Page 4 of Kalix

LAINEY

Tuesday

It’s only the second day of class, and I’m already exhausted. Last night, I stayed up late reviewing all of my calculus notes, which left my brain feeling like mush.

I bend down to tie my tennis shoes and then throw my heavy backpack over my shoulders. School stresses me out, which is why I started going to the gym every morning, bright and early. Exercising helps relieve the tension in my shoulders and keeps my anxiety from becoming overwhelming.

I make my way down the elevator to the bottom floor of my apartment complex, and then do a light jog around the corner to Flex. The building is a gunmetal grey with an orange logo, giving it a modern and stylish appearance.

After placing my bag in a locker and locking it, I head over to the yoga mats to do some stretching before tackling the elliptical with my “DJ Mix playlist”. It always gets my blood pumping.

Thirty minutes later, I’m already dripping with sweat.

I grab a complementary towel from the rack to wipe my face before heading to the other machines.

Since it’s leg day, I decide to start with the leg press.

I’ve always been fairly slim with hardly any curves, but I do have decent sized breasts for my build, so that’s a plus.

After ensuring the settings are adjusted for my shorter height, I settle into the seat. The cold material against my back instantly cools me down. Music starts to play through the speakers on my over-the-ear headphones, and I find myself moving to the rhythm of the beat.

“Hi, Lainey, right?” I startle and look up at a familiar face. I believe he’s in one of my classes. He’s tall, with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. Fairly handsome.

I lift my headphones off my ears and place them around my neck. “Hi, yes. I’m Lainey. I-I’m sorry, I can’t quite place your name. Are you in one of my classes?” I cringe awkwardly to myself. I’ve never been good with names.

He chuckles and replies,“Alex, and yes, we are in English together.” He crosses his arms over his chest, making his muscles flex.

I smile and say, “That’s right! Sorry, I’m just bad with names.”

He smirks down at me, “It’s okay. I was wondering if you’d like to study together sometime? I already have a feeling that this class is going to kick my ass.”

I wipe my hands on my leggings before standing up. “Uh. Sure.” I shrug. I usually just study by myself, but I don’t see why it would hurt to have someone else to help.

He nods hesitantly, “Okay. Cool. Can I give you my number so you can text me when you have some free time?”

I nod and pull my phone out to hand it to him. He quickly types in his information before giving it back.

He smiles at his phone and then makes eye contact with me. “Great. Thank you. I hope to hear from you soon,” he says as he slowly turns around and walks across the gym.

I check the time on my fitness watch. Shit. I have just enough time to rinse off quickly before I have to haul ass to chemistry.

In every class, I make it a point to sit in the middle and closer to the front.

This allows me to hear the teacher better while also helping me blend in with the other students.

I take my studies very seriously and want to soak up all of the knowledge, but I also prefer not to draw attention to myself.

I make my way four rows up and sit to the left of the middle seats. A few people are already scattered throughout the room, but we still have fifteen minutes until class starts.

I pull out my textbook, pencil, and notepad, setting them to the side before getting my computer out and plugging it into the available electrical outlet on the long desk.

Fourteen minutes later, the seats are almost full and the professor begins his introduction to the class, outlining his expectations for us this semester. I make sure to jot all the notes down.

As the lecture wraps up, a shiver runs through my entire body. and goosebumps form over my skin. I glance around to see if anyone else feels the odd chill, but everyone seems like they are acting normally, busy packing their bags.

Weird.

I shake it off and focus on organizing my things in my backpack.

Once I’ve got everything in order, I sling it over my shoulder and head towards the exit.

Again, I feel goosebumps as an unsettling gut feeling washes over me, like I’m being watched.

I quickly glance over both shoulders and check behind me before hastening my steps to get out of here.

Once outside, I breathe a sigh of relief.

Get it together, Lainey. It’s just your fucking anxiety again .