Chapter 5 – Haley #2
I keep my reply simple and tell him I’m majoring in political science and history.
He tells me he’s in his second year, and that he’s a finance major. He says his father owns a private equity firm in Chicago. “I’ll be joining my dad’s firm when I graduate. I’m taking this class to fulfill my science requirement.”
“Same.”
“So, which dorm are you in?” he asks again. “I didn’t catch it the first time.”
That’s because I didn’t answer him.
But, he’s nothing if not persistent as he waits for me to answer.
“Faulkner Hall,” I finally reply.
He smiles. “What a coincidence. So am I. What floor on you on?”
“The third floor.”
“I’m on the fourth, right above you.”
I don’t know how to respond to that, but fortunately, I don’t have to because Ms. Davis turns on the projector, dims the lights, and begins class. “Let’s go over the ground rules first, shall we?”
For the rest of the period, I focus on the instructor and take copious, detailed notes, mostly to keep myself busy. I keep my eyes on the projector screen in front of the room and on my tablet. More than once, I feel Mark’s eyes on me instead of where they should be.
As expected, we’ll be completing lab assignments in pairs, and it looks like I’m stuck with this guy for the rest of the term.
When class is over, the lights come back up, and the instructor turns off the projector.
Then she starts passing out a packet of papers.
“Here’s your first lab assignment. Read it over and be prepared to conduct the experiments listed in our next class.
Your lab partners are counting on you, so do your part.
Participation is forty percent of your grade, so don’t think you can blow this off. ”
Ms. Davis hands two packets to Mark.
As Mark hands one to me, his fingers intentionally brush mine. “How about we go get a coffee somewhere and review the lab assignment so we’re prepared for the next class?”
“Sorry, I can’t. I’m busy.” Doing homework.
“Too bad.” He smiles, but it seems forced. “Another time, then. I guess I’ll see you in class Wednesday, unless I see you sooner. Since we’re in the same dorm building, we’ll probably cross paths a lot.”
As I’m packing up my stuff, a dark-haired, petite curvy girl sitting at the table in front of ours turns back to me and smiles. As she stands, she accidentally knocks her notebook onto the floor. I pick it up and hand it to her.
“Thanks,” she says. “I’m Andrea, and this is Christian.” She gestures to the blond guy at her table. He’s in the process of inserting earbuds in his ears.
“What?” he says a bit too loudly. I’m sure he can’t hear us because of the music blasting in his ears. It’s loud enough I can hear it five feet away.
“Don’t mind Christian,” the girl says. “He’s a dork.”
I laugh. “I’m Haley. It’s nice to meet you.”
“If you want to form a study group, count me in,” she says. “This is my second time taking this class. I have to pass it this time, and I need all the help I can get.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
After class, I return to my dorm room to get a head start on homework. The room is empty—Melissa must be in class still—so I have the place to myself.
A while later, I’m sitting on my bed reading my history assignment when I hear a key in the lock.
The door opens, and Melissa walks in. “Haley, hi!” she says, slightly winded. She’s wearing a track suit and sneakers, and there’s a gym bag slung over her shoulder.
“Hey. Did you just come from gym class?”
“Track practice. I’m here on a track scholarship. We’re holding open tryouts this week. Any interest in joining? It’d be nice to have a friend on the team.”
I laugh. “Trust me, you wouldn’t want me. I have two left feet.”
After Melissa grabs a bottle of tea from the mini fridge, she plops down onto her bed, unscrews the cap, and takes a long drink. “I’m parched. We ran five miles today. Seriously, you should consider joining track. It’s good exercise and a great way to meet new people.”
“Thanks, but I’ve met my quota for meeting new people already.”
She laughs. “I can relate. I’m an introvert too.” After she downs half of her bottle of tea, she recaps it and puts it back in the fridge. “I’m off to the showers. See you later.”
Not long after she leaves, I get a text message from Philip. I’ve been so tempted to text him all day, but he’s working, and I don’t want to interrupt him.
Philip – I hope your day is going well
Me – It is. How about yours?
Philip – Fine. Jake has me staking out a bank comptroller suspected of embezzling a small fortune. Right now I’m watching him eat a burger and fries he got at a drive-thru. What are you up to?
Me – I’m reading my history assignment
Philip – That sounds fun → insert sarcasm here. Can I see you tonight? I’ll come by your dorm if that’s ok
Me – I would love that.
Philip – How about 6? I’ll take you out to dinner
Me – that sounds perfect
Philip – will your roommate be there?
Me – Probably LOL
Philip – ok I’ll behave this time
I still blush at the memory of Melissa walking in on us when we were making out on my bed. It’s probably a good idea for both of us to knock before we walk in. Just in case.