Run to You

I drag myself out of my room and slowly make my way downstairs. I see Dani is in the kitchen cooking something. She takes a double look, surprised to see that I've come out of my cave.

"Hey, I'm cooking pasta. You want any?" She asks as she puts a pan on the oven.

"Yeah, thanks." I show a little smile.

She smiles as she boils some water. We hear the sound of high heels come in to the kitchen and we look over our shoulder. Holly walks in and quickly rushes over to the kitchen counter.

"That's where I left it." She sighs, picking up her mobile.

Dani raises her eyebrow and looks Holly up and down.

"Going some where?" She asks.

Holly takes a while to respond as she texts away on her mobile.

"Uh, yeah." Holly replies, flickering her eyes up to Dani and back down to her mobile.

"Don't want any pasta then?" Dani asks with a chuckle.

"No, thanks. I'm going out for food."

"Ooooh. With?" Dani smirks.

"Ryan. The guy who I met at the Freshers party."

We have been here a month... and Holly has already got her head in the clouds with boys... I raise my eyebrows, but keep quiet.

"You really like him, don't you?" Dani smiles.

Holly smiles slowly and shakes her head.

"No, it's just a bit of fun." She shrugs. "Anyway, I'm going now. Don't wait up."

"We won't." Dani laughs.

"Bye." She smirks.

"Bye." I smile at her as she walks out.

Dani dishes up our food and sits next to me.

"Thanks." I smile, beginning to eat.

"No problem. It's your turn to cook next time." She grins.

"That's fair enough." I laugh softly.

We eat in silence for a few seconds.

"Holly definitely loves the attention she gets, doesn't she?" Dani chuckles.

"Yeah." I nod. "She's got herself attached to a boy already."

"I know, but as long as she still does her work, and turns up to lessons then she'll be fine."

"Yeah... and as long as she doesn't get pregnant."

Dani laughs and raises her eyebrows.

"Alison."

"What?" I lower my eyebrows and laugh.

"It's just the way you said it."

"Oh, I wasn't being bitchy." I frown.

"I know. It was funny, and what you said is true, but yeah, let's hope that doesn't happen."

Becky walks in and looks at us.

"Where's my pasta?!" She frowns, pretending to be offended.

"Don't worry." Dani laughs. "There's still some in the pan."

Becky smiles and gets herself a plate. She sits at the table and eats with us.

"So.." Becky says finishing a mouthful of her food. "Whens your next lesson with Mr. Hottie?"

Dani looks at me and we both smile. I roll my eyes and laugh.

"Tomorrow."

"From now on you'll be looking forward to your lectures. Not so boring now, huh?" She smirks.

"He's not our only teacher." I chuckle.

"Still." She shrugs. "I bet it helps."

"Why? You not enjoying your course?" Dani asks her.

"I am... but I didn't think it would be so hard."

"Why don't you talk to your teacher?" I ask.

Look at me giving advice... When I don't even want to be here. I'm a hypocrite. I should practice what I preach.

"That's another thing." She sighs. "I don't like her."

"Oh, how come?" Dani asks.

"She's a bitch. I know it's only been just over a month, but I feel uncomfortable in her lessons."

"Well, give it a bit more time maybe? Then see how you feel." Dani says sipping her drink.

"Yeah." Becky nods. "I mean, I can cope, and I do enjoy the subject, but I didn't think it would be this intense."

"That's University for you." Dani sighs. "Remember, it's not all about partying... words of Mr Jackson. University is hard work."

We laugh.

"Yeah... I guess I thought it would be more laid back. I'm having a good time though. I'm not quitting anytime soon. I also love living away from home."

"Good. Same here." Dani smiles.

I wish I felt that way...

"Speaking of parties. We going out this weekend?" Becky asks.

"I guess so?" Dani shrugs. "You coming out this weekend with us?" She asks me.

I play with my pasta and shrug slightly.

"I don't know... probably not. I told my parents I'd be home this weekend."

"Oh, again?" Becky frowns. "Tell them you will see them next weekend?"

"I would, but... It's my dad's birthday." I lie.

"Oh..." Dani nods. "Well, next weekend maybe?"

"Yeah." I nod and show a fake smile. "Maybe."

"Cool." Becky smiles.

We finish eating and I help clean up. Becky starts playing some music and Dani opens a bottle of wine. She pours three glasses and hands me one.

"Oh, no thanks." I shake my head.

