Chapter Text
August
Ivan has always been able to tell when people are looking at him. At six foot five, he’s long given up any hope of being discreet.
However, this time it’s not his height or his imposing build that attracts attention. His taxi takes him through the entrance of the college, and as he passes by the Freshman dorms, and then the Sophomore dorms he realizes that…
He’s the only one who’s come in a taxi.
SUVs, sedans, vans, trucks—practically every kind of car is in sight. But no one hired a car to get here. Ivan peers through the window and sees students lugging oversized suitcases and boxes into the dorms with the help of their parents. Some of them catch the yellow flash of the taxi and turn to look in Ivan’s direction.
He smiles in case they see him through the window, but inside, his stomach drops. Not five minutes on campus and Ivan’s already marked himself as a weird outsider. So much for a fresh start.
“This all right?” The taxi driver asks.
Ivan shakes out of his thoughts and checks the sign of the dorm. It matches the name of the Sophomore dorm he was assigned to, so he nods and fishes out cash for the ride.
Just in front there’s a family pulling out labeled boxes for their daughter. They’re all flushed and sweating like they’ve been here for hours. Ivan’s not sure if he envies them or pities them.
All he knows is when he retrieves his two suitcases from the taxi, he wants to get to his room as soon as possible so everyone will stop staring.
It’s a small liberal arts college, and there are just two dorm buildings for sophomores with boys and girls seperated by floor numbers. After checking in, Ivan is given a key and simple directions to head to the third floor. There are no elevators, so Ivan drags his suitcases the whole way and searches for his room.
A couple of guys pass by, and Ivan tries smiling at them. They look a little startled, but they sort of smile back. Ivan counts it.
All of the doors on the hall are open except for one, and it’s the closed door that Ivan’s been looking for.
Does that mean his roommate hasn’t arrived yet? Or maybe he’s arrived and doesn’t want to be disturbed?
Ivan opens the door, finding it unlocked, and quietly enters the dorm. There’s a couch and a TV, and a couple of other small items of furniture in the common area, so clearly, someone has moved in. The door on the left is closed, and Ivan suspects that’s where one of the bedrooms is so he shuffles to the other side as deftly as possible.
Ivan only manages to unzip one suitcase before he hears the soft click of the door.
“Hello?” A tall man with tangled blond locks emerges from the bedroom. He wipes a pair of round glasses with the bottom of his t-shirt before sliding them on. “Oh, you’re here. You must be Ivan, right?” He flashes a smile and steps forward. “I’m Matthew. It’s nice to meet you.”
Ivan rises to his feet. “Nice to meet you too. I hope I didn’t, um, wake you up?” He laughs a little as he notices Matthew’s bedhead.
“Oh, no you didn’t,” Matthew says, rubbing one of his arms. His ears turned a little pink. “I was just taking a break after my parents left. The move-in chaos can be…a lot.” His gaze drifts to Ivan’s two suitcases. “Is that all you have?”
“I, well,” Ivan smiles meekly, “Yes, it is. I moved from up north so I couldn’t bring much with me. I suppose at some point I may have to do some shopping.”
Something like relief washes over Matthew’s face. “That’s right, you’re a transfer. What made you move down here?”
Ivan looks up in thought. He’s not sure how to put it simply. “I wanted a change of scenery,” he decides.
“Huh,” Matthew raises a brow and looks a little amused. “Well, how do you find the change so far?”
“I just arrived today, so it’s too soon to tell,” Ivan smiles, moving back to his suitcase.
“What? Like you flew in today?” Matthew asks, “Alone?”
Ivan’s unpacking falters for a moment, but he pushes forward. “Yes.”
It would be normal for someone to ask where Ivan’s parents are, or if not his parents, his siblings or relatives, or anyone. It would be normal, but Ivan kind of dreads the explanation anyway.
Strangely, the question never comes. Matthew shuffles to where there’s a mini fridge and pulls out a couple of energy drinks. “Then you probably need caffeine more than me,” he says, offering a can to Ivan. “I have a car, so if you want to go shopping later, just let me know.”
