College life for Gabriel Quarterman had finally arrived. After arriving on BC campus in Chestnut Hill, Gabriel received a big welcoming party. For being the 12th best in the nation, to them, it was like BC had won the lottery. But days became a blur soon enough. From the Welcome Committee showering, to getting administrated and dormatized, G' settled in rather quickly and the people took to him quickly. While it was rather unusual to G', to him, it felt like royalty on red carpet. People wanted to talk to him, be next to him, get to know him, and rather much so, they did. Gabriel was an open book to all, friendly to the masses, becoming man of the people. While you can say that some people looked at G' as exposure to the school or hope for the school's basketball team, some people were genuinely just interested in the man known as Gabriel Quarterman. With making friends on the scene quickly, the school term came quicker. Settling in classes, G' found him-self taking economics as his major, citing his ambitions to invest in his own future. Whatever that detailed, G' had power moves aspirations. But on this fateful night, the future reacquaints it-self with the past...
"Whew, glad I got that assignment out the way. Now I can kick back and relax. I can't believe we're having practice on Saturday. But who am I kidding, I'm kinda excited to be playing college basketball." G' internally monologue in his head as he made his way to the upper balcony of the school's common house. Distracted with his own thoughts, it took a few moments for G' to notice he was not alone. "Oh, my apologies, I didn't know someone was up here, I didn't see no one here on my way up."
"Uh, it's okay. I just got here my-self a few minutes ago." she says.
"I uh, I could leave and rock somewhere else if I'm invading."
"Oh no, it's fine. There's enough space for us up here."
"Alright, cool." G' takes a moment scanning her visual. She was a knockout beauty from what he could tell. Blonde hair, blue eyes, fair complexion, and while she was dressing conservative, you could tell she had a shape on her. But G' couldn't recall seeing her before. "I'm Gabriel, people just calls me G'. I don't think I've seen you around before. With everyone in my face lately, I doubt I'd forget yours."
The girl smiled slightly, "I'm Kelly. And yeah, I don't think we've met. I recently moved into dorm this year from housing with 5 other girls. I'd had it up to here with their drama."
"Ah, I see. The good ol' "women hate women" never fails." G' joked.
"You can say that again... Hey, you're the guy everyone's been so excited about, aren't you?"
"What gave it away?"
"I remember one of my girls mentioning a Gabriel who committed here for the basketball team. Said that you were a big deal."
"Your girl must have the read on me, I hope I don't have to be watching over my back around here from her. But yeah, that'll be me. Good ol' freshie face. And you?"
"Sophomore. I was going to transfer to Marist, but I opted out."
"I'm glad you didn't, wouldn't have got to meet you." G' slips in a smirk but Kelly bursts into a laugh.
"I'm sure you tell that to everyone, they just fall for that?" Kelly retorted.
"Nah, nah, it's not even like that, chill. You meet people from all walks of life. Here, across the street, cross town or state. Never know who you may run into that could change your life, or put it back together."
Silence fell on them for a moment. G' looks at Kelly as she catches his eye. Through the conversation he hadn't noticed how puffy her eyes were until now, which killed his vibe a bit.
"Is something the matter or is your allergies that bad?" G' asked.
"I'm sorry. I'm trying to mask it, I don't want to burden you with my problems."
"No problems are a burden but your own on your shoulders. I may not be able to help fix it, but I'm a good listener, and what's said here, stays here."
Kelly takes a moment to gather her thoughts. Even just meeting Gabriel, she felt safe to share what's been bothering her. "Just under a bit of stress. My parents are divorcing, and I recently found out that my boyfriend dumped me." Kelly began to well up again, wiping her tears with a Kleenex.
"Shit... I'm sorry. That is a lot to take in emotionally and mentally." G' rubs Kelly on her back with one hand, trying to console her. "But I will say this, whatever reason he dumped you, it's a blessing, cause it's his loss. But your parents? That's tough. I honestly can't imagine how you feel. I came from a home that was already broken. How I see it, it's between them, not you. Your parents are still your parents at the end of the day. I'm sure what changed between them wouldn't change with you on a parent-daughter level."
"You're right, but they've been together all my life. They're soulmates. They're practically made for each other."
"Could you say the same about you and your now-ex? It's no different with your parents. Even if they are soulmates, maybe they just need a break to realize that. Life is funny that way... Have you ever seen them have out a big argument of any sorts?"
"No, none that I can recall."
"So, either they shielded you from that or they're resolving their issues amicably. At the end of the day, sounds like they love you enough to not make it burden on you until you found out."
"... I guess you're right." Kelly sniffles with her head down. G' advances his hand from her back to her chin, gracefully holding her head up as she looks at him.
"It's alright. Let it out and dry your eyes. Just make sure to keep your head held high. Your boyfriend is hella sus for letting you go. You're beautiful, and from this short time I've met you, seem like you can have your pick of the litter. His loss. But as far as your family goes, you got to focus on you until that mess is resolved. Just keep loving them as they love you. Maybe one day you all can sit together and remember the happiness y'all shared together as a family. Who knows, time will tell as much as time heals."
"... Thank you, Gabriel. I needed that. You're so sweet, I see why everyone likes you so much." Kelly moves towards G', giving him a tight hug. G' wraps his arms around her back, holding her briefly.
"You know, I'ma start charging you people for my kindness." G' jested.
"Whatever it cost, I'm buying." Kelly smiled.
"Nah, free of charge for you, you're cool."
And speak of the devil of coolness, a sharp breeze blown through them, giving Kelly the chills.
"Yeah, it's time to go. And we was just having a good conversation, but it's way too chilly without a jacket tonight." G' mentioned. "I don't mind walking you to your dorm, if that's okay with you."
"Yes, thank you. I'd like that. We can still talk more on the way."
"Shall week then?"
Kelly quickly grabbed her bag next to her and vacated the common house with G'. All the way to Kelly's dorm, G' kept his arm draped over Kelly's shoulders, keeping her neck warm. WIth so many people trying to befriend G', Kelly seemed to be the first he may be interested in letting in more than most. But G' wasn't that type of guy to prey on a woman as a rebound. For his sake, he intends to keep it friendly. Perhaps one day it'll bloom into something more. Who knows...
► Show Spoiler
Because I know Agent would've dropped this gif after this ending