"Just one?"

I smile slowly and take the glass from her.

"Alison." She says lowering her voice. "If you don't want to go out at weekends, you can just be honest. We won't force you. Don't feel pressured or anything."

"I know." I chuckle. "Honestly, it's not that." I shake my head, lying again. "I will come out with you guys soon."

Why can't I just be honest? I don't want them to think I'm weird... or boring... I don't help myself though. Of course they think I'm weird. I lock myself away in my room, and I go home to my parents every weekend.

"Ok." She smiles and rubs my arm.

"GIRLS!" Becky shouts out. "Magic Mike is on TV!"

"Oh God." Dani rolls her eyes.

What the hell is Magic Mike?

"Want to come and watch it?" She laughs.

"Um, ok." I make a face and laugh softly.

Dani smirks and we walk in to the living room. From what they've told me, it doesn't sound like it's my type of movie, but i guess I should make an effort, instead of staying up in my room. I live with them after all.

*****

The next morning I wake up early and get ready for a day of more lessons. I feel so tired. I had another bad sleep. I hate not being able to sleep in this place. I wear a black skirt, with black tights and a tight fitting, green jumper. I brush out my long, wavy hair and apply some light makeup.

I grab my bag and make my way downstairs. I go in to the kitchen and make myself, Dani and Becky a coffee. Dani walks in and smiles at me.

"Morning."

"Morning." I yawn.

"Didn't sleep very well again?" She asks.

"No." I shake my head and sigh.

"You need sleep, girl. I don't know how you function through the day without any sleep."

I show half a smile, and hold out her coffee. She smiles and takes it from me.

"Aw, thanks."

"That's ok. I made Becky one too. I didn't make one for Holly. I assumed she stayed at Ryan's."

Dani chuckles and nods.

"She did, and Becky has already left. She needed to go to the Library before her lesson."

"Oh." I nod.

Dani sips her drink.

"Mm, you make good coffee!"

"My Mom owns a coffee shop, and I help her from time to time."

"That's cool. I know who I'll be asking to make my drinks in the mornings." She smirks.

We both finish our drink and head off. While we are walking next to each other I feel Dani looking at me. I glance at her and laugh softly.

"What?"

"Your hair is so nice and long. Is that your natural colour?"

"Oh." I raise my eyebrows and smile from her compliment. "Thanks, and yeah, I've never put anything on it." I start touching my hair, feeling self conscious suddenly.

Dani reaches out and touches the ends of my hair.

"It's so soft. I wish my hair was long."

"Doesn't yours grow very much?" I ask, looking at her shoulder length, pastel pink coloured hair.

"No." She frowns. "And I've tried everything to make it grow."

"I think it's nice." I smile.

"Thanks." She smiles back.

"And I really love the colour on you. I'm too scared to dye my hair anything like that." I widen my eyes.

"Really?"

"Yeah... I've thought about dying my hair, but I never go through with it. I wouldn't even know what colour I would want."

"Well, maybe I can dye it for you one day? I'll help you look for a colour. Your hair is pretty as it is, though."

"Thanks." I smile. "And maybe... but do you know what you're doing?"

"Yes." Dani laughs. "My Mom is a hairdresser. You'll be in good hands." She smirks.

"Oh, ok. I'll think about." I raise an eyebrow.

She gasps and then laughs. We get to our lecture and sit down. I get out my notebook and start doodling.

"Are you actually going to take notes this time?" Dani jokes, nudging me.

I give her a look and smile.

"Funny."

"Good morning."

I hear Mr. Jackson and stop doodling. I look up from my notebook and lock my eyes on him, watching him walk behind his desk. Everyone quiets down. He's wearing a red shirt today. He makes red look so good.

The lecture begins, and I realise I'm just staring at him again. I snap myself back to reality and start listening. I take some notes, but soon enough I'm just staring again and paying no real attention to what he's talking about.

Mr. Jackson glances at me, but then stares right back at me.

"What do you think, Alison?"

I see his lips move, but all I hear him say is my name. Shit. Wait, he remembered my name. Dani nudges me and I take my hand away from my chin. Mr. Jackson is still looking right at me. My cheeks go red, and I quickly look away from his stare, feeling embarrassed.

"Alison?" He asks again.

"Um..." I tuck my hair behind my ear, and clear my throat.

