Drawn to Obscurity

Chapter 1

I walk into class, the first one as always. My professor isn't even here yet. The layout of the classroom looks like it was inspired by the Starship Enterprise's Starfleet Bridge. Whoever designed this room has boldly gone where no designer has gone before. The professor's podium with a built-in computer and projector stood at the centre of the front, before two large black boards, while there were three rows of ache shaped tables with swivel chairs attached to those them, going up towards the back of the room, breaking in the center of the room because we had to have stairs in the center and on both sides of the room to allow students to sneak in. Like two doors on each side could provide students with a way to sneak in.

So, naturally, everyone dubbed it The Star Trek Room.

It's on the first floor of the University, not far from the east side doors with a beautiful garden and a pathway leading to the sidewalk. It's in the same corridor as the student center, which happens to be the cafeteria, and below the library that's on the second floor.

In other words; these are my favorite areas to relax.

Some more early birds come into class a few seconds after I take my usual spot, second row, to the left of the room (as you're coming in), closer to the center of the class. The professors single you out, not by where you're sitting, but whether you participate or not in the discussions; so it doesn't matter where I sit. So, I sit in a place that's more or less directly in front of the boards, but with a comfortable elevation so I don't have to look up so much.

More students fill the classroom and they're all regulars. I'm vigilant, so I always recognize a new face to the class. About once a week, there's a new face and I predict that will continue to happen until we reach the deadline week to sign up for classes, which is in two weeks. I don't know why it's so late; we've already had four classes which one class is about an hour and a half.

In other words, it's a total of six hours. In my beliefs, you missed too much, so good luck next semester. However, I'm not the administration; I'm just a student.

There's about ten minutes before the professor walks in, so the early birds are all here; it's a couple of minutes before the on-timers get in.

I did say I was vigilant.

I doodle while I wait patiently for class to begin. I pretty much doodle whatever comes into my head. Last week, I sketched a pretty wicked lynx during my health psychology class and yesterday, during my Shakespeare class, I drew fried eggs in a frying pan. Mostly, I draw things that are currently interesting in my life, like mythical creatures or symbols, stemming from this Classics course I'm taking.

We're learning nothing but Greek Mythology.

I love Greek Mythology.

At the moment, I'm drawing another Pegasus. When I was a child, I had a phase where my favorite animals were the Unicorn and the Pegasus, and if there was a horse with both a horn and wings, I was overjoyed.

Yesterday, I successful drew a Knot of Hercules, which is also known as the marriage-knot; a healing charm in ancient Egypt, but a protective amulet in ancient Greece and Rome. However, it was still used as a wedding symbol, worn by the bride and ceremonially untied by the groom, hence the phrase tying the knot. I had a hard time drawing that symbol and it doesn't help when I'm a perfectionist when it comes to drawing.

I look at my watch and at the door where the barely-making-it-to-class students are coming in with five minutes to spare. They consider that early. I consider that giving myself a heart attack.

I go over my drawing of a Pegasus as the professor walks in with about a couple of minutes to spare. Dr. Jeffrey Kinsley is really funny with a pretty laid-back attitude, but God forbid you have that attitude with your assignments. It'll be one of the two doors hitting your ass on your way out.

Just as Dr. Kinsley is ready to begin another exciting lesson on Greek Mythology, more specifically the birth of the Gods, perhaps such as Athena and Aphrodite which is what I'm hoping for but won't be disappointed if its otherwise, a new face walks into the classroom. This guy is clearly the last one in and because he's new, Dr. Kinsley says nothing, assuming the same thing as me; he's just checking out this class.

He sits behind me, a seat over to the right after I had a good look at him, which he also got a good look at me, since our eyes met for a second before I looked away. He's tall with a great solid build. He seems to be in his early thirties with shoulder length blond hair and icy blue eyes, hence why I looked away. His eyes are beautiful, but piercing. This guy had a black backpack casually slung over one shoulder, wearing a stylish black trench coat over a white American Eagle t-shirt with snug dark wash jeans, fitting nicely over these large black leather boots.

The guy is hot! However, I'm sure he's heard that often and isn't here to pick out a date for Friday night. Plus, I have to begin a few assignments; before I know it, they'll all be due tomorrow. Deadlines come pretty fast.

