2 I HATE SENIOR YEAR

~NILMANI P.O.V~

January is almost over, but why is it that I could still feel the cold air from December that's causing the tiny hairs on my skin to perk up? Never been a big fan of the cold atmosphere since I was a kid, it's like my body is dying when it's exposed to it. So I would either lock myself away in my dorm or wear really thick clothes just to feel the warmth throughout my body.

"Nilmani enough daydreaming for once and please hand in your due reports, you are an excellent student but your habit of slacking off is now numbered," I'm starting to not like Mrs. Collins's attitude, the lady has been on my case for a while now just like all the other professors here.

Although their opinion of me doesn't define who I am. But still, I'm the victim here, I need my right for being able to slack off and daydream when and where ever.

I'm a bit dramatic, I know.

Don't know what they expect from me, apart from seeing that I'm the son of their well-rounded star students that graduated years ago from this same college.

Although for me in particular, I consider my parent's reputation here to be in the past but dammit these professors or students who admire them, visited my old folk past way more than I do and then have the audacity to press those past achievements on me.

As if expecting me to follow directly in those footsteps.

It's fucking annoying honestly. "You'll get them first thing tomorrow," I told her, still holding my gaze out the window and then noticing that droplets of rain are slowly pouring down.

If I'm being honest, which I totally am. The lesson we are learning is like Child's play. Apparently, I've been on the top ranking the very first week I enrolled here while bringing the reputation of this college to much greater heights than when it was before, making me somewhat popular. I guess.

They label me as the smart bad boy that every girl dreams of, it's fucking ridiculous. Many may not know but, I'm only here not of my free will instead I was forced by my asshole parents to continue the legacy of doctorhood.

It's not like I don't have the willpower to do anything about it. Let's just say I'm trapped in their shadow and don't know how to get out.

"Although I'm slacking off, tell me when my grades fell," I've now turned my attention to Miss Collins earning some whispers from other students which I completely ignore. I even adjusted myself in my seat gesturing for her to answer instead of her mouth open and closed like those fish in water when inhaling air.

"You're completely different from your parents," She sighed, adjusting her glasses. And here we go again with the comparison.

Watching the time on the clock above the smartboard ticking away, I packed up my things ready to ditch this class. "Tomorrow when you get my reports I'm going to need an answer from you." The lecture hall fell in silence watching me leave.

*******************************

I sighed in relief when my feet reached the roof. I placed down my bag against the wall, lighting a pack of cigarettes I took with me just in case, for when I needed to calm my nerves.

Smoking wasn't my thing back then but something triggers the feeling of having burning nicotine on the tip of my tongue. People may think I did it for attention instead I did it to calm myself from doing something crazy. Others would lose their minds trying to understand me but there are only a few I consider worthy to be in my space.

Coughing a few times from inhaling too much then decided to call it quits as I closed my eyes. (You promised your sister you would stop).

She doesn't have to know. (You are just in this phase of yours in due time you will realize your actions). Still remembering mother's words, I'm not in any faze, I'm just...

"Seriously Mani another argument with Mrs. Collins," And there goes my peace and quiet. I listen to the rustling sounds of their footsteps and bags begin to be put down.

"What did you honestly expect?" I answered Ally's question, lifting up my head with a boring look at my three friends who were looking at me with a stern expressions before sighing. They're the ones who sign up to be my friends, so it's a miracle they're still by my side.

My eyes shifted towards Ellora who was eyeing me curiously then casually came towards me sniffing my clothes. "Are you a dog?" I glared as she grabbed the pack of cigarettes from behind me.

"You told us you stop," She questioned putting her hands on her hips.

"Well, I lied," I scoffed, ignoring her words of threat.

"Elly leave him be, you know how the dude gets when he is upset." Reggie who was currently on the football team muttered. He is the type of guy that's more laid back than I am in most situations plus he always saved me from having a certain conversation with the girls.

Let me take a brief moment of my precious time to give a short introduction about these freaks.

The girl who for no reason snatched my cigarettes is Ellora but she prefers to be called Elly. She was raised in France then decided to follow her own path and whine up in this country. She's short in height having long puffing dark natural hair that she likes to keep loose and warm light brown skin.

Also has the nose of a dog, I mean nothing can get past her.

Now on to Alora but I liked the nickname I gave her more (Ally), the motherly figure of the group. Has dark chocolate skin, and curly natural hair, and is a bit of a nerd but won't admit it. She is the last person I don't want to see when getting into trouble. (The last time I was nearly bored to death by her long-ass lectures).

Unlike most girls, she hates wearing anything too girly and exposing. Oh and she's from Australia (apart from her ego I loved her accent the most).

Finally my dude Reggie. Born and raised in South Africa then moved here to pursue his dream of being a pro athlete. He works at this modeling agency during the summer to help his sick mom. I always envy him for begin that caring son, if it was me I wouldn't bat an eye. We met around five years ago when I was beating the shit out of some street guy who was messing with a helpless girl and he surprisingly jumped in to help.

And the rest is history.

"Why are you staring at us with that weird look of yours," Ally noticed shaking her head when my smile grew even wider.

"Just thinking."

"You're always thinking," Reggie chuckled, not keeping his eyes off his iPad. They would tease the living shit out of me if they knew I truly admire them.

*******************************

Throughout the day, the droplets of rain turned heavy leaving the place moist and cold. I didn't attend the other classes nor did the others, stating that it was pointless on a perfect rainy day.

"Tell me something Mani," Elly spoke after a peaceful silence. I groan out loud on purpose, running my hands through my hair.

"What?"

"Why did you stop dating?" This spiked interest in Reggie and Ally which was frustrating on how they involved themselves in my love life. "It's done of your damn business." I told her.

"Just curious, we haven't seen you switching around with different girls sticking to your side like leeches lately," She shrugged.

"Don't tell me you're now into guys," Reggie gasped putting his hands over his mouth dramatically. I have never done it with guys before although some of them are cute, not my type but cute.

"If I were some would have spiked my interest already plus I don't care much about loving girls or guys," I ended my point plain and simple with them agreeing.

"Still dude we're in our senior year here, better start settling down and start planning on what's the next chapter of your life." I flicked his forehead causing him to curse in pain then whispering a quick fuck you. Acting all smart and mighty with me. I sighed leaning against the wall thinking.

I took out a pen from my pocket, swirling it from time to time feeling somewhat jealous of how the birds spread their wings and fly anywhere they want without a care in the world.

That's freedom, something I don't have, something I want back.