Dani edges her notebook towards me. I glance down at her notes, but I still haven't got a clue. I flick my eyes back to his and shake my head.

"I-I'm not sure."

He pauses and keeps eye contact with me. My heart is thumping so hard. Did he have to call me out like that? I'm so embarrassed.

"Is my lecture boring you?" He asks.

Oh my God... I quickly shake my head.

"No..."

He pauses, keeping his eyes glued to me. I look down, and slide down in my chair, picking up my pen and playing with it nervously.

Mr. Jackson finally takes his eyes away from me, and continues talking to the class.

"William Shakespeare has a big influence on European and American literature, and English Language. Of course not to forget Theater too. I'd like you all to read any of Shakespears work, and pick out some quotes. Examine it in depth. This is just a quick exercise, and then we will move on."

I sigh quietly and run my hand through my hair. I'm so hot.

"You ok?" Dani whispers.

I nod.

"I tried to help you."

"Yeah, thanks. I couldn't really make out what you wrote down, and anyway, Mr. Jackson could see me looking at your notes." I chuckle quietly.

"Yeah..." She smiles. "What's up, though?"

"Nothing." I shrug.

She gives me a look.

"This is the second lesson where you haven't been paying attention."

"I'm just tired."

"You need sleep tonight." She frowns.

I nod slowly.

The lesson ends, and I stand up packing my things away. Everyone leaves, and me and Dani are the last to walk down the steps. Dani walks ahead of me, and I follow behind.

"Alison." Mr. Jackson calls after me.

I stop and look back at him.

"Everything ok?"

"Yeah..." I nod, showing a little smile.

He begins to walk towards me, and Dani glances back at us before she leaves the room.

Shit... He's going to tell me off again... well, he didn't really tell me off earlier, but he looks annoyed. Now he's standing in front of me, I can smell his aftershave. He smells so good, and he looks so hot. It's silent for a few seconds... This is a bit awkward.

"Are you sure everything's ok?" Mr. Jackson asks softly.

I look into his eyes, surprised he doesn't sound pissed off. I'm relieved he isn't angry, but my heart still feels like it's going to burst out of my chest. I shake my head and try to say something.

"Y-yeah. I'm fine." Finally, my voice works, but I sound more high pitched than normal because I'm so nervous.

"What was earlier all about?"

"Sorry... I just wasn't paying attention."

He gives me a look.

"Why was that?" He asks.

Because you're so good looking, and I'm very exhausted.

"You're studying a degree. You should be giving it all your attention."

"I-I know." I frown. "It won't happen again."

He looks at me like he doesn't believe me.

"You know, I was a student once. A long time ago, though." He lets out a soft laugh.

I look at his mouth. His teeth and lips are perfect... what isn't perfect on him? I quickly look back up to his eyes.

"I know what you're going through, and I know what it feels like. University can be a bit overwhelming at first, but it's ok to talk about it."

"Yeah, but I'm ok." I show a fake smile.

I see him glance down to my mouth, and back to my eyes, just like I did to him.

"Ok... well, I hope you start paying a bit more attention because it's only going to be harder for you if you're not listening and taking notes."

I nod.

"I know... and I will."

He shows a warm smile and steps back, walking over to his desk. My eyes automatically trace down his body. He has a great physique.

He gathers some paper work from his desk, and looks over at me as he licks his bottom lip.

Damn. That was so sexy. I've never thought that about a guy before.

"I'll see you next week."

"Yeah." I flash a quick smile, and turn around, letting out a deep sigh.

I'm so hot. I need some fresh air. I walk out of the room, and over to Dani who is waiting for me.

"What did he say?" Dani asks.

"He asked if there was anything wrong with me, and why I wasn't paying attention."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing really... I said I was sorry, and that it won't happen again."

"All you need is some sleep." She smiles.

"Tell me about it." I sigh, and we begin to walk away.

I hear a door close behind us. I look back, and see Mr. Jackson leaving the lecture room. He looks at me, but I quickly look away.

I find him very attractive, but why do I feel so nervous? I've found some guys good looking in the past, but never to the point of me feeling embarrassed. I feel stupid because he's my lecturer. He has something about him, though, and that makes me feel things I haven't felt before.

Am I crushing on him? Is this what it is?

Don't be pathetic, Alison. You can't have a crush on him. You don't even know him. It's only your second lecture with him! I'm not crushing on him. That's ridiculous. I just find him attractive, that's all. No harm in that.