Is this destiny?

~ Los Angeles, UCLA ~

Wednesday

11:54 AM

Masika is sitting in a classroom and listening to the professor who is summarizing what will be needed for the exam.

It is the last lecture for the course: quantum mechanics.

Masika is seated front and center, per Sarah's recommendation. Masika remembers that Sarah told her how she can take the class from home, and if she is going in person, she needs to make the most of it. "Sitting in the back is not recommended for diligent students because everyone there is whispering and exchanging notes and it's difficult to focus, and the middle is crowded. The best spot which will force you to pay attention is front and center."

Masika, like all other kids from the Cliffside Villa, is studying remotely, taking classes online, or learning on her own. Sometimes, she would ask for help, and if no one can provide assistance, then she gets a tutor.

Sarah encouraged Masika to take some classes in person. "You are a college-level student, it's the right time for new experiences. It will help you see something different, meet new people. Who knows, maybe you like it…"

Masika didn't like that idea at first, but now she must admit that the experience was rewarding. She met new people and she got a chance to see firsthand how standardized education works. Masika dislikes that she can't speed up the professor's lecture or repeat if she missed something. She can do that when she watches a recording from her PC. However, she likes the atmosphere before and after the lecture, when students gather and chat casually. 

Back to the present…

"…I can be reached via email, and I'm available for in-person consultations on Thursdays. Good luck on the exam." Professor ended the class with these words.

Masika took a deep breath and stood up while emotions swirled inside her. The lectures for this course are over, and she will never get to experience sharing a classroom with more than a hundred other students who are interested in quantum mechanics.

After this, Masika can take courses focused on quantum technology and quantum information, which are her goal. She didn't decide if she will take them in person or online. Every approach has its benefits and drawbacks.

"Masika! Will you join us for a drink?" Albert almost shouted, making Masika stop advancing toward the exit.

Masika met Albert's expectant eyes and based on his heavy breathing, she concluded that he ran from the back of the classroom to catch up with her before she leaves.

They are classmates and Albert was always nice and willing to help her, even though she does not need help.

Masika glanced behind Albert and saw a few more students approaching them. She knows who they are, Albert's friends. It would not be the first time for them to hang out after class.

Masika thought if she should accept or not. Her schedule is open for the next few hours, and her opinion of Albert is good. Also, considering that she is not a full-time on-campus student, who knows when she will see him next time. Unless they end up taking the same course again (and she comes in person), there is a chance that this is goodbye.

"Sure. Where are we going?"

Albert's face exploded into a smile. Masika caught his eye from day one, but there was a scary guy by Masika's side (aka Zack) who glared at him (and everyone else who dared to come close), so Albert didn't dare to make a move on Masika. But this is the last day, and if he misses this chance, there is a strong possibility that he will not get another one. And Masika accepted his invitation!

He winked playfully before luring Masika with a promise of what is to come: "The café has new vanilla and chocolate parfait. It has strawberries, bananas, caramel, and…"

"I'm in!" Masika exclaimed with sparkles in her eyes.

Albert chuckled. He knows that Masika likes sweets.

"What is your plan for the rest of the day?" Albert asked while walking next to Masika.

Others were two steps behind them. Albert told them earlier to be around, so that Masika does not think it's just the two of them, but not too close to intrude. Also, if things go well, his friends have a duty to disappear silently. They are something like background characters.

"Uhm… Today?" Masika hesitated before responding: "Nothing much."

Masika didn't want to say that today is her birthday because then it would be a big deal. And if she mentions that in the evening there is a party at the Cliffside Villa, it would be awkward if she does not invite Albert and his friends.

Albert stepped to the side, allowing Masika to walk out the exit first before asking: "You don't have plans? How about we go to the beach and… chill?"

Masika was not sure if this is an invitation for a date or not, but before she got a chance to respond, a deep voice came from the side: "She will not chill with you."

Albert turned toward the voice and froze.

"Zack?" Masika was pleasantly surprised to see him.

Zack was leaning on the wall next to the exit and looking cool with flowers in his hand.

Masika smiled. "Why are you here?"

Zack straightened his posture, and his glare moved from Albert to Masika while his gaze softened. "Happy birthday."

Masika blinked at the bouquet of roses Zack was offering her.

She was not sure if it was his voice, his gaze, his smile, or the flowers... but she inhaled a choppy breath and robotically accepted the flowers. "Thank you."

"Can I help you with your bag?" Zack asked.

Masika handed him her backpack. "Thank you."

Zack thought how her confused expression is cute. But he was elated that from the moment he announced his presence, Masika completely ignored that nobody (aka Albert) who is standing there like a statue, obviously intimidated by Zack. How can a man be such a wimp? He is not worthy of Masika, and he should scram… or Zack will make him.

Despite his dark thoughts, Zack smiled warmly at Masika. "I made a reservation for lunch. Are you interested?"

Masika paused while her brain processed this information. She didn't expect to see Zack after class. And he brought flowers and remembered her birthday and even made a reservation for lunch. How can she refuse?

"Thank you.", was the only thing Masika could say.

Zack chuckled. "Let's go…"

Masika followed after him, and she was surprised when he stopped.

"Aren't you going to say goodbye to your friend?"

Masika's expression showed that Zack reminded her of something she forgot. She forgot about Albert!

She turned to Albert and his friends who now stood several steps behind him. "Uhm… sorry. I guess I have plans. Maybe next time we can get that drink."

Albert could not believe that Masika just ditched him like that. And it was not a drink, it was a parfait!

He saw that scary guy (aka Zack) a few times with Masika before or after class, but he didn't show up lately, so Albert assumed that Zack is not important. But Albert didn't miss the change in Masika when she saw Zack. She was focused on Zack, completely ignoring everyone else.

Albert exhaled in defeat and turned to his friends. "I guess she is not joining…"

He cursed internally for not knowing that it's Masika's birthday. That was the perfect opportunity to show off and he blew it.

Albert's friends crowded around him while trying to comfort him.

Masika looked at Zack who had an unreadable expression. "What?"

Zack told himself to calm down. It's Masika's birthday and he should not cause them to bicker. But he had to say something. "I thought that you are coming here to study, and I find you going on a date with some random guy."

Masika's eyes widened. "Date? There is no date. Albert is a classmate who invited me for a drink after class. I thought of going because I don't have anything else planned, and this was our last lesson."

"He invited you to the beach." Zack grumbled.

"I didn't accept." Masika reminded Zack.

"You didn't reject either."

"You didn't give me a chance to say anything." Masika pouted for a second and then smiled. She does not want to talk about Albert or to bicker with Zack. For some reason, she knows that Zack is not angry. Why would he be angry? Is it possible that he is jealous? She dismissed that idea.

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