Encounter

"Ah!" I shut my eyes as I almost fall backwards ... except I haven't? Wait, what is going on? I wearily open my eyes to feel someone's arm circled around my waist.

"I'm sorry, are you okay?" A concerned voice calls out. I look up to see emerald green eyes staring right at me, framed by tousled brown-blonde hair, and well defined facial features. I've bumped into a guy. A handsome guy. How embarrassing!

"Are you hurt?" He continues to ask.

"Y-yes, I mean no! Yes I'm okay thank you, and no I'm not hurt!" I reply back in a panic as I'm scrambling to stand by myself to hide my increasingly red cheeks. He lets go of my waist and steps back, looking slightly amused. "I'm terribly sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going," I quickly say to him without making direct eye contact, "...did I hurt you?"

"No, not at all," he chuckles back, "I'm Beau by the way," and stretches his hand out for a handshake. I quickly take a peek at his physique. Tall, built, muscular, but not bulky. He looks athletic, probably plays sports or works out often.

"Arabella." I say as I embarrassingly return the gesture. Beau ... what a fitting name for such a handsome guy.

"Why thank you Miss Arabella!" he beams back at me with a slight smirk.

"..." Please don't tell me I just said that out loud? I think I'm going to pass out from embarrassment! My face is so red hot right now, how do I get myself out of this situation?

I quickly glance down at my phone and remembered I need to go and find my lecture room, "umm, s-sorry again, I have to go ... thank you ..." I bid goodbye as fast as I can and turn around to basically speed walk towards my lecture without turning back.

I sit down towards the back of the lecture room to one side and sigh internally. I thought my heart was going to thump right out of my chest and my face was going to burn from embarrassment. That was rough, I've barely been separated from Elise for half an hour and I've already caused trouble by running into someone. He was really handsome though, and at least he seemed friendly. Even though I completely embarrassed myself back there.

I found the correct room easily so there is still ten minutes left until the lecturer arrives. I slowly pull out my notebook and pens and place them in front of me while the class is gradually filling up. It's almost two-thirds full now. Luckily the few seats directly next to me are empty and I won't have to make awkward small talk with anyone.

I pull out my phone to send a text to Elise, "I can't believe you left me to fend for myself, I almost died!" I smile to myself as I send the text, I'm sure she will laugh her head off at me.

Clatter! I turn to my left to see that someone has decided to sit right next to me.