I’m not sure I’m capable of the kind of selflessness that Kendrick has every day. Even this trip at its core, beneath the mission to create more queer spaces around the world like RDU, he thought about how to make this happen without financially taxing the student ambassadors he wanted to bring with him.
I think I purchased a few items from the list of things we were told to bring that I didn’t already own. That’s the only money I’d spent out of pocket. I’ve spent some on the way and in town now, but I don’t have a lot of money, so I don’t have much to spend. Cody sent me a few hundred when I told him I was selected for this trip, but he can’t afford a lot either.
Maybe I still don’t entirely believe that I was chosen correctly. There are probably a hundred better candidates at RDU who would represent the school better. But this trip is giving me so much already. Not just the chance to explore a place I might never have visited in my entire life if not for this trip, but also Kendrick.
My eyes train on Kendrick once more, and I can’t stop thinking about how amazing he is. Everything I learn only reinforces that thought. I’m enamored of him. I can’t wait to be in his company again. Just us. The two of us. I don’t care what we do, I just can’t wait to do it.
CHAPTER 24
KENDRICK
We spend the last full day in Iceland with my students attending classes with Magnus’ students while Zarek, Katai, Byndley, and I tour the departments. Magnus wants to see growth and campus expansion, but he and his students are right. There are only so many students in Iceland who attend university each year.
Which means he needs to appeal to a wider audience. While my students are busy experiencing Icelandic courses, we take notes on the challenges that Magnus and his faculty express so that together we can brainstorm solutions.
I truly believe that embracing a queernormative campus like RDU will attract more students. There are queer young people all over the world looking for this kind of environment. The small sampling of students that I brought with me alone shows just how many crave a safe environment, unlike the one they grew up in, to learn.
When they’re surrounded by peace, love, support, and safety, they also find their confidence. Their voices. They leave RDU stronger.
That’s not the whole story, of course. There are plenty of students who come from very positive, supportive families. Insome ways, they’re the heart of our campus because they offer a beacon of light to those who’ve struggled, that not everyone in the world is cruel. It’s possible to have a loving family, close friends, and a network of support while still being queer.
It’s hope. Hope is a fragile, dangerous thing. But it’s also empowering. My goal before I retire is an entire network of queernormative schools like RDU around the world.
After classes, the students and faculty of þórðargleði University treated us to a trip to visit the lava tunnels, which are approximately 4500 feet of tunnels formed by the flow of lava some 5,000 years ago during the Leitahraun eruption.
Alexander informed us that if we’d visited a few months ago, we’d have been able to see the naturally occurring ice sculptures that form right outside.
We spend just over an hour on a tour of the tunnels, and they’re incredibly remarkable. It’s incredible to believe how hot lava has to be to melt and form rock like this.
The kids continue to talk about the tunnels on the way home, and Alexander is happy to answer all the questions thrown his way. He’s apparently studying Icelandic environmental science and is eager to share all the information about his home as often as he can.
His enthusiasm is infectious. Even as we pull up to the sidewalk of þórðargleði University to drop off our Icelandic hosts, my kids can’t stop talking about their experience. These are the kinds of memories I’m pleased that they’re coming home with.
Though it’s early, we head back to the domes and gather for an early dinner before breaking up for the evening. A group of students is heading out to rent super jeeps to tour around in. I remain in my chair as I watch Brevan from the corner of my eye. He’s currently having a conversation with Sarabeth.
Which works out. Byndley sits at my side with her tablet to go over tomorrow’s itinerary. We have one more surprise for our kids. We’re taking them to a hot spring to relax in before heading to the airport for our red-eye flight across the Atlantic.
“Breakfast at eight. We’ll stop by þórðargleði University to say goodbye to our friends. Then we’re heading to the Lagoon for the Skjól ritual and some warm downtime. We’ll eat dinner at the bar and then head to the airport by nine for the day-long journey home. Good?”
“Good,” I agree.
Byndley studies me. “Have you found some peace while being here, Kendrick?”
Everything inside me wants to look at Brevan. I’ve found something, definitely. Is it peace? Might be. It’s definitely more than that, though.
“It’s been nice not to have someone screaming in my ear every other day,” I admit.
“I don’t scream at you,” she says.
I’m about to modify my statement that I’m referring to Natalia when I glance at her and see her amusement. Ah. Teasing.
“I imagine that’s been nice,” she says.
“I think maybe I’ve found more than peace. I’m finished putting my life on hold for this damn divorce to go through. I think I’ve lived long enough in this dead-end personal life.”
Byndley grips my forearm. “I’m glad you’ve finally realized that. You’re an intelligent man, Kendrick, but waiting for you to recognize this one thingfor yearshas been driving me absolutely crazy.”
“You should have given me a nice, swift kick in the shin.”