Dr. Kinsley begins and I don't dare doodle. It's not that I don't hear what my professors are saying; it's just that I want to pay attention to every detail of this class. However, the same can't always be said for my classmates, so those around me stare at my doodles. For example, the girl beside me who likes to switch seats all the time smiles at me, pointing at my Pegasus.

"Awesome." She whispers and I nod, mouthing a Thank you in reply.

This class today is covering both the beginning of the Gods and the birth of specific Gods. However, the later is up to us to share in groups of two. I personally don't care for pairing with classmates, since most of them have friends in their classes.

I don't.

"Hey, Pegasus Girl." Says a sexy masculine voice. I turn to find the source of that voice, as I know it's behind me, and part of me feels rigid. I know before I see those icy blue eyes staring right at me. Holy crap, his facial features are so sharp; I feel like he's angry even if he's giving me a small awkward smile. "Partners?" he asks and I smile awkwardly in return, nodding.

He comes down as the girl beside me moved to the other side of the class with a hot-but-not-as-hot-as-my-partner guy. He sits down and gives me a warmer smile.

"I'm Zeke." He says, looking into my eyes. I want to look away, because I can't seem to maintain eye contact with newly acquainted people for more than a couple of seconds, but his eyes captivate me for some strange reason.

"Leland." I reply and he looks down at my drawing.

"That's nice." He says and my smile brightens.

"Thanks." I reply and he beats me to the question that will prompt us to talk before our ten minutes are up.

"So, your favorite birth?" he asks and I nod, thinking of only one because the Goddess born fascinates me since we studied Greek Mythology in high school.

"When Leto was pregnant with Zeus' twins, Apollo and Artemis, Hera was very upset, to say the least." I begin and his lips casually broaden into a soft smile. He's very handsome when he smiles; he loses that piercing gaze that makes me want to avert my eyes. "She didn't want any shelter to be available to Leto, but Leto went to the island of Delos and delivered Artemis, who then acted as a midwife to her mother, delivering Apollo." I conclude and Zeke's smile remains. In order to avoid any awkward silence, I just keep talking. "I've researched it quite a bit and all sources have different details in any myth I've read. One source claims Apollo was born first whereas most say it was Artemis. Another source tells that she replaced Hera's daughter, Eileithyia, Goddess of Childbirth, who Hera wouldn't allow to help Leto." I say and he lets out a soft laugh, which is sort of surprising, but I can't help but do the same, feeling a little embarrassed, looking away to fix the strand of hair that's already tucked behind my ear.

"You admire Artemis." He says and I look back at him with a smile.

"In high school, my art teacher wanted us to study Greek Mythology and she asked my English teacher if we could do the same in his class, so we would have more time to research. We had to choose a God or Goddess and I was thinking of choosing Athena, but then decided to take the chance to learn something new. So I chose Artemis because she was the feminist of her time and, at such an impressionable age, I found that to be very admirable." I reply which makes him laugh again. I know he's not being cruel; he's simply enjoying my enthusiasm, which is why it's a little embarrassing. "And you?" I ask, only to have Dr. Kinsley announce that the ten minutes are up.

Most of the time, I wish for time to speed up, but this time, I've never been so disappointed that time can go so fast.

"The birth of Zeus." He replies just before that girl, Missy I think is her name, returns, looking at us with surprise. He walks behind me and goes back up to his seat. I remain in my spot, smiling like an idiot.

One, I embarrassed myself by being a nerd, only to have him find it cute. Two, I spoke for all of ten minutes while he listened. And three, his reply was the birth of Zeus. In a way, I'm not surprised; the last of Cronus' children who he hadn't eaten, thanks to Rhea who tricked him. Zeus grew up and killed his father, freeing his siblings, becoming the King of Olympus.

You have to love the limitless possibilities of mythology.

I try really hard to focus on Dr. Kinsley, but I can't thwart the desire to doodle. And what do I doodle?

