“A combination of lab time here and the college. For anything unavailable here, I book lab time at the college.”
“Wow. That must consume a lot of your free time.” Alex is extremely dedicated to his education, which is very admirable.
“Not really, no. I have a study period in the afternoon that I use for lab work. I do not have a full class schedule, as I have already completed extra classes in my freshman and sophomore years. To start college courses early, I had my high school years mapped out before I began. I usually only end up at the college one Saturday a month for lab work,” he shrugs.
The bell rings, so we gather up our stuff, and I follow Alex to English class. Alex introduces me to the teacher again. Miss Miller seems very sweet and kind. She can’t be more than 5ft tall and looks to be in her early 20s. She gives me a copy of Anna Karenina and asks me to meet her after class.
I turn and notice Seb waving at me to sit at a desk nearby. Cara and Ana are sitting behind Seb, watching me, and E, Bay, and Nick are sitting in the seats surrounding us. Alex takes an empty seat beside Nick. “Sunshine!” He enthusiastically greets. “How was biology? Did Alex take care of you? Have you read the book before?”
His exuberance and happiness never fail to make me smile. “Good. Yes. No.”
“Ok good. We’re starting Anna Karenina today, so you’re not behind.”
I nod as Miss Miller starts class. Walking around the room, she discusses book themes and asks for opinions. She details the next group project and the required chapter reading. She picks groups, and luckily Nick is in my group, so I know someone. I spend the remainder of the period reading the first few chapters. Grabbingmy backpack, I walk over to Miss Miller’s desk once the bell rings. “You wanted to talk to me?” I ask.
“Yes, Summer,” she smiles. “Did you review the reading material on your student portal?”
“Yes, and I haven’t read the three previous books.”
“I thought that might be. Sadly, the books will be in the final at year’s end. That gives you a few months to read them. It looks like you already have some friends here, so I suggest you get a copy of their notes and quizzes so far. I have posted the group projects online. That should aid you in gaining a sense of what is required in class. I’ll have copies of the three books for you tomorrow, and if you need extra help, let me know, okay?”
“Will do. Thanks, Miss Miller.” She seems approachable and genuine in her offer to help me get caught up.
“Nice to meet you, Summer.”
I wave as I leave the classroom and find Alex and Seb are waiting for me.
“All good, Sunshine?” Seb inquires.
“Yup. You guys didn’t need to wait for me, but I appreciate it.”
“Always Sunshine. I gotta run,” Seb waves as he takes off down the hall while Alex and I head for the library. He introduces me to Martha, the librarian; we sign in, and she hands me a history textbook. Right now, there are only 7 other students here. I join Alex at a round table in the center of the room. Sitting across from him, I unpack my belongings and glance at my phone to check the AP History syllabus.
“Do you have a laptop, Summer?” Alex asks, pulling his own out of his bag.
“Yeah, I do at the house.”
“You should bring it with you to this class. It is easier to read notes and do assignments on a computer than on your phone.” He nods towards my tiny screen as he opens his laptop to prepare for his own work.
“I was just thinking that. I’ll bring it tomorrow,” I reply.
“Would you like to borrow mine for today?” He offers.
“No thanks,” I wave him off. “I’m going to get settled in for today.”
Alex nods and gets to work on his biology class. I decide to make a list of the topics I’ve already covered in Virginia versus what I’ve missed. The remaining semester will mostly involve class review for me. The schedules for here and Virginia are opposite, so I’ll go back and study what they covered the first few months. That works out well for independent study. Opening my textbook, I begin reading where the class started in January.
When the bell rings, Alex and I gather our belongings, and I walk beside him to lunch. “How is the food here, Alex?”
“Most items are unpalatable, and the selection is minimal. They serve the same items daily, except on Fridays. Pizza slices from a local pizzeria and ice cream are available to purchase that day. We usually bring lunch from home.”
“Good to know. I’ll buy today, but plan on bringing my lunch from now on.” With my nerves, I’m not overly hungry today, anyway.
“We can all share with you today if you would like,” he offers, seeming concerned for my stomach.
“That’s okay, but thanks,” I smile. Alex is so nice, helpful, and polite. Along with his southern drawl, it makes for an amazing combination.
When we enter the cafeteria, I follow Alex across the room, dodging people so I don’t get bumped. I hear Seb yell my name before I even lay eyes on him, so I duck my head down.
