Chapter 14 - I will join you

Friday morning, Sarah woke up excited. Today's morning class is Advanced Cyber Security. This is the area of computer science that interests her the most.

…

Sarah entered classroom, and while standing at the door, quickly glanced through it, observing students already there. Out of all students present, one noisy group stood up at the back of the classroom. Sarah could predict that Aiden is there. Within a second, Sarah confirmed that she is not mistaken. As someone moved, her and Aiden's eyes met. She waved as a greeting and went to her usual seat at the front of the classroom.

Sarah started getting ready for the class, when her phone buzzed indicating that text message is received.

[Aiden]: "I thought you don't sit there if you have friends in the classroom elsewhere"

Sarah smiled, 'He remembers what I said.'

[Sarah]: "It's a bit crowded there"

[Aiden]: "If it's not crowded you would sit next to me?"

[Sarah]: "Yes"

Sarah switched her phone to silent mode and put it in her pocket.

The noise in the back quieted down, and Sarah assumed that they are also getting ready for class.

Few seconds later, someone took a seat next to her. She looked up, and it was Aiden.

"Good morning!", he wished with a wide smile.

"Uhm, good morning", Sarah didn't dare look at students in the back. 'Why did he come here?' She had a mix of emotions, and it showed on her face: internal battle of being happy that he is next to her, and unhappy about gossips that this causes.

Aiden looked amused, observing her with a smirk on his face.

Sarah wanted to ask him why did he move seats, and does he not know that he is just creating unnecessary gossip? But no words came out of her mouth. She realized that no matter what she says, it was already discussed between them, and she lost the fight before it even started... so she just gave up and continued rummaging through her backpack to find all the pens she needs.

Sarah had to admit that she noticed that he is treating her differently. He left his entourage just so that he can sit next to her. And even though she sees him surrounded with girls, she never saw him talk to them… while he talks to her.

"When can we finalize requirements for the project?", Aiden asked while propping his chin in the palm of his left hand. "Will today after classes work?"

"No, Friday evenings I'm busy", Sarah said.

"Every Friday evening?", he was not able to hide his curiosity.

"Yes. I video chat with my family", Sarah responded without looking at him.

"How about tomorrow? Do you have classes tomorrow?", he continued asking.

"Yes, I have a morning class. After that I'm free", she said.

Aiden was excited, "Let's have lunch together, there is a new Italian place downtown I wanted to check out." His deep voice was inviting her attention.

Sarah looked toward him, and their eyes met. She was not sure why, or when it started, but when their eyes met, her heart skipped a beat, and she could find herself getting lost in a daze. It was a new feeling for her, and she could describe it as uncomfortable. Sarah was always in control, rationally thinking about everything. When she was with Aiden, she would say and think things that don't make sense. 'Yes, uncomfortable.' But at the same time, she craved for more time with him.

"My treat", he added. He raised his eyebrows expecting her answer.

She got herself together, "OK. I have Data Structures II tomorrow".

"It's set then. I will find you after class. Keep your phone handy", he said with a content expression and a charming smile.

Sarah nodded in agreement, returning his smile.

Few times during lecture, Aiden leaned forward towards Sarah, to carefully examine her notes without a word. Whenever he did this, his woody floral fragrance attacked her senses and she was not able to focus on the lecture for few minutes. Towards end of the class, Sarah suspected that he is aware of the impact his scent has on her, and that he is doing it on purpose just to mess with her.

Before she realized, the class ended. Sarah was not sure how much of the lecture she missed because of that fragrant distraction. She was disappointed in herself, 'I was looking forward to this class, and when it finally arrived, I repeatedly spaced out during the lesson. I need more discipline', Sarah reminded herself.

As they were packing their bags, Aiden asked, "Do you have lunch plans?"

"Yes, I will grab something at cafeteria", she responded while closing her backpack.

"I will join you", he informed her.

Sarah smiled as a response and headed out. He followed.

~Tesla University, cafeteria ~

Sarah and Aiden chatted casually during lunch, expanding their talking points to activities outside school. She was pleased to hear that Aiden also plays "Age of Legends" and they agreed to play together sometimes.

'The more I get to know him, the more I find out that we have a lot in common', Sarah thought.

At some point during lunch Aiden said, "Two of us have overlap of 4 courses this semester, and each of them is with a practical part. We should work on those projects together."

"Don't you have someone else to team up?", Sarah asked without thinking while waving her hand like she is trying to fan away something.

Aiden was surprised, "Why did you say that?" He was disappointed to see that she does not seem to be interested in partnering with him. 'Doesn't she like me?' Aiden observed that Sara is sometimes dazed when looking at him. But when she rejected him like this, he wondered if she is dazed because of him, or she has something else on her mind.

Sarah responded without missing a beat, "You have a lot of friends around you, with your knowledge, many should wish to be in your team. Why not pick some of them?"

He thought for few seconds before responding with a serious expression, "Having a lot of people around does not mean that I have a lot of friends.".

Sarah thought about that for few seconds before nodding in agreement.

"What do you say, partners?", he was persistent.

She didn't think much before responding, "No objections".

Aiden's could not hide his smile. Now he has Sarah as a partner for four class projects. That means they will spend a lot of time together.