Tasha stood still, staring at her ruined shoe and the spot where Liam had disappeared. She felt fire in her veins. "I can't believe that guy!" she fumed.
Sabrina put a hand on Tasha's arm. "Wow, he really is something. Don't let him ruin your first meal, though. Come on, let's get you new food."
They went back to the serving line. Tasha quickly chose some pizza and a side salad this time, being extra careful. She made sure not to look for Liam, but she felt his rude presence still hanging in the air.
After getting fresh plates, finding an empty table in the crowded cafeteria was hard. They finally found two empty seats near a window. The cafeteria was noisy with chatter and laughter.
"So, that guy," Sabrina began, taking a bite of her fries. "You called him infamous. Is he well-known for being a jerk around here?"
Tasha nodded, chewing angrily. "He must be. This is the third time he's bumped into me today, and he acts like I'm the problem. He's so arrogant!"
Sabrina chuckled. "Well, he definitely has a reputation. I heard about him even before I got here for orientation. They say he's one of the most brilliant students in his program, but also the most difficult. He doesn't care what anyone thinks."
"Great," Tasha mumbled, pushing a slice of pizza around her plate. "Just my luck. My first day at university, and I've already made an enemy."
"Enemy? Maybe just a campus annoyance," Sabrina laughed. "There are thousands of students here, Tasha. You probably won't even see him again."
Tasha wished that were true. She pictured Liam's annoyed face, his dark eyes that held no warmth. She just had a feeling. A bad feeling that their paths were going to cross again, whether she liked it or not.
"Anyway," Sabrina said, finishing her food. "Enough about him. We finished eating faster than your mum's breakfast timer! Now, what's next? Did you check your schedule? We should probably find our lecture halls before orientation."
Tasha sighed, shaking off her anger. Sabrina was right. She pulled out her phone and checked the university app. "Okay, let's see... 'Intro to Psychology' at nine AM, then 'Campus Orientation' at eleven."
"Perfect! My 'Intro to Digital Media' is at the same time," Sabrina said. "Let's head back to the dorm and drop off our bags, then we can find our first class buildings."
As they walked out of the loud cafeteria, Tasha felt a renewed sense of purpose. She was here to learn, to grow, and to start her independent life. She wouldn't let one rude guy spoil it. She just had to remember to look out for him. And maybe, just maybe, find a way to get back at him for her ruined shoe.