“My MCAT date was for right after the wedding,” he adds. “I’m not sure what I was thinking by taking it so early, I definitely wasn’t prepared anyhow, but all the stuff with my dad is part of why I did as badly as I did.”
“Naturally,” I say. “Poor test performance should always be chalked up to external factors, in any case. Like, I struggled on my geology final this spring because I was so swamped planning Ajoba’s birthday, not because I don’t understand rocks.”
My mind catches on his timeline as I quip, mapping it alongside what I’ve learned about his relationship. Exam and family stress, while not excusing the behavior whatsoever, certainly seem like important context.
“Naturally,” Kush echoes, lips curving up.
“And I’m sure the distance you have now will be helpful,” I say. “Provided no more traumatic phone calls.”
“Fingers crossed,” he says.
I pull on a blade of grass, feeling compelled to offer something in return given how open Kush has been. “I had a pretty rough year too,” I say. “For pretty different reasons, of course. But that’s why this summer is so important. I want to use this time to make good things happen for myself. You can think of it that way, as well.”
He nods, affirming. “Yeah,” he says. “I agree.” He tilts his head at me. “And getting your license will be a good thing.”
“A great thing,” I confirm.
“I like this pond,” he says next.
It’s beautiful today, the sunlight rippling across the clear water. “Me too.”
“Are you here often?” he asks.
“When I need to be,” I say. We sit in comfortable silence until the sun begins to dip, and we hurry back to the road to maximize what’s left of daylight.
Chapter Nineteen
Noelle scrunches her nose. “A little to the left,” she says, and Michael adjusts the string accordingly. “A little more,” Noelle adds, and Michael obeys once more. Noelle stands back, musing, hands resting at her hips. At last, she heaves a sigh, hands falling. “You know what, I’m just not sure this is my vision.”
Michael groans and releases the string. The disco ball piñata drops to the ground with a thud. “Could you clarify what, exactly, your vision is?”
The big night of Noelle and Zara’s housewarming has arrived, and the whole space is a frantic mess. There’s still a couple hours to go, but we need all hands on deck given the current state of the apartment. Streamers and table confetti are strewn about the rugs and couches, and the kitchen is littered with an eclectic selection of liquor, mixers, and half-made hors d’oeuvres. One oddly placed beam of light casts red dots on the walls.
“I have been very clear,” Noelle says. “I want big and fun and bold.” She holds up a finger. “But still graceful.”
There’s a disbelieving beat. “In words that mean something, please. Are you sure you’re an English major?”
Noelle gives an outraged huff, but Zara interjects before she can retort, appearing in the doorframe with half her makeup done. “Obfuscation is, like, our entire degree. Can someone help me with my tie?”
I’m closest, so I hurry to her aid. She’s dressed in one of Avril Lavigne’s most iconic fits. At the very least, Noelle finalized a broad dress code: 2000s pop culture moments, at-large. For my part, I’m wearing the white baby tee Simran got me as a birthday gag gift a couple years back. Across the chest, in homage to Paris Hilton, it says:STOP BEING POOR. I’ve styled it with a flowy pink skirt to complete the look.
“This is perfect,” I tell Zara once I’ve finished knotting the tie. “You look incredible.”
She beams. “Right?” She’s only finished one eye, but the smoky black is working wonders.
“That’s it,” Noelle says, sinking down onto the couch with the air of an exhausted general. “I’m taking a break.”
“From bossing me around, you mean?” Michael says. “Promise?”
Her nostrils flare. “One more thing, Michael, and I swear you’ll be uninvited.”
“From my own apartment?”
Their snappy retorts continue, and Zara returns to complete her makeup. I busy myself in the kitchen, organizing the drinks and snacks into a more presentable arrangement.
I feel really excited for my first function with Michael, Zara,and Noelle. It’s been so lovely to be so welcomed into their fold, such a departure from my freshman year experiences. I’ve never been great at taking initiative, and the dance of making new friends in adulthood has not come naturally to me. Michael’s inviting disposition and the easy comfort of the trio’s company have felt like such a gift.
My excitement can’t even be dulled by the prospect of running into Frank tonight. It’s still been crickets from him, and while I’ve gotten over the initial sting, some trepidation at another run-in remains. But I’m steeling myself, and I feel capable of acting as warm and unbothered as possible. My nerves are nothing a few dirty Shirleys can’t solve.
