When Joe met Renee

 

“No one warned me how hard the first semester was going to be,” Joe said as they walked to their cars.

“You just didn’t listen to any of the warnings,” Arthur replied, shaking his head. “Everyone told you it would be a different level than high school was.”

“Whatever,” Joe grumbled. “I’m just glad it’s done. It’d be nice if the snow would’ve held off until after we got home.”

“If you were paying attention when I showed you how to use your magic, you wouldn’t have these issues.”

“I was paying attention!” Joe said. “I have a lot on my plaaaah.”

“Notice how I haven’t had any issues,” Arthur said, crossing his arms and looking down at his best friend.

Joe lay there, blinking up at him. He hadn’t fallen flat like that in years. He groaned as he shifted. Arthur still had his arms crossed. He wasn’t making any effort to help him up. Joe knew he should be listening to whatever he was saying. He knew he would regret it later, but Joe just couldn’t focus on it. He pushed himself up. At least sitting was better than laying spread eagle in the quad.

“Are you alright?” someone asked from behind him.

“Yeah, just thought I’d take a break,” Joe said as he turned to look at the woman.

She had a mischievous glint in her eye as she tried to suppress the grin. Her gloved hand was working to keep her long blonde hair from blowing in her face.

“He’s fine,” Arthur said. “Just not paying attention to what he’s doing. I’m Arthur.”

“Renee,” she said with a grin. “Looked like quite the fall.”

“Meant to,” Joe said as he hauled himself back to his feet, much less smoothly than he had hoped. “Joe. It’s nice to meet you.”

He held his hand out, but before she could take it, he slipped again. She tried to hold it back, but the laughter bubbled up. Arthur had no such qualms about laughing outwardly.

“I’ve got to get to an exam,” Renee said. “You going to make it to wherever you’re going alright?”

“Mhmm. It’ll be fine,” Joe said, staring up at the cloud-filled sky.

“If it happens again, I’ll call for them to bring him a cart,” Arthur said with a smile.

“Good deal,” she said. “It was nice to meet you, too.”

Joe watched her hurry off toward one of the buildings, not slipping even once.

“That could’ve been the woman of my dream,” Joe said as Arthur helped him up. 

“If that’s true, you’ll run into her again. But try to stay on your feet.”

“Hilarious,” Joe said as they continued to the parking lot.