“I saw the video.” Athena shyly looks over to Daniel. “What video exactly?” Daniels face radiates interest. “The one where you fucked him up.” “Oh really? And do you have any opinion about it?” Daniel gets closer to her, rubbing his knee against hers. “Well, I thought it was very brave of you to help your friend like that, and it was like one of those movie scenes but in real life.” She turns red giggling with no embarrassment. “I pretty much fucked my neck up though, it bruised badly and I have no ice or even pain cream to put on.” Daniel touches his neck rubbing it back and forth.
“Let me see what I have!” Athena rushes up and goes to her medicine case only to find pain relieving cream that her ex used after his many football games. “Here, this will take the pain away I hope.” She hands him the Voltarin pain cream. “Do you mind putting some on for me?” Daniel asks with big eyes hoping she would say yes. “Sure.” She smiles and takes the cream out of his hand. “Thank you.” Daniels states while taking his shirt off and turns, Athena stares at his back muscles before touching him, as her hands massages his neck thoroughly. “Ahhh!” Daniels moans out of pain. “Sowwie!” Athena shrugs. “No-no it just hurts that’s all it’s not you.” He chuckles and turns around and stares in her eyes. “You’re very beautiful.” Athena gasps for air as her heart filled with melting balls of lava. “Thank you, you're very kind.” She shyly replies.
Daniel softly rubs her cheek moving to the back of her neck, Athena’s heart races as she’s overcome by a sense of warmth. He leans in and kisses her on her red lips. He feels the softness and releases. “One.” Daniel said while proceeding to kiss her forehead. “Two.” Athena’s heart skips as no one ever kissed her forehead before, making her feel purposeful.
They look at each other knowing they feel the same, but no one dares to say a word about it. Daniel gets up and puts his shirt back on knowing he can’t jump the gun too quickly.Even though her already did. “Thank you so much for the cream Athena.” Daniel recovers from the trans. “Oh it was my pleasure really.” Athena gets up. “So I’ll see you tomorrow?” Daniels hugs her with full open arms. “Definitely.” Athena looks up into his big brown eyes, star gazing. Daniel puts his warm hands around her hips griping her hip bones; He pulls her closer to him. “I can’t seem to get enough of you Athena White.” Daniel looks deep into her eyes, catching every little detail of her face, taking pictures in his mind so that he can wonder off to her before he sleeps. He lets go and opens the door. “I’ll see you later.” Daniel says in a calm tone. Athena fixes her hair quickly and closes the door. Omg, I have never felt like this before, he’s so caring.
“I see you have a new ‘best’ friend.” Jenny slowly came out of the shadows which scared Athena. “Jenny!” Athena quickly jumps from fright. “I thought you went out with Tom.” Athena confusingly tries to remember when Jenny came back. “Athena, I’m always around, just think of me as your guardian angel.” Jenny taps her on the shoulder and went to her room. Athena went to go lay down on her bed, only thinking about Daniel and how weird Jenny really is. Wow, I think I’m falling for him more and more every single day. This cannot be happening, Athena focus this is your last year. Focus, what if he is just playing me. I’ll just chop his balls off. I can’t be the naïve girl I was last year! But he does seem like a decent guy. She grabs her phone, hesitantly trying not to text him. “FUCK!” She screams and threw her phone on the floor and curled up in a bun under the blanket and fell asleep, longing for his touch.
Beep Beep Beep Beep..
“Elijah, Elijah!” A voice screaming from a distance fills his head as he is unable to move. He sees an unfamiliar blurry face calling someone. “Elijah!” A bright white light swallows the image as he hears a gurney moving through the halls.
“Daniel wake up man!” Will suddenly throws a bucket of water on his face. “Yo! What the fuck man!” Daniel jolts up from the ice cold water. “One of those night terrors again?” Will puts the bucket down as he moves to his side of the room. “I don't know man I hate this fucking shit.” Daniel gets a towel and dries off the water. “I think you need this.” Will grabs a lighter with a joint in hand, moving over to Daniel and sits next to him “Here light this.”
