Beginnings

Boys today, eh
It was a bit of an eye opener that's for sure.
Before long, I had forgotten about why I had tried to avoid Ash and just glowed in her presence.
She gabbled on about her courses, what she had been up to, whilst I barely said a word. I was
content just to sit in her shadow and soak up all that was her.
It was such a wonderful feeling … intense … but wonderful. The smile on my face grew wider
and wider as she entertained me about some sad bastard on her course that couldn't even make a
cup of tea without adult supervision. He wanted to be a Solicitor … and couldn't even work the
washing machine. I felt sorry for his future clients.
Within thirty minutes, I was laughing aloud at her antics, and was finding it increasingly difficult
to breath. My chest ached with laughter … and with something else, which at that time I didn't
want to put a name to. Well … not as much didn't, as couldn't.
I can't tell you how long we sat engrossed in conversation, but I could distinctly feel the canteen
empty … the touchy feely boys had long since gone, and then it was just me and Ash … again.
'What are you doing tonight Are you free' She leaned forward and looked me squarely in the
face. 'Me and a few friends are thinking about going to the Student's Union … they've got a
Karaoke night on.' Still, she watched for any signs of refusal.
But that was the last thing in my mind at that moment. I was caught by her eyes … I felt the
room melt into nothing as I just sat there and stared at her eyes … transfixed by them … pulled
into her by them … feeling emotions one friend shouldn't be feeling for another.
She didn't back away. Her body leaned half way over the table and she just kept on staring …
waiting … and if I wasn't mistaken …
'Excuse me, ladies.'
Was that voice in my head That rich, deep voice
Neither Ash or I moved … or blinked.
A cough.
Then another … louder … more insistent.
Ash leaned back into her chair, her face slowly changing from the absorbed look from moments
before, to wield a mask of slight confusion, her eyes squinting slightly as she searched my face
for answers.
'Ash' That voice again. 'Have you forgotten our date'