"Hey Joe! You coming over today?"

I had just returned from my first day in the university. I was on my way home when I ran into Joey, who was coming out of his house.

"Oh yeah, in fact, I was going to drop by for a few minutes later, after going to the church later in the evening. So how was your day in school?" Joey smiled.

I beamed at him. It was quite a miracle that I could manage to squeeze into any of the local universities because my grades were really quite average, despite having constant help from Joey.

I remembered the dilemma I was in when I had been choosing courses just before entering the university.

I didn't have much idea about what courses I should enroll for, or what areas my interests lie in. Initially I wanted to go for the art courses, specifically, majoring in Psychology.

I considered doing Science, as I had been rather interested in Chemistry. I even debated over whether I should go into teaching instead. However what I really picked eventually, was computer science. I surprised myself over my own decision, because I never really excel in mathematics. Oh, I was good all right, but not as good as a mathematician should be, or a computer scientist for that matter. I didn't know if Joey had anything to do with my decision or if his teachings had any influence on my decision. All I knew was, I wanted to do something that was challenging and most of all, I wanted a job that I knew I would be secure in, in the sense that I knew I wouldn't have to worry about unemployment when I graduate. Times were so bad. Even though the economy would most probably pick up in a few years time and most likely will recover by the time I graduate; I didn't want to take any risk.

"Oh, it was okay I guess. Met a couple of friends from my old schools."

"Met any boy that caught your fancy?" Joey teased.

"I only have eyes for you Joe, don't you know that?" I winked at him.

Joey laughed and dismissed the topic. I usually used the same tactic whenever Joey brought up the subject of a boyfriend. Frankly speaking I was really quite satisfied with my life the way it was but Joey seemed convinced that I would meet the right guy some day who is going to sweep me off my feet before he could even blink.

At 19, most girls my age had been attached for at least once in their lives. I guess I belonged to the minorities.

That never really bothered me, until the day I set eyes on him.

The first time I saw him, he was sitting at one corner minding his own business. We were in the same tutorial class. He was a quiet person, had a small group of friends to himself and that is about all I can find out about him. At the first glance, most would say that he looked like any ordinary 22-year old guy the kind of boy-next-door type, you know what I mean?

He had all the fitting features of those kinds: a pair of golden-rimmed spectacles, average built, dresses smartly, and an aristocratic air about him that must've captured the hearts of many females, young or old. He was tall but he never slouched, not when I was looking at him anyway.

His name was Dante.

I didn't know what it was about him that sends my heart fluttering whenever I see him. All I know was that the last person who had similar effect on me was Joey. But then Joey was my cousin, my brother and most of all, my best friend.

With a handsome man like Joey as a frequent companion, I was a constant source of envy for many girls. Needless to say, they were unaware of Joey's occupation.

Because I had known Joey for many years, I was immune to men with good looks in general.

Perhaps that was also why I found Dante, with his ordinary looks, attractive in his own way. While most girls drool at men with faces like Tom Cruise, bodies like Sylvester Stallone and charisma like Harrison Ford, I personally prefer simple men with simple looks. Quite honestly I do not understand what the fuss was about. Simplicity is a form of beauty itself.

I wanted very much to get acquainted with Dante. But I also knew that what I needed was an opportunity. Which never came until when I was well into my second year, in an awkward situation.