Ivan accepts the drink. “That would be very helpful actually. Thank you.”
It was an awkward arrival, but Ivan is pleasantly surprised to see that his roommate is very easy-going. Matthew retreats back into his room and Ivan finishes unpacking his things. There’s not much to do—it’s just clothing and bedding really. There’s already a raised twin bed in his room so he does it up as best he can. Trying to sleep in this frame is going to be interesting.
Ivan sets out his collection of old films on the console table in the living room. It’s one of the few belongings he even brought with him, alongside a couple of books.
“You like old movies, huh?” Matthew says, perusing some of the DVDs. “Funny. My brother likes the same stuff. Well, aside from the…” he pauses to flip one case over, “Russian ones.” He hands the copy back, asking, “Do you speak Russian?”
“I do. Well, I was born there,” Ivan smiles. He puts his collection back in order and looks around. “Do you have a DVD player?”
“Not many people do anymore,” Matthew chuckles. Car keys jangle from his palm when he points to the door. “But I’m sure we can find one. C’mon. I need to get out for a bit too.”
Matthew takes Ivan out to his shiny, blue truck and they head out to do some shopping. The car is nice and new, despite the faint smell of weed trapped in the seats. Ivan wonders if it was a gift from Matthew’s parents. Probably, right? They must be very generous people.
Ivan tries to imagine them, but that just leads Ivan to think about his own family, and he would rather not mull over them for a while.
Moving to the south was not a whim or a flight of fancy. Ivan was at a nice university before, and on track to do pre-med. Transferring so far away was definitely a commitment. A naive part of Ivan thought it was just the small liberal arts college he would have to get used to, but it turns out to be a lot more than that.
There’s the heat. And the humidity. It’s a saving grace that Matthew seems as uncomfortable with the tail-end of summer weather as he is, so they are able to agree on the thermostat. The roar of the cicadas is still audible through the closed windows.
But there’s also the people. Ivan thinks they’re nice at first, because they smile and chat with him in the hallway or parking lot. But when the conversation is over, he has this weird feeling it was all pretend. He doesn’t know what to make of that.
Most of the students have that slow southern drawl, slipping “y’all” into every other sentence. Even Matthew, whose accent seems more subtle, addresses anyone older by “ma’am” or “sir”—including cashiers at the grocery store, or the lady behind the sandwich counter in the cafeteria.
“So do you have any family in the south?” Matthew asks him over lunch one day.
Classes start tomorrow, so it’s their last day of taking it easy. Ivan is getting used to using his student ID to buy lunch, but he finds the busy atmosphere of the cafeteria a little overwhelming to absorb. He keeps looking at the different groups of people, wondering how to fit in with them.
“Ivan? Did you hear me?”
Ivan blinks. “Oh—no, I don’t know anyone here.”
Matthew raises a brow and takes a sip of his water. “That’s a little strange. Is this college so special?”
“What do you mean? It’s a very good college,” Ivan replies, as if quoting the brochure he was sent.
“I guess,” Matthew shrugs, busying himself with his meal. “I just wish there was more…uh, variety in people.”
Ivan looks around, seeing many different kinds all around him. “What do you mean?”
Matthew laughs and shakes his head. “Ah, never mind. It’s my own problem. I, um, used to be on the football team and part of this—well, I guess that’s also my own problem. Anyway, I’m trying to find new hobbies this year.”
Ivan nods, as if understand, but he’s not sure if he does. “I see.”
“So, what classes do you have tomorrow? I haven’t even asked,” Matthew says, leaning forward in his chair.
Ivan unfolds the piece of paper to look at his schedule. “Religion, statistics, and bio.”
“Why religion?”
“It’s one of the general requirements here. My university was different before, we didn’t have those,” Ivan explains, folding the paper away.
“Makes sense,” Matthew replies, picking up his fork. “It’s a shame we don’t have any classes together. I wouldn’t mind someone different to talk to.”
