Chapter 28 Owen
D esks and tables are pushed back into their clusters after a lively discussion on our reading from last night. Some of the students are still debating the motives of the characters which makes me smile.
I hear one of the cross-country captains mention their upcoming meet and my mind goes right back to happy hour and what I agreed to this weekend.
Running.
I can run. In theory.
Well, I work out every morning, so I should be able to go for a run with two friends. Even if they are two friends who regularly run.
Right?
Maybe they don’t run that far, or that often. There’s a chance I might be less winded than either of them. Okay, that’s highly unlikely since they run together and I…well I simply don’t.
Why the hell did I do this to myself?
“A reminder that you don’t have assigned reading this weekend, so I highly recommend dedicating some time towards choosing your region and time period. You need to have those to me by mid-week for planning out your final project this semester,” I say over the chatter.
“Mr. Wright?” Cicely comes up to me, bag packed and everything while everyone else is gathering their things.
“What can I do for you?”
“I have a counseling appointment for going over my college applications, during my free period, but since we’re done, I was wondering if I could pop by Ms. Edwards’s room to grab a few samples of my art.”
Poppy’s smile as she talked with students earlier this week distracts me for a split second, remembering the genuine enthusiasm and care so obvious to anyone observing.
“Of course,” I tell her, clearing my throat. “Let me know how the applications go. I know I didn’t go to an art program and can’t draw a stick figure, but I’ve been able to listen to some incredible artists at galleries in New York talk about their journeys.”
Her mouth drops open a little in surprise. “I’m so jealous.”
“We’ll have to chat about your favorite artists sometime. In fact, maybe your final project in this class could be related to the intersection of the literature and art worlds somewhere.”
“I will research that this weekend, absolutely,” she says.
“Go get those samples so you’re not late for your appointment, but we can talk on Monday.”
Cicely nods and walk-runs out of the room.
A few students have other questions, but mostly, everyone is enjoying a few minutes to relax while I see what’s new in my inbox and reply to a few emails.
“Alright, that’s it for today. Have a great weekend, class, and I’ll see you all next week.”
With that, my classroom empties out, students telling me to have a good weekend too. These seniors have been a great group so far. Of course, there are a few who try to push back, but things have gone smoother than I planned, which is phenomenal.
My mind drifts back to the potentially terrible decision I made last night and I pull out my phone.
Owen: What can I do between now and tomorrow morning so I can keep up with two runners for an undisclosed distance?
Graham: Why are you texting so early?
Owen: It’s 10am.
Graham: I had the closing shift at the bar last night, which means this is early.
James: The bars close at 10pm.
Graham: …
Owen: I feel like there’s more to this story, cousin.
Graham: Says the guy who wants to learn how to run in one day.
Owen: I know how to run, I just want to be able to do it for more than 30 seconds before I get winded. I haven’t gone for a run since college.
James: Owen, drink water all day today and eat a bunch of carbs tonight. Isn’t that what people do?
Graham: I don’t think that will magically give Owen endurance.
Brandon: What aren’t you sharing, G?
Brandon: And why is anyone running?
Owen: A friend invited me to go tomorrow morning. I said yes, and might be in over my head.
Brandon: It’ll be fine!
James: You didn’t get the route?
Owen: It was a happy hour, we didn’t go into details other than where and when to meet.
Brandon: I’m sure it’ll be casual.
Owen: Oh, and the sunrise is supposed to be lovely on the boardwalk.
James: The boardwalk in Honey Cove is long…
Owen: I’m all too aware right now of that fact.
Brandon: Boardwalk running is the best!
Owen: Have you gone?
Brandon: Nope! But it sounds great and you’ll be fine.
James: Aren’t you taking off soon?
Owen: Did you get the morning flight home?
Brandon: My wife was able to get our tickets switched to first class, she’s quite crafty.
Owen: That’s amazing!
James: Is it just me or is Graham typing us the next great American novel?
Owen: Maybe he fell asleep while in the middle of typing?
James: No, your text woke him up.
Graham: I had a date.
Brandon: WHAT?
James: With who?
Owen: Did your date have piercing blue eyes?
James: Wait, you’ve been typing forever, and that’s all we get?
Graham: It was after I got home and they might have been woken up by Owen’s text…
Graham: Yes, to Owen’s question.
Brandon: They stayed over?
James: Of course they did. Graham said his phone woke them up.
Owen: So the dance went well?
Brandon: What dance?
Graham: About that run you’re going on tomorrow morning, Owen…
James: I vote for beers Saturday night at Maple’s Moonshine. This conversation is getting ridiculous.
Owen: I can make it.
Graham: I’m in.
Brandon: My wife is coming back to her first class seat, so I’m putting my phone away.
Brandon: But I’ll see you all Saturday night.
James: I’ll pick you up at noon. I’m tracking your flight.
Well, if tomorrow morning goes terribly, then at least I can look forward to a night with my cousins.