The symbols of the twelve Olympians major deities of the Greek pantheon, as well as Dionysus and Hades (because sources, once again, vary on the details and I don't want to leave them out); the lightning bolt for Zeus, the peacock for Hera, the trident for Poseidon, the fireplace for Hestia, some wheat for Demeter, the owl for Athena, the Moon with a bow and arrow for Artemis (she gets two doodles because she's my favorite), the lyre for Apollo, the dove for Aphrodite, the hammer for Hephaestus, the sword for Ares (because I can't do a wild boar without it looking like a cartoon), the Caduceus for Hermes, some grapes for Dionysus and a skull for Hades (because pomegranates would end up looking like an apple).

"Are you listening, Leland?" Dr. Kinsley asks, which makes me stiffen, looking at him with a bit of terror on my face for being thrust into the spotlight. However, I give a smile.

"Yes, Dr. Kinsley. Don't build your thesis on one source." I reply and he gives a slight nod, content that I was paying attention. Everyone else, I can imagine, are thinking of me as a nerd.

I don't care.

"As you know, different sources have some details that others don't." he adds, continuing with his lesson. I know why he singled me out; not because I was doodling, but because he recognized my passion for Greek Mythology and knows I take his class seriously.

Okay, maybe he's not the type to believe those who doodle still do pay attention.

He probably believes that now.

I step out of the east side doors with an hour before my next class. Dr. Kinsley's class is my favorite one and the others, which are great, but not nearly as exciting, hence why I feel the need to doodle so much.

I guess.

The sun is bright with a clear sky. I pull out my sunglasses from the front pouch of my messenger bag slung on my right side. It's quiet outside, mainly because it's noon hour and everyone has stopped for a moment to eat. I could have gone to the student center, but my apartment is just down the street with cupboards full of food I don't have to pay to eat.

As I'm walking down the street, listening to the birds that chirp and the crows that squawk, I feel really happy. It's simple moments like this where I find serenity in my busy life.

And I'm not just talking about University.

At eighteen, my parents gave me the boot; told me to go out on my own and I didn't have very much in my bank account. I had to work during high school at the stupid convenience store in our town that gets robbed at least one a couple of years. Then, I had to find an apartment next to the University because I don't have a car. I work during evenings and weekends at the bookstore not far from the University, which is great because the owner is really flexible.

Then, there's my boyfriend. If he dumped me, I don't think I'd cry. I'd sit down in front of my television with ice cream and feel relieved. He was one of my classmates in our senior year and he asked me out at our graduation. However, with work and University these last two years, he's not very happy that I haven't made much time for him.

I can count on my hand the amount of times I invited him to my apartment.

I think I love him, but it's hard to tell. Do I feel a connection? I think I did when we first started going out, but now I don't think we're in love. He complains I don't make time, but neither does he. If he expects me to put him as my first priority, than he picked the wrong girl. He should have known that; I always put my future first.

Walking back to my apartment with the warm September sun on my face, the light breeze that blows against me, and the crows that aren't afraid when I come close; serenity.

I like the crows. On the brighter side, they symbolize magic, mystery and destiny. On the darker side, they're a bad omen and represent death. Every time I have moldy bread, I feed it to the crows.

Maybe that's why they aren't threatened when I walk so close by.

I walk up the steps of my apartment block, using this key that the scanner scans, unlocking the door for me. I'm on the first floor, first door to the right. I usually check my mailbox, but I'm only thinking of my stomach at the moment.

I insert the key into the doorknob and give it a turn, walking in. My little palace looks comfortable with the curtains open, letting in the rays of sunshine. I can see the dust dancing around; reminding me I need to clean more often. There's the kitchen to my right, my bedroom and bathroom to the left and across from me is a small corridor that brings me to the living room.

I leave my messenger back on my desk, which is in the living room, turn on the television for some noise, and walk into the kitchen. I have some leftover fettuccine alfredo in the fridge. While that's heating in the microwave, I switch my binder and books. On my desk, my answering machine shows no messages. I have a cell phone, but wanted a phone and answering machine for the apartment just in case. I always found that to be practical.

As I switch binders, my mind goes back to Zeke. Why had he chosen me for our ten minute discussion? Why did he find me so amusing?

If Zeke is interested in me, I'm totally telling Steve we're over.