“What is your major again?” Ivan asks, glancing back at the cafeteria. He sees a group of tall, muscular men walking together in matching athletic wear. At the forefront is a man with wild blond hair, glasses, and a white smile. He leads the way, laughing and talking emphatically. For some reason, Ivan’s gaze lingers on him for a while.
“—I’m majoring in business, like everyone else who doesn’t know what to do.”
Oh, wait, Ivan asked Matthew a question didn’t he? That was the answer.
Ivan drags his gaze away from the stranger. “That’s so interesting,” he replies vaguely.
Matthew appears to note his distraction and takes a break from chewing to look over his shoulder. If he finds anything of note he doesn’t show it when he turns back. “Yeah, it’s so fascinating I would do this degree twice.”
Ivan laughs. He tries to ignore the blond stranger for the rest of the meal, but the preoccupation ruins his appetite all the same.
September
Classes can’t come soon enough. Being trapped on this small campus without a car and without friends is suffocating. Matthew is nice enough to Ivan in their dorm, but outside, Ivan finds himself at a loss. His last university was large and anonymous, but something about a small college such as this feels so much lonelier.
Ivan’s not even sure how he’s supposed to make friends here, but he hopes that classes will be a good start. He’s not particularly interested in religion, but he’s always liked history so he assumes he’ll get something out it, at least philosophically.
He’s among the first to arrive in the classroom and takes a seat closer to the back. More students pour in and Ivan watches them idly as he writes the date on his notebook. His pen stops when he sees that same blond stranger from the cafeteria stroll through the doorway. He’s in athletic wear again. Joggers and a sweatshirt with the school name printed across. This is an eight o’clock class so maybe he just put on what’s comfortable, but Ivan also gets the impression that this guy works out. Maybe he’s on a sports team of some kind. That actually seems likely, the longer Ivan stares.
The man is chatting with the girl next to him until they take a seat in a row diagonal to Ivan. It makes it easier to watch him. And Ivan’s not sure if he’s pleased or annoyed by that, but he’d like to know this guy’s name at least.
Roll call comes, and one by one, the students answer.
“Alfred Jones?”
The blond man perks up in his seat. “Here!” He says, raising one hand.
Not many others bothered to vocalize their presence, but this guy doesn’t seem very afraid of the attention. Quite the contrary, actually. He glows when people glance his way.
Ivan purses his lips and focuses on his notebook again. But then class starts and the professor drones about their first reading assignment, and Ivan’s attention is dragged toward Alfred again, tracing the fluffy silhouette of his wavy blond hair with his eyes.
He can’t explain why he’s so fixated. Ivan’s had crushes before, but never anything from first sight. He’s not sure if that’s what this is. There’s just this brightness about Alfred that preoccupies him.
Ivan notices the curve of Alfred’s cheeks. How he bites the end of his pencil when he’s bored, or whispers something to the brunette girl across from him when he thinks of something funny. Every time he smiles, a dimple appears on his left cheek. There’s none on the other side.
Ivan really hates himself now. He goes back to his notes only to realize he hasn’t been paying attention for half of the class.
It’s more than annoying. It’s a nuisance.
That’s the last Ivan sees of Alfred for a while. They only have that one class together, it seems. That might be for the best, because at least Ivan can focus in his other subjects, but it hasn’t helped him meet any of his other classmates either.
Maybe it’s because he transferred as a sophomore, but everyone seems so settled in their friend groups. Like they’ve all known each other for years (and perhaps they have). When they catch a glimpse of Ivan in his tall, wide frame, they don’t look very excited to meet him either. The best reaction he gets is perplexed. The worst is scared.
Ivan keeps his head down and decides to focus on school for a while. Classes have always been the best way to make friends, even for someone as difficult to get along with as he is. He’s sure it will happen in time.
Until it doesn’t.
A full week passes, and Ivan can’t say he’s made any friends aside from his roommate. The closest he’s come is with his lab partners, Yao and Sadik. They’re at least conversational. But it feels transactional. The type of friendship that ends when they leave the classroom.