“Is this the shit Melissa gave us?” Daniel grabs it eagerly. “Yeah I got it from this guy named Tony in class man, he deals this shit.” Daniel nods while lighting it, he starts to cough. “Oh yeah, this is it man!” While he’s coughing he sees Will snapping his fingers.
“Ohhhh man I feel you.” Will spoke while looking around, remembering that he didn't put a wet towel under the door. “Shit!” He rushes to the bathroom wetting the towel and places it firmly. “That was close.” He rushes back to where Daniel is still smoking looking at him quizzically. “What? Tony taught me that!” Will grins as he goes very close to Daniel.
“Hey man quit hogging the jay.” He grabs it and looks at it mesmerized. “Man this is the best thing ever, it makes you forget about all your worries for a little while.” He takes a long puff.
After a while they noticed it’s almost time for class, as they scramble around the room trying to get ready. “Hey let’s put eye drops.” Daniel looked around for it. “Found it! Come sit.” Will sits obediently while he puts some in his eyes. “It’s going to burn.” Will said while preparing himself. “Wait what? Why the hell is this shit blue?” Daniel stares at it quizzically. “Oh about that, it’s from Egypt man Tony said it’s the best shit to use. It does burn like a motherfucker though.” Will keeps blinking as it pierces through his brain. “Okay well I'm not trusting you with my eyes so I might as well put it myself.” Daniel lies down and tries to apply some in his eyes, putting too much as he drains his eyes with it. “Oh shit no, no-no-no.” Will jumped up and down, scared for Daniels life. “My eyes are on fireeee!” Daniel starts singing, mocking Alicia Keys. They both start hysterically laughing.
“Let’s go man I'm starving.” Will rubs his belly with a frown on his face. “Why are you always hungry?” Daniel asked.
“Dude it’s the munchies okay! It happens when you smoke this shit.” Will grins “Smoking or not you're still hungry you cow.”
“Well, this time blame it on the cheese.” They stride to the door. “Wait!” Will rushes and grabs their sunglasses and comes back. “Tony said were going to need this.” He hands Daniel one as they put it on. The sunlight is really bright as they step outside. “He’s a lifesaver.” Will remarks sarcastically.
The cafe is buzzing with people eager to get breakfast. “Yo dude how'd we get here?” Daniel looks around fascinated by their superpowers. Will looked around wondering. Why is it called cheese? “Dude why do you think it’s called cheese? It doesn't taste like cheese while you're smoking it.” People start looking at them as they’re too loud. “Shhh you're going to get us exposed man.” Daniel glares as he looks around to check if someone heard them.
“Oh come on I bet they already know.” Will says waving him off. “Did your eyes suddenly get HD?” Daniel asks blinking furiously. “I can see clearly now the rain is gone.” Will starts singing as everyone stares at them like they grew a second head. “Take a picture guys it lasts longer.” Will rolls his eyes. “Let’s go.”
They grab a tray and go to where the Lunch Lady is standing. “Dude! Doesn't this place remind you of Ikea?” Daniel asks in wonder. “We’re there aren't we?” Will asks surprisingly. “I don’t know; fuck it I don’t care where we are I’m hungry.” Daniel rushes to the lunch lady.
“Can we get a little of everything?” Will asks the lunch lady pouting. “Please?” She rolls her eyes and proceeded to stack food on both their plates. “That’s all you're getting boys, other people still need to eat.” She moans with death glaring eyes. “But we’re growing and we need our food!” Will looks over dramatically. “You can go buy food from next door if you’re still hungry, now run along now there are more people waiting to get served.”
They make their way to a table and start digging in. “Is it just me or does
this taste 10x better now.” Daniel asks with his mouth full. “Mhm!” Will replies too busy enjoying his meal to care.
