Now she laughs openly.You do that, dear.
I get my romanticism from my mother and my pragmatism from my father, which makes for a bizarre mix.
I exhale.I was hoping to be like you and Dad.I’d see someone and fall in love, and that would be it, forever.Then I wouldn’t have to kiss a bunch of frogs to get to the prince.
My mother shakes her head.I dated other boys before your father.And believe me, there were many frogs.
Our conversation moves onto less dramatic topics as I update her on how my classes are going, and she shares anecdotes from that familiar life that I miss.
