Chapter 2

Cody had two more classes that day so he was kept busy trying to get all the details in on how the semester would shape up. When it was time for supper, he headed to the dining hall attached to his dorm and found a place to sit with his tray. He always watched what he ate here. Thankfully on weekends he was usually back up at the cabin, splitting wood and going for hikes, helping the Rangers…it kept the 'Freshman 15' off, but he didn't take chances though. Tonight was roasted chicken and new potatoes, a bowl of sliced fruit and a sugar cookie.

He pulled out his notebook as he chewed on a potato and flipped it open to the first page that was for his class in range and forest plants he'd taken. His mind drifted back to the moment he realized Bella was blind. He'd been talking to her at least twenty minutes before the end of class and never picked up that she was. He thought about the way she had 'looked' at him, her movements and the grace of her facial and body expressions. She had obviously taken great pains over the years to learn how to move. The couple of blind people he'd met over the years in passing had a stilted way of walking, their eyes looking off into unknown directions or their body and facial movements were 'off' because they were not conscious of their 'self'. She apparently was.

He had a meeting with her tonight at the library and he silently wondered how this 'partnership' was going to work out. Didn't she need eyes to be able to identify plants? What was her story? Everyone had a story. Hell, he had a story. Being a Criminal Justice major with a minor in Range and Forestry management made a few raise an eyebrow. He knew, however, that whatever he took in college would help him in the job of being a Ranger. Sure, he had to try out and there was no guarantee he'd get in but with his background and experience, he wasn't too worried about it. Besides, he still had a year of schooling left before he was willing to commit to anything other than his degree.

Supper didn't take long as he reviewed his notes from his classes. Feeling satisfied he had refreshed his memory of the days' discussions he took his tray to the wash stand and emptied it before putting it on the cart. He shouldered his pack and headed outside to walk the two blocks to the library. It had been a rather warm summer for once and though he wasn't in his mountains, he could see them in the distance, obscured somewhat due to the haze of the lazy summer evening and the pollution in the air. They were always there and he only had to look southeast to glimpse them.

Entering the library, he made his way upstairs to the student center where you could talk but still had to keep your voice low. The library hadn't been redecorated in some time. Cody had laughed when he thought that it looked like something had swallowed the 70's and threw it up on the second floor. The chairs were all orange or brown colored. The walls had posters that were faded by the sun that came in through the windows. Lighting fixtures hung down from the ceiling had that brown faux wood look, not to mention the statue and wall art that screamed 70's.

He looked around to see if Bella was already here as there were only a few students sat around reading or doing homework. He pulled out his book and notepad, found a pencil and then waited. He opened the textbook and scanned through the chapters that were to be read before Wednesday. He was about to start reading chapter two when movement to his right caught his eye. Bella was walking slowly up the steps, graceful and relaxed as if she did this every day of her life. Her cane was folded up in her hand in case she needed it but she seemed familiar with her surroundings.

He got up and walked towards her, willing to guide her to his table. As he approached, she came to the top landing and walked forward. She stopped within a few feet of him, "Hello Cody," she said quietly.

Cody blinked, "How did you…," he asked before he realized what he was about to say and blushed.

She chuckled softly, "You have a very distinctive…smell."

He looked at her, perplexed. "Hey, I bathed this month," he said light heartedly.

She shook her head and laughed, "No. I mean I could tell it was you by the type of soap you use and shaving gel, plus you smell like fresh air as if your clothes were line dried."

Cody ah'd, "Sorry. Just never…." He stopped, unsure of how to continue.

Bella smiled, "Never…had someone identify you by smell before, correct?" she asked.

Cody nodded then reminded himself she couldn't see it and spoke, "Yeah." He was quiet for a moment before continuing, "Hey, I've already got us a table."

She held out her hand to him, "Lead the way my good man," she said jokingly as he placed her hand on his arm and walked towards the table, making sure there were no obstacles in her way.

Once at the table, he took her hand and placed it on the back of the chair next to him. "Here we are," he said and moved to his seat to sit down. She pulled out her chair and sat gracefully, pulling the backpack from her shoulders and pulling out the tape recorder. She set it on the table, but didn't turn it on.

An odd quiet settled about the table. Cody wanted to ask her a few questions about her handicap and how she thought she could take this class but he was afraid of insulting her. Bella finally solved the problem for him. "I'm sure you're wondering how I can take a class in plant identification when I have no sight."

He nodded, "Yeah, I uh….I don't mean to be rude but don't you need to see to be able to identify the plants?"

Her smile was quiet, causing a soft flush to come to her cheeks. "Most would think so but they often forget there are other senses I can use to make up for my loss of sight. Smell is the major one. Each plant, each person, each organic thing on this earth has a scent, no matter how subtle. Each has a texture that can be felt. Oh and don't forget about taste. My sense of hearing is also very acute. I use all of these to help me get around and tell what my surroundings are like and who or what is in proximity to me."

Cody listened in fascination. "I'd be afraid of sensory overload," he said quietly.

She shrugged, "You learn to adapt, know what to listen to and what to block out. Strangely enough, it's the same with smell."

He was quiet for a few moments, "I have to tell you Bella, I had no idea you were blind when we met this morning in class until you pulled out your cane. I've seen other blind people and they move in a stilted way and often look as though they are looking off in some odd direction."

Bella blushed a little, "My parents are...how shall I put it, dissatisfied that I was born blind. They took great pains to make me appear normal so not to 'shock' anyone that might come to visit. So I was taught how to dance, how to play piano, how to control my eyes and facial features, to control my movements…all for appearances and to make them look good."

Cody looked at her, trying to imagine what life must have been like for her when she was little. "Well it's obviously worked well in your favor."

She laughed, "I guess so. I've actually had people accuse me of only pretending to be blind."

He raised an eyebrow, "Oh really? Anyway, thanks for explaining things to me. What do you need me to do to help you with this class?" he asked.

She smiled with a touch of shyness, "Be patient. I may be able to use my other senses to identify things but it takes me a little longer because I have to put everything together to get an end result. Plus, help me get a hold of plants that I can handle to learn from since again, it takes time to process all of the input."

Cody smiled, "I think I can manage that," he said. "So, what's it to be for our first project?" he asked, going right into the reason they were here.

TBC -