stern look, and then softened her expression, “You’re pretty talented with your guitar. What was then name of that song?”

“Doesn’t have one.” He slung his guitar over his shoulder.

Aria was a bit surprised by this, “you wrote it yourself?” she assumed. She figured if it didn’t have a name he must’ve written it himself.

Chase flinched at this. He hadn’t written the song, however it was something he had played from the heart. “Look, don’t take it personally, but I don’t really care to talk. If you will excuse me, I’m heading home, so I would appreciate if didn’t stalk me.”

“Fine, sorry.” A was a bit taken aback, but decided not to push her luck. “See you later!” she flashed him a friendly smile before going on her way as well.  His expression never changed, instead it remained nearly emotionless.

When Aria returned home she sat at her desk in her room and thought about Chase and Stella. Stella was one of the friendliest people she had ever met, and Chase was just the opposite. Chase must’ve had reasons for his cold behavior, and Stella... well maybe she was just a naturally friendly person.

After spending an hour or two on university homework Aria sat down to a pleasant evening meal with her foster parents. She quite liked her home life; however she hadn’t spoken much with Mariam and Tom. She still had a lingering hesitancy to create bonds. What would happen as time passed? The future was too vague for her to let herself be carefree.

 

Aria yawned as she sat in her first class the next morning. She was still adjusting to early rising. She caught a smile from Stella on the way out, and waved.

“morning.” She said in a groggy tone.

“Don’t fall asleep in class” Stella said with a chuckle.

“I’ll try not to” Aria gave a hesitant smile.

“Something the matter?” Stella asked as they walked to their next class in the science wing of the university. They shared a general chemistry class, and they were supposed to do a lab that day.

“Not really, just tired.” Aria said, only half lying. Stella appeared to accept it with a shrug. “Stella, do you know a guy named Chase by any chance? Blonde hair, blue eyes, bad attitude?” Aria asked out of curiosity.

“Of course, it seems like everyone knows Chase. Why do you ask?” Stella answered.

“Just curious. He is a little...odd.”

“Odd isn’t really the word I would choose.” Stella commented. “I would say he is more like...distant. He avoids people as much as he can and he makes it so that others want to avoid him too.”

“Everyone? None of the girls try to get him to open up? I mean...he is pretty attractive.” Aria pointed out with an honestly curious expression. She was sure that girls must be attracted to his looks upon first meeting him.

“They use to. During the fall semester when everyone was new, lots of girls approached him. Even I tried to talk to him; however he would have none of it. He would reply with short, blunt, and even cold statements until he was left alone.” Stella elaborated.

“That seems so lonely.” Aria said quietly.

“It does, however most people just thought he wanted to be left alone. Nobody really tried to figure out why he is such a loner.” Stella had a pensive look about her. “I tried several times to befriend him however he resisted and tried to drive me away like he did the others.”

Aria was a bit puzzled, but figured he must have his reasons. “Well, he has never had to deal with me before, so I think I will give it a shot.” She smiled again.

Stella smiled and nodded, as they grabbed their materials for lab. While Aria said she wanted to help Chase, she wasn’t even sure how to think of Stella still. What would happen when she had to leave? Did she really want to make friendships that she would have to end?

The lab was simple and went by quickly, as well as her next class and lunch. As Stella approached her once again she felt her questions continue to multiply.

“Something the matter Aria?” Stella asked as they walked towards the exit.

“Not really.” Aria responded.

“We may have only just met, but that doesn’t mean I can’t tell when you’re bothered. I’m pretty good at reading people.” Stella said, raising an eyebrow.

“Just a bit... hesitant.” Aria shrugged, not being specific.

“Making friends is not pulling teeth Aria, just be yourself, the people who matter most won’t care if you’re a little goofy or clumsy, and they will still love you no matter what happens in the future.” Stella reassured as she put a hand on Arias shoulder.

The future... I shouldn’t worry, should I? If I do then there is no point to coming to this town and having this wonderful opportunity.

“Thanks, I didn’t even tell you what I was hesitant about and you hit it spot on.” Aria chuckled.

“I told you I’m good at reading people, besides, you seem hesitant when you talk to me, so when you actually said the word hesitant, I knew that must be what you were referring to.”

“wow, we’ve used the word hesitant so much it’s starting to sound weird.” As Aria said this they both laughed, and it seemed like some sort of barrier between them had been shattered. Aria decided she wasn’t going to worry about time, and was going to live moment by moment. There had to be a reason she was still here, and she would definitely find it

Tuesday January 7^th, 2012, Progress Journal.

          After a couple days of school I’ve decided not to worry about the future. Ironic since college is ALL about the future. As for me, the present is what matters, and the future of a possible cranky friend