Steve and Steph

Meet Steve, a first year student at the University for Applied Sciences. It took him a few years to save enough money to get here. He took the worst possible jobs, but they were the only ones that he was qualified for. He never picked up any hobbies, he never had a girlfriend. He lived with his parents for twenty years more then he wanted. But all of that was worth it. Now, just after he turned 40, he joined the UAS. It was the one thing that kept him going over all these long years.

‘Steve. Hey Steve.’
His roommate, Stephanie. Even though there was an age difference of twenty years, they got along quit nicely.
‘Hey Stephanie. What is it?’
‘You didn’t have lunch again. I never see you during lunchtime, what are you always doing?’
‘I go to the library. I promised myself that if I ever got in, that I would spend as much free time as possible on studying.’
‘No wonder that you always ace the tests. But, why don’t you come have lunch with me sometime? I would really like to see you out of class sometime.’

Stephanie always wants to do things with Steve. Their age difference didn’t matter to her, she loved him.

‘Hey Stephanie.’
‘Oh, hi Chris.’
Chris was Stephanies best friend since elementary.
‘Why do you look so down? Is it because of Steve?’
‘Yeah, it’s as if he doesn’t notice me. Whenever we’re in class he focuses intently on it and doesn’t notice anything else. And I only see him in our room when he goes to bed or wakes up.’
‘Well, have you told him what you feel about him? If you tell him, then you can find out if he feels the same about you.’
‘But what if he doesn’t?’
‘Then you know that he doesn’t and you can move on.’
‘I’m sorry, but I’m just too scared to do that. At least now I see him every once in a while. But if he doesn’t then he might want to move out of our room.’
‘Fine, then don’t tell him. But I hate seeing you like this.’

‘You’re Steve right?’
‘Yeah, that’s me. Who are you?’
‘I’m Christina, a friend of Stephanie. Call me Chris.’
‘Oh, hi Chris. Can I help you with something?’
‘Not me, but Stephanie.’
‘Really? What with?’
‘She likes you. As in like like. But she’s to scared to tell you. She’s getting really depressed about it.’
‘I had no idea.’
‘Yeah, well she does. The question is do you?’
‘I don’t know. Well, I like her, but I have never thought about her that way.’
‘Well, you better think about it. I don’t like seeing her like this.’
‘Should I talk to her?’
‘Yeah, you should.’
‘Okay then. I will.’

‘Stephanie. Can I talk to you for a moment?’
‘Steve. Yes, of course.’
‘I heard you liked me and…’
‘Oh god, was it Chris?’
‘Yes, and…’
‘That cunt! Why would she do that?!’
‘She worries about you. But anyway, I…’
‘Damn it, why couldn’t she just leave this alone?!’
‘Would you please stop interrupting me. I like you.’
‘Right I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I just… Wait, you what?’
‘I like you to.’
‘Really? You’re not just saying that?’
‘No, I really like.’

Well that’s just wonderful. A real happy ending. Steve finally had his first girlfriend and Stephanies love was returned. Could anyone wish for more?

Three months later
‘Damn it Steve! Would you stop bugging me, I’m trying to study here. What happened to the diligently studying Steve that I fell in love with?’
‘He fell in love. I thought you felt the same!?’
‘I did. But you have changed. Now you just always hang around me, as if you’re some kind of obnoxious satellite.’
‘Well I’m sorry. If you feel like that I will just leave you alone.’
‘Thank you!! Now piss off and let me study.’
‘Fine.’

Maybe not such a happy ending after all.


Entry for Writer’s Cramp
Word count: 667