“Got to head out to class man.” Daniel says getting up to throw the empty plate away. “Catch you later bro.” They fist pump and Daniel strides off. “Al right call me when you’re done!” Will replies with fries sticking out of his mouth. “Yes, mom!” Daniel turns towards Will and snickers walking out.
Daniel walks into class and takes his usual seat next to Athena. “Good morning!” She chirps nicely. “Hey, Athena good morning.” He replied as she raises her eyebrow. “Why do you have sunglasses on?” She asked, Daniel noticed and takes them off slowly. “Oops must have forgotten them on, its pretty bright outside so.” He shrugs looking around nervously.
Professor Nick starts the lecture on the history of art, and what led to it being the way it is today. “Let’s start with Leonardo Da Vinci, how many paintings did he paint?” He asks the class.
Daniel looks around as the class is silent “Anybody? Anybody? How can you guys not know this?” Nick yelled, Daniel proceeded to raise his hand. “Yes, Daniel!” Professor Nick points at him. “Um, Well there’s 22 in existence, but it’s believed that he painted around 30.” He answers nervously as the whole class is gawking at him. “Very good Daniel, at least someone here has some knowledge about what we’re learning.” He smiles and continues the lecture.
Athena elbows Daniel and stares at him suspiciously. “You never told me you were a genius in disguise.” She whispers to him. “Well, I don’t like flaunting my intelligence.” He sarcastically states as she elbows him again harder. “Ouch! What was that for?” He whisper yells as she winks at him. “Is there anything you're not good at Mr. Cole.” She whispers in his ear flirtatiously. “Probably not.” He looks at her flustered.
“Okay guys listen up!” Professor Nick hollers to get everyone’s attention. “So I’m going to be doing things differently, I'm going to give you a project as the end of the year exam, and you will have to start it from now because it will take ages for you lazy kids. You will have to paint something exquisite; it is your choice what to paint. But be sure to get your canvas and paintbrushes next week, as we will be starting soon.” He looks around. “We will use a day each week to accomplish some of it till the end, and you can even take it and work on it by yourselves. Take into account what you've been learning for the past 4 years. Whoever fails to get the canvas and brushes by next week will get a failing grade in responsibility.” He smiles. “In addition to the exam, your paintings will be held in an exhibition where if it gets sold, you will get all the profit. So please work hard.” He looks at the time as the bell rings. “Okay kids, class dismissed.” He sways off behind his desk and checks his phone as they leave murmuring to each other what they'll paint.
“What are you going to paint?” Athena asks excitedly. “It’s the project I've been waiting for Daniel! To show my skills.” She claps enthusiastically. “Oh, so modest.” He stares adoringly into her eyes and then he replies. “Well, I'm going to paint something meaningful, not going to tell you though. You're going to have to wait and see it. I won’t even be getting it to class.” She gasps. “You wouldn’t.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “Yes, yes I would.” He laughs as they're walking to their next class.
Meanwhile, in the music lab Will started to DJ for the whole class as they’re all dancing around pumped up to his musical skills. Suddenly the professor walks in and claps his hands as Will gets off the stage and rushes towards him “Hey Sir, Does the university have a radio station? Cause I think I’ll be a very good radio Dj if you know what I mean.” He looks excitedly rubbing his hands. “I’m not sure actually, you're going to have to go check on the eastern wing of campus. From what I’ve heard I think you could be a really good radio Dj.” Will smiles and walks to his seat Shit this cheese made me even better at what I do, I didn't even think that was possible. He silently laughs to himself.
His pocket starts vibrating as he lowered himself on his seat and checked the Caller ID. Daniel? What does he want now? He answers. “Hey bro what’s up?” He whispers. “Yo dude, you still high?” Daniel on the other end is sitting in the bathroom taking a crap.
“I’m not sure, are you?”
“Same here man, want to get high again tonight?”
“I’m in music class right now but sure I’ll let Tony hook us up.” Will winks at Tony and nods.
“Yeah make sure you get extra because I’ll probably be hanging out with Athena tonight and I want to get high with her too, so when were done we’ll come see you and we’ll all chill.”
