Chapter 16

Alongside each other, Alex and his father savored a morning espresso while readying for the day.

"Where'd mom get off to?" Alex wondered.

"Talking with Luis..." Stephen confirmed, gesturing. "By the way, don't you have class this morning?"

Straight away, Alex nodded.

"Yeah, but we're attending orientation beforehand."

Easing, his father referenced the school calendar as Diana and Luis accessed the kitchen.

"Hello handsome, ready for another year?" his mother inquired.

Idly, Alex smirked.

"I guess so."

Abruptly, Stephen winced and noted the time. It approached 6:30, so everyone hurriedly gathered together, expecting to keep to schedule.

"I hope you had a nice visit." Alex stated, patting Luis on the shoulder.

"It was a lively lecture." he joked, gazing at Stephen.

Individually, the boys hastily amassed their things, since Alex was guiding Luis on his first day. Concurrently, as countless students packed the central auditorium, Lyndsey was busy directing the undergraduates. In a broad sense, she enjoyed assisting others and stood recognized as an imposing personality. For these reasons, she remained at the flanks of her professors, helping where needed.

In the interim, Sabrina remained ill, but Tatum stayed at her side, minding her. Even though, with the orientation starting, everyone felt obliged to hurry. From here in, as students strode into the auditorium, they stood greeted by a hospitable atmosphere. By coincidence, various scholars remained acquainted from high school, so the kinship felt natural. On a side note, Luis could always count on Alex's sense of humor.

"Many beautiful girls this year."

On the spot, Luis sneered.

"Stay focused..." he demanded. "Because I'm not tutoring."

Throughout, Luis remained subdued, though one girl suddenly captivated attention. And despite being gifted with the darkest black hair and an enticing smile, it wasn't only her splendor that drew interest, but also an aura. By the same token, Alex perceived the impulsive divergence and grew curious.

"What are you staring at?"

"Two aisles up, second from the right." Luis directed, gesturing.

"The brunette?"

"Yes." he replied, easing.

From the inception, Luis stood enamored by her mild tone and corresponding dark eyes. However, he lacked an avenue to a surprise rendezvous, until noticing the woman seated beside her. Coincidentally, they appeared well acquainted and talkative, so Alex took the initiative.

"I'll be right back." he declared, standing.

Double-quick, Luis altered.

"Where are you going?"

"Trust me." Alex whispered, pacing towards the narrow aisle.

In general, navigating the crowds remained hectic, but Alex seemed resolute as he greeted the girls and initiated a dialogue. In many instances, new girls weren't renowned for conversation, but following a brief exchange, he'd return, smiling.

"What's that all about?" Sabrina whispered, leaning in.

Straight away, Tatum chuckled and gathered papers.

"They see a girl and make an excuse to say hello."

Slowly, Sabrina twisted and trailed Alex to his seat.

"Maybe I should get used to it?"

Tatum laughed, settling close.

"I think so."