And then, with any luck, I would be able to put this entire disaster behind me.
4
Brock
My next class that morning was Chemistry, which was held in a massive auditorium with room for at least a hundred students. I was sitting somewhere in the middle rows, idly taking notes while the professor droned on about the grading scale for the class. I already had all this info on the syllabus, so it was pointless for the professor to repeat all of it.
Instead, I chuckled to myself about what had happened in the first class of the day.
I couldn’t imagine matching with my professor on Tinder. What an insane situation. I kind of felt bad for Jace, but selfishly I was enjoying the drama from a distance.
Nothing would happen between them, obviously. But it was still fun to laugh about.
While my current professor—an older man with a gray mustache—droned on, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Since we weren’t learning anything important, I decided to take a peek.
Kerry: How’s the first day of class going?
Me: So far, so good. Something hilarious happened in my first class. I’ll tell you about it at sibling dinner on Sunday.
Kerry: Ohh, you’re such a tease! I hope it’s juicy.
Me: Trust me: it’s really good.
Kerry: I know I’ve told you like a BILLION times already, but I want to say again that I’m so happy you’re going back to school. You deserve it, Brock.
Me: It’s not a big deal.
Kerry: Yes it is! Six years ago you put your whole life on hold for our family. I want you to know I will never forget it. And I want to make sure you know how much I support you now.
Me: Thanks, Kerry. It’s nice to hear that, even if it is for the billion-and-first time.
Kerry: I’m proud of you, Brock.
Kerry: Mom would be proud, too.
Me: I know. I’ve got to go. Love you.
Kerry: Love you big brother <3
My throat was tightening with emotion at her text. I stared at the message a few seconds longer, then shoved my phone in my pocket and wiped away the tears that were trying to squeeze free from my eyes.
I knew Mom would be proud. I didn’t need Kerry to remind me.
After class, I went to the University’s main cafeteria to get lunch. My Freshman tuition included a meal plan, which meant I had fourteen complimentary meals per week. Two a day, or three per weekday if I wanted to do my own thing on the weekends.
Compared to the past five years, it was nice not having to worry about my food budget. Or lack thereof.
I scanned my student ID at the door and then piled my tray high with food. The main cafeteria was huge, but it was almost exactly noon, which meant it was pretty full. I was about to grab a seat at an empty table when I passed someone I recognized.
Stopping, I put my tray down across from him. “Small world. Anyone sitting here, Tinder Casanova?”
Jace looked up from his chicken sandwich and groaned. “I hadjuststopped thinking about that situation. So, thanks for bringing it back up.”
“My pleasure.” I dropped into the seat and started wolfing down my own food.
“Are you a Freshman?” Jace asked.
“Guilty as charged.”
