Studying can be hard sometimes. Hard and dull. Long hours spent hunched over thick, heavy books can sap one's energy and dull the senses, especially when it's getting late in the day. Today was once such time. Until Alice appeared, that is.
Dragging myself from my 'intensive' study of the Islamic response to the success of the First Crusade, I noticed her sitting opposite me, looking at me intently. I knew who she was; we had two classes together, the aforementioned medieval stuff and Renaissance Politics, but I'd never really spoken to her, so was surprised to find her unexpectedly sharing this quiet corner of the Library.
"You seem to be really enjoying your work." Her voice was soft, playful with a hard-to-place southern accent. "I tried to get your attention three times."
"Hmm...sorry," I replied. "Just got drawn in, I guess."
"Wish I could do that so easily," she sighed. "David, isn't it?" I nodded.
"Alice."
"Nice to meet you." For the first time I started to notice that my classmate was definitely a looker. Tall, maybe 5'7"-8", with dark brown hair to her shoulders and deep, hazel eyes, Alice had the kind of figure most women would kill her for; well proportioned, shapely breasts and a waist that tapered in sharply. I noticed she was wearing a military style dogtag necklace, which only drew my eyes to her generous chest beneath the well fitted Aerosmith skinny t she was wearing. Hurriedly I averted my gaze before she could sense my eyes (and thoughts) wandering.
"I'm just really having trouble getting into the subject matter," Alice lamented. "I know you're doing well and that you're pretty capable, I wondered if you would share your thoughts with me?"
"Sure," I nodded. I don't object to helping others study, and over the next hour I discussed what I'd learned with Alice, whilst all the time trying to suppress and conceal my increasing attraction. She was certainly hot, and at one point when she leaned over the desk to read my notes in more detail, giving me a fine if momentary view of her cleavage, I felt myself stiffen. I definitely wanted her, but as soon as the thought entered my head I dismissed it. She wanted help with her studies, not to take me to bed, and I silently chastised myself for what seemed to me like a mild form of sexism; assuming Alice would sleep with me, just because I'd helped her out.
I suddenly became aware of the time. I'd been here for 10 hours and it was now 8pm. I was hungry and worn out, but I had Alice, and would happily have stayed in the increasingly darkened, quiet library if it meant retaining her company. Fortunately she solved the problem for me.
"It's late, David. Too late for studying, anyway. I know a lot more about Saladin, now, but still, I don't know very much about David...care to oblige me?" she asked, tipping her hand in a "drink?" motion. I had to really hold back to stop myself nodding violently.
"Let's go, then," she said, and led on. I followed and couldn't stop myself noticing a wonderful, heart shaped rear end swaying before me. My mind was on fire with thoughts of what I wanted to do with this sweet, gorgeous young woman. Alice was right; I definitely needed a drink!
The first pint went down quickly as I sought to steady my nerves. The second one was swiftly following when I checked myself, realising that getting smashed was not in my interests right now. Alice had a large glass of deep, dark red wine and wasn't even half way down it. I began to drink more conservatively, worried about making a fool of myself.
"So. Tell me about David."
These things are always awkward. Where to start? I told her where I was from (York), what my parents did (father a doctor, mother a dentist), that I wanted to work for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office once my degree was finished. I also mentioned that I was a keen footballer, played for the University's second XI and coached kids' teams sometimes when I was back home. She seemed impressed.
"Ambitious, sporty, good with kids AND great looking," she teased. "You must have women breaking down your door."
I think I blushed, I'm not sure, but it's possible. I would describe as fairly OK looking; six feet tall, short dark hair and I look after myself with plenty of exercise and don't drink too much. I was flattered by the compliment though and also hadn't failed to notice Alice move about six inches closer to me. My heart quickened as I struggled to stay calm.
"Actually, I don't have a girlfriend right now."