While Matthew is quite reserved too, he seems to have his own circle and is frequently out of the dorm in the evenings for study groups and dinners.
“Are you sure you don’t want to meet up with us?” Matthew asks one day as he laces on his trainers.
Ivan has his textbook open on the ottoman in front of the couch, but he’s mostly staring at the hockey game playing on the TV instead of doing his homework.
He picks up his book before he replies. “Yes, I’m sure. I have quite a lot to do,” he says, smiling.
Matthew bites the inside of his cheek. For some reason his expression is always dubious when he looks at Ivan. “Well, the invitation stands if you change your mind. I’m sure you’d get along great with my friends. They’re very chill.”
“I appreciate that, thank you,” Ivan says, keeping his face pleasant. He knows Matthew means well, but he doesn’t like how pitiful it makes him seem.
Sensing the tone shift in the room, Matthew turns away to grab his ID card and phone. “I guess I’ll be back later, then. Good luck studying.”
Ivan hums in acknowledgment as Matthew leaves the room.
After the door shuts, he lets out a long sigh and tosses the textbook back onto the ottoman. He’s not in the mood to do any reading, and he’s not even sure he wants to waste time watching TV anymore.
Ivan glances at his bedroom where a pile of clothing is nearly spilling from his hamper. He supposes doing laundry is productive enough. He picks up his hamper and detergent pods and heads to the bottom floor.
It’s actually the first time that Ivan’s done laundry in the dorm, so he’s thankful it’s fairly quiet. He doesn’t like the idea of looking clueless around a lot of other people.
When he opens the door, Ivan nearly lets out a breath of relief because it appears to be empty. But then he finishes rounding the corner and finds one other person hunched over the laundry machine. And it’s not just anyone. It’s Alfred Jones. The very person Ivan has been trying to avoid when he’s not in religion class. His wavy blond hair is hard to mistake.
Alfred has a pair of earbuds on, so he doesn’t see Ivan right away. Very good. Ivan hurriedly chooses a machine that’s not full and dumps half his clothes inside. Maybe he can make it out without being noticed. But he fumbles with his detergent pods and ends up banging his knee on the side of the machine.
“Woah!” Alfred yelps. He yanks the chord of the earbuds so they dangle from his shirt, and takes a step closer. “I didn’t even hear you come in. Are you okay?”
Ivan freezes with his hand on his knee. He has to steel his nerves until he’s ready to fake a smile. Then he turns around.
“Yes, I’m fine. Just—dropped something.” He fiddles with the lid of the container and finally pulls out a pod and tosses it inside. Quickly. Quickly.
“I don’t think I’ve seen you around before. Are you new here?” Alfred continues, his accent as subtle and dulcet as when he talks in class.
“Yes, I am,” Ivan answers politely, checking the timer on the machine, and then the clock on his phone. He wonders if he’s allowed to use two machines for his laundry, or if that’s considered rude.
His indecision ends up costing him, because before he knows it Alfred is sidling up next to him and thrusting one hand forward.
“I’m Alfred. I’m on the football team, so maybe that’s why our paths haven’t crossed earlier,” he says, flashing a grin.
Ivan always thought Alfred looked a little airheaded from afar, but now that he has those blue eyes fixed on him, they feel oddly intense. It makes him straighten up a little bit so he’s staring down from his full height.
“I’m Ivan,” he replies stiffly and clasps Alfred’s palm. It’s warm and very rough. He lets go of it quickly, but continues smiling. “Nice to meet you.”
Alfred’s head tilts a little. “Ivan? Ivan—Oh, that’s right! We have a class together, don’t we? Religion? 8 AM?”
There’s less than fifteen students in that classroom so Ivan wonders if Alfred is faking his surprise. Well, two can play at that game.
“Oh, I didn’t even see you in class,” Ivan chuckles, taking full advantage of the four or five inches of height difference to loom. “I’m never really myself in early morning classes.”
Alfred’s eyes widen a little.