“Al right sounds good, I’ll try to get a chick too so that I'm not the third wheel.”
Daniel ends the call and goes back to class.
“Hey Athena?” He elbows her softly. “Do you want to go on a date with me tonight?” He watches her reaction hopeful as her eyes widen momentarily before they get back to normal. “Sure sounds good.” She looks at him sweetly. “I thought you'd never ask.” She winks.
Chapter 4
Athena rushes back to her dorm after class to get ready for their date tonight. “What do you think I should wear Jenny?” Jenny looks up from the book she was reading. “Hmm, for what?” She looks confusingly only to think that it might have something to do with Daniel.
“I’m going on a date tonight with Daniel.” She jumps excitedly. “Aha! I knew it, well how about.” Jenny gets up and walks to the closet grabbing the shortest dress she can find. “This.” She smirks only to be rewarded with a smack on her arm. “Don’t you think that’s too short?” Athena looks at her nervously. “I mean I don’t want to seem like I’m too easy or something.” She says.
“I think you would look gorgeous, it'll make your eyes pop.” Jenny bumps her shoulder. “Besides there’s nothing wrong with some skin.” She snickers. “Al right well if I find it too short ill just wear some leggings underneath, but you'll help with my hair and makeup right?” Athena asks hopeful. “You know I suck at those things.”
Jenny looks like she's thinking teasingly. “Ah why not! But you owe me; why not hook me up with his friend, what’s his name? The one that looks like Will Smith?”
Athena laughs hysterically. “You mean Will? Ironic isn't it? Same name and all.” She goes on distractedly. “But yeah sure I’ll hook you up.” She winks and gets up going to shower.
“I don’t think its normal to go on a date wearing a suit man, it’s making me feel uncomfortable.” Daniel stares in the mirror looking at Will for his advice. “Haven’t you watched movies man, all the guys wear a suit, its classy in all ways.” Will sheds light on Daniels dilemma. “If it isn't I’ll murder you myself.” Daniel fits his tie looking at a tutorial on how to tie a tie.
“This is the first time I wear a suit you know that.” Daniel says as Will puts the red rose on the table. “Don’t forget the rose al right, it’s important.” “Yeah okay got it, did you talk to Tony by the way?” Daniel asks curiously. “Yeah he will come over and chill with me until you get back from your date.” “Al right well I was thinking if we all could get high and go out later and get munchies since it’s a Friday night.” Daniels suggests. “Yeah that’s a great idea but maybe get her friend with her, if you can?” Will asks with pouring eyes.
“Sure I’ll ask Athena before we leave, yo am I forgetting something?” Daniel checks his pockets only to find his wallet and phone. “Yeah you're forgetting me, but it’s okay I understand, big boy now.” Will frowned as he goes to the bathroom. “Oh come on dude, open the door, it’s a date man I'm not replacing you!” Daniel pulls on the door knob, as he can’t hear any movement.
Will frantically opened the door and jumps out. “I’m just kidding bro I had to take a piss.” Will laughs with his mouth full as he took a bite out of his burrito. “Anyway what time do you have to pick her up, wait let me guess, you said at 8 didn't you?” “Yeah how did you know?” Daniels eyes widen. “Like I said before, movies.” Will smiles as he shows Daniel the
door. “You forgot this.” Will gives him the rose. “I really don’t know what I’d do without you man. I’ll first stop by a convenience store, I’m out of cigarettes.” Daniel says, giving Will a manly hug. “Kill that pussy!” Will yells through the corridor laughing. “Get outta here and don't forget to have fun al right! And don't forget this is our job!” Daniel waves him off as he heads out to Athena’s dorm room.
Athena looks at her reflection in the mirror examining the short dress. Well, it’s not too short, neither is it long but it'll do. She smiles to herself and walks back to the room. “Time for doing my hair!” She excitedly walks to Jenny and sits on the chair.
Bittersweet Love Page 4
