7 years ago

Lucas Parker walked into the campus of his new college at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It was the first day of college. None of his friends had opted for Business Administration and Management in his college. He went towards the administrative office to get his details. On his way there, he heard a commotion. He looked around to see that a crowd had gathered near the backside of one of the campus buildings.

Curiosity got the better of him and he trudged over to check out what the matter was. Two boys were fighting like cats and dogs and the crowd was cheering them on.

“Hey, you two, stop,” he said, looking around for a security guard, but no one paid any heed to him and continued. Lucas stood indecisively when one boy looked at him and asked, “Who are you supporting? Him or me?”

“No one. I just came here. Look, stop this immediately or I’m going to call the security guard.” Lucas turned away from them, determined to get help to stop their fighting, when the two boys pounced on him and started beating him up.

“How dare you think of calling the security guards on us?” said one of them as they continued to hit him. Lucas tried to protect himself and fight back, but these two rowdy boys were too much for him to handle.

Suddenly, two rough hands picked him up and got him out of the way. Lucas looked at the boy, who punched the other two mercilessly till they could not fight with anyone anymore. The boy was eighteen, just like Lucas, with bright and striking baby blue eyes and chocolate brown hair. His body was extremely muscular and lean, clad in a pair of old denim jeans and an old tee shirt. His shoes were old and torn and his backpack was in the same state as his shoes were, yet there was something about him that attracted Lucas towards him.

Lucas went to him and stretched out his hand. “Lucas Parker, first year, Business Administration and Management. Thanks a lot for saving my as*,” he said, with a groan.

The boy looked at him warily, “Alexander Dawson, first year, same, Business Administration and Management,” he said, with a brief shake of Lucas’s hand. He strode off, and Lucas stared after him, confused by his behavior. Alexander didn’t seem keen to make a friendship with him.

Lucas shrugged his shoulders and walked towards the administrative office. The crowd had dispersed and everything had returned to normal. Lucas got his schedule and trudged towards his first class, Microeconomics. He walked into his class and sat down in one of the empty seats. The room was already full. He didn’t see Alexander Dawson anywhere.

A minute before the class was about to start, Alexander walked inside and looked at Lucas. Lucas was busy with his mobile, texting one of his old school friends. He quietly sat beside Lucas.

Lucas looked up to see his savior sitting beside him. “Are you hurt?” Alexander asked him in a gruff voice.

“Not much. Thanks to you,” Lucas grinned. “Friends?” Lucas stretched out his hand for a shake.

A small smile tugged at the corners of Alexander’s mouth. “Yeah,” he said, taking his hand and holding it in a tight clasp.

“Ow man, are you made of stone or what?” said Lucas. Alexander’s clasp was strong enough to break anyone’s bones. What did the guy eat?

Alexander grinned at him, a happy grin that made Lucas feel like a heartfelt friendship was about to blossom between the two of them. The class started, and it was obvious that Alexander was brilliant in his studies. He didn’t need help at all. He already knew the concepts that were being taught, answering the professor’s questions with casual ease. Lucas was impressed with him.

After class, they went to the next class together. “College algebra, next. Did you take extra classes for all these subjects?” Asked Lucas, not understanding how he knew so much.

“Nope. Just got my study material a month early when I received the scholarship,” he informed and Lucas looked at him with disbelief.

“Dude, you’re amazing. You’ve got a scholarship to study here?” he asked, and Alexander scratched his head and smiled.

“It’s nothing, really,” he answered, a little shy.

“Your parents must be really proud of you,” Lucas said with a grin.

“I’m an orphan. I never saw my parents." Alexander walked off towards their next class while Lucas gaped at him wordlessly. His heart pained at the thought of being alone in this whole wide world without his parents’ love and support. His own parents were renowned hoteliers, owners of the Staywell group of hotels who owned the Parker Suites all over the world. He had everything that money could buy. He was very close to his family. Being the oldest of three siblings, Lucas was very responsible, level-headed, and patient. His younger sister Serenity was only two years younger and still at school. His youngest brother, Liam, was six years younger and the baby of the family. He was very protective towards them, especially of his sister Serenity, who was too attractive for her own good.

Lucas followed Alexander to the Algebra class. They sat down together on a bench at the back.

“I have covered all of this in the last month,” said Alexander.

“On your own?” Lucas asked, and he nodded. The class started, and they got little time to interact again.

After class, Lucas wanted to go to the cafeteria as there was a half an hour break before the next class. “Let’s go to the cafeteria,” suggested Lucas, and walked towards it while Alexander followed him there quietly.

Lucas got two burgers and fries and coke for themselves and sat at a table. Alexander fished out the money from his wallet for his share of food. “This is on me. A toast to our friendship,” said Lucas. Alexander kept his money back. They ate up the food hungrily.

“Thanks,” said Alexander, looking at his food.

Lucas grinned at him as he stuffed the food into his mouth. “Why don’t we meet after college?” Lucas suggested.

“I can’t,” said Alexander, and Lucas looked at him curiously.

“Why?”

“I work at a garage after college,” Alexander said, finishing his food.

“Oh,” said Lucas. “Is the pay good?”

“Nope, but I fight at the underground fight club circuit, too. So together it helps me run.” Lucas stared at him in amazement.

“It’s illegal, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but I don’t have any other way to earn,” Alexander said, finishing his coke in one gulp.

Lucas nodded in understanding. It was a tough life for Alexander; he realized. He wanted to ask more questions but didn’t want to seem too curious to invade his personal life. If he trusted him, he would tell him.

They left the cafeteria and walked toward the next class. “Finance, next,” announced Alexander.

“Yes, I saw the professor. She’s hot,” said Lucas and Alexander grinned.

Their professor, Miss Wilkerson, walked into the class, and Alexander winked at him. She was really hot and had maintained herself well even at forty.

“Did you have se* yet?” whispered Lucas. He hadn’t experienced it yet and wanted to so badly.

“Yeah, thrice already,” said Alexander, and Lucas’s jaw dropped.

“Dude, help me then,” Lucas pleaded.

“Sure,” said Alexander.

“Pay attention, you two. What’s the topic of discussion, young man?” asked Miss Wilkerson, glaring at Alexander. “Stand up, please.”

“Se*,” said Alexander, standing up, without wavering an eyelid. Miss Wilkerson gaped at him as her cheeks turned red.

“Get out of my class, the two of you,” she said, shaking with anger.

“Ma’am, we were just discussing whether we should go for it or not. Nothing to get so worked up. We weren’t discussing you,” said Alexander, and all students stared at him. Lucas was amazed at his courage. The guy was really something.

Miss Wilkerson simply stared at him. After some minutes, she composed herself and said, “Sit down and next time, concentrate,” she said and Alexander nodded, sitting down.

The class was over and everyone patted Alexander’s shoulders, appreciating him. He shyly smiled at everyone. “When do you have garage duty?” asked Lucas.

“At 3 o’clock in the afternoon,” answered Alexander.

“Then come to my house with me. My parents would love to meet you,” said Lucas. Alexander nodded, and they went to their next class. For the rest of the classes, Alexander seemed to be a little off. He talked little and concentrated more on the classes. Lucas didn’t understand what suddenly went wrong, but he didn’t prod him much.

The classes were over for the day, and Lucas and Alexander went over to the parking lot. Lucas walked over to his Ford Mustang and Alexander started his motorcycle, fixing his helmet over his head.

“Follow me, Alex,” Lucas instructed and Alexander gave him a thumbs up.

Lucas climbed into his car and drove towards his mansion while Alexander followed him.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of my imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Copyright © Rituparna Darolia.

All rights reserved. No part of this novel may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.