Clearly, he’s not used to going unseen. Ivan decides he rather likes teasing him.
“Actually when I saw you, I thought you might be on one of the teams,” Alfred says, changing tactics with ease. He leans against one of the machines and crosses his arms over his chest. He’s wearing a short sleeve shirt today, so his biceps show. “Do you play any sports here?”
“No,” Ivan replies, tearing his gaze slide away. He wants to hate Alfred, but he’s finding it a little hard right now.
“Oh man, that’s such a shame. Big guy like you would be amazing in football! Probably better than me.”
Ivan doesn’t really know what to say to that. “Well, I used to play hockey in high school. So…very different skillset,” he supplies eventually, forcing another smile.
Alfred perks up. “Hockey, huh? That’s so cool. I used to do a bit of that with my brother, but it’s not big down here. I’m guessing you’re from out of state?” Ivan nods, so Alfred goes on. “Have you thought about joining any clubs?”
“Well, I’m doing pre-med, so I don’t know if I will have time to do sports,” Ivan says, letting his gaze focus on the gold necklace that disappears underneath Alfred’s shirt. It doesn’t feel like an appropriate place to stare either.
“There are lots of other clubs too. Actually, if you’re interested, I’m part of one that I think you’d like.” Alfred scuttles away to where his backpack is abandoned on the floor. He fishes out a blue piece of paper and hurries back. “It’s called Campus Pursuit. There’s a meeting tomorrow night, if you’re interested.”
Ivan stares at the poster, but it doesn’t provide much information beyond the name, a few generic sentences about socializing and community, and “there will be pizza!”
“It’s a great way to meet people, which I figure,” Alfred laughs, “maybe someone like you kinda needs.”
Ivan’s eyes narrow.
“I didn’t mean it in a bad way, I promise!” Alfred chuckles, placing one hand on Ivan’s arm. The gesture is so intentional that it startles Ivan into silence. “I just mean that since you transferred, and you seem kinda on the shy side, I think it would be a good way to meet people who are likeminded.”
Ivan’s not even sure what to focus on. Alfred’s warm palm on his bicep. Alfred’s relentless blue eyes. Or the bizarre use of the word likeminded. Perhaps he means nice? They just met, what else could he mean?
“That sounds…very interesting,” Ivan says uncertainly. After Alfred’s hand leaves, he gives another smile. “I will definitely think about it.”
“Please do!” Alfred chirps enthusiastically. He slips a phone out of his pocket. “Let me give you my number too. In case you have any questions about it or just wanna talk or something.”
“…Sure.” Ivan rattles off his number and he hears his phone ding from Alfred’s text. He doesn’t bother to check it though.
“I’m so glad I met you,” Alfred says out of the blue.
Ivan raises a brow. A part of him is waiting for this act to drop, but he’s starting to think that this isn’t an act after all.
“No, seriously! I think this was really meant to be. I can feel it,” Alfred adds, eyes sparkling.
“I—okay,” Ivan chuckles awkwardly. He picks up his other half of laundry and decides to just start filling another machine. Maybe Alfred will take the hint.
Whether he senses Ivan’s discomfort or not is unclear, but he does end up rushing back to his backpack. “Well, I gotta go. But seriously, let me know about tomorrow! I’d love to see you there.”
Ivan tells himself not to turn around and to just continue doing his task. Then, he hears footsteps walking behind him.
“See you later, Ivan!” Alfred says.
Ivan ends up waving his hand anyway. “Bye, Alfred.”
The door shuts. And the rumble of the room full of laundry machines continues. Ivan finishes his second load of laundry before unwittingly glancing at the blue paper again.
Campus Pursuit. Alfred didn’t even say what the club was about. Maybe it’s some sort of social club? Or career prep? Volunteering, even? Ivan wishes there was at least some sort of description on the flyer beyond what food would be provided.
Ivan lets out a huff and crumples the paper before tossing it onto the floor. He starts the second washing machine and picks up his hamper and detergent to bring it back to the dorm while he waits. He makes it as far as the door before he stops.
Ivan begrudgingly marches back to the flier and unfolds it again. His lips purse as he reads over the text.
A good way to make friends, is it?
Ivan doesn’t make up his mind right away. He thinks about it before bed, and then again over breakfast the next morning. He’s dining by himself in the cafeteria this time. Matthew was sleeping in, but he said they should get lunch later.
So, Ivan sips his tea by himself in the corner of the cafeteria and pretends to look over one of his books. But in reality, he keeps looking at everyone else. They all seem so happy. And friendly.
Ivan’s last university was too large for such a close-knit atmosphere. Ivan could count on two hands the people he knew in his last program. He thought he hated how anonymous it was, but he’s finding the alternative maybe more difficult.
He really hates being alone.
And that’s how he finally pulls out his phone and sends Alfred a text.
Ivan: Okay, I think I will go to the meetup tonight
He doesn’t get a reply until he’s walking out of his first class, but it’s as enthusiastic as Alfred is in real life.
Alfred: That’s awesome, dude!!!
Alfred: I’m so excited. You’re going to love it
Ivan considers asking more questions about what to expect, but then he thinks it will make it seem like he cares more than he does so he just leaves their exchange like that. Strangely, he does feel a little excited. Maybe it’s just Alfred’s enthusiasm rubbing off on him. And for all Ivan knows, that’s probably fake, but it does work.
By the time lunch rolls around, Ivan finds himself in a much better mood knowing he has plans later.
He settles at a booth with his sandwich and waves Matthew over when he sees him.
“Hey,” Matthew greets with an easy smile. He has a sweatshirt and jeans today. His hair is pulled back into a small ponytail. “Sorry I missed you this morning. I don’t have classes until one, so I slept in a bit. How’s your day been so far?”
Ivan glosses over his classes with small anecdotes about odd professors and too many reading assignments.
“I don’t know how you manage such a heavy workload. I don’t think I can survive without my sleep,” Matthew jokes as he cuts into his chicken. “Oh, before I forget. My friends and I are going out tonight if you want to come? It’s nothing crazy. We’re just going to see a movie, I think. Maybe dinner.”
“I would love to, but I actually think I’m going to a club meeting tonight,” Ivan smiles.
“A club? Oh, that’s cool. I’m also thinking of joining something. Which one is it?” Matthew asks curiously.
“It’s called Campus Pursuit? Someone told me about it yesterday, so I think I’m going to go,” Ivan explains, feeling happy he gets to share something new for once.
It doesn’t elicit the reaction he was hoping for however. Matthew’s expression smooths over so quickly that Ivan’s not even sure what he saw.
“Have you heard of it?” Ivan asks, leaning forward a little. “It could be nice to go toge—”
“Yeah, I’ve heard of it,” Matthew clips, fixing his gaze onto his plate. His knife scratches the surface. “Thanks for the offer, but it’s not really my thing.”
“Ah, I see.” Ivan deflates into his seat and goes back to eating his sandwich. It’s probably asking too much of Matthew to spend time with him at a club as well. He should have known.
“I hope you have fun though,” Matthew says after a while, flashing a smile. “I’m sure there are some nice people there.”
Ivan’s spirits lift a little, and the conversation shifts onto a different subject for the rest of lunch.
By the time he finishes his afternoon class and arrives back at the dorm, Ivan can genuinely say he was looking forward to meeting up with Alfred and the rest of the club. Sure, part of him was nervous, but it’s been a long time since Ivan’s been able to socialize with a group, and maybe it will feel more natural in a club setting.
Ivan checks the mirror in the room to fix his hair before pulling on a gray chore jacket. It’s still humid and sticky during the day, but at night it gets a little breezy, and Ivan feels strangely bare not to wear extra layers. Even if he might be a little warm, he prefers it this way.
With that, he takes off for the far side of campus where the meeting is being held. It’s supposed to be across from the football field, so it’s a bit of a walk, but Ivan doesn’t mind it. He’s a little worried to miss it, and even pulls out his phone to text Alfred, but then he sees a large white tent with several people milling about underneath. That must be it.
Ivan picks up his pace until he’s crossing the lawn. As he nears the group, he mentally prepares for the awkwardness and curious stares—always the worst part of meeting anyone—but surprisingly, neither happens.
“Hi! Are you here for Campus Pursuit? My name is Feliciana,” a cute brunette girl says, rushing forward. She wears a bright yellow dress, and her hair is pulled back in a ponytail.
It only takes a moment for Ivan to realize this is the girl Alfred is always talking to in religion class.
“Hi, uh yes, I’m Ivan,” he replies, offering a smile.
“Oh, Ivan! Yes, Alfie said you were coming! He said we have a class together too! I feel so silly for not saying hi earlier,” she trails off with a giggle and starts leading Ivan toward the group. “I’m so happy you’re here. Do you want any pizza? Soda? Water?”
“I’ll have some pizza,” Ivan says, though he doesn’t really feel hungry at all. He’s a little overwhelmed at how nice Feliciana is. And actually, how friendly everyone else seems to be. It takes forever to get to the table of food because everyone keeps stopping to say hello and ask Ivan’s name and what he’s studying.
“This pizza is from my family’s restaurant, so you know it will be the best,” Feliciana preens, handing over a paper plate with two slices of cheese pizza. “My family loves supporting what we do, so there will be a lot of pizza. Hopefully you don’t get sick of it.”
Ivan accepts the plate, but he’s left a little confused. “What do you mean?”
Feliciana bursts into laughter again. “You’re so right. How can anyone ever get sick of pizza!”
“No, I mean,” Ivan stops when another girl pulls Feliciana aside to talk. She looks nearly identical, so maybe they’re sisters. Only, this girl has darker hair and a brooding shadow over her eyes.
Ivan really wants to ask what this club does now. Maybe it’s some sort of volunteering thing? Ivan really isn’t looking for something that’s a huge time commitment. Hopefully this isn’t a mistake.
“Chiara, you’re being rude,” Feliciana chides. “I was talking to one of our new members.”
The other girl, Chiara, turns her hazel eyes toward Ivan and gives him a slow, appraising look. “You’re the one that Alfred was so excited about? You don’t seem very committed.”
Ivan blinks. “Um…”
“She doesn’t mean that, Ivan!” Feliciana cuts in quickly. She pokes her sister’s side. “He’s new and in need of community. We welcome everyone, remember?”
Chiara scowls at her shoes for a long moment. ”You’re right,” Chiara mumbles, her cheeks coloring. “I know what it’s like to experience spiritual dryness.”
Spiritual dryness?
Ivan is so befuddled by that phrasing he wonders if he’s having a hard time mentally translating. Even though it’s been years since he immigrated with his family and considered himself completely fluent.
“Oh, I know you still have your pizza, but here’s some info about what we’re talking about today. It’s pretty relaxed, so I’m sure you will be able to meet everyone,” Feliciana says, handing over a folded white sheet of paper.
“…'Growing in Your Walk With God',” Ivan reads aloud. Each word slowly sinks in as he says it. The pamphlet goes onto say who’s speaking, signing up for Bible study, and more information about how to spread the word of Jesus.
“Ivan!”
He turns towards his name and sees Alfred approaching. His eyes are bright blue and his skin is radiant. This time he’s wearing jeans and a plain white t-shirt that hugs the muscles of his arms and torso. Ivan’s gaze catches on the gold necklace that usually hides underneath Alfred’s collar, only to find that this time the pendant is dangling free. And it’s a huge gold cross.
“I’m so happy to see you here,” Alfred beams. Since both of Ivan’s hands are occupied, Alfred takes the opportunity to wrap him in a tight hug. It doesn’t last long, and then that intense gaze is back. “I knew you wanted to strengthen your relationship with God. I can’t wait to go on this journey with you and see your faith restored.”
Ivan opens his mouth, but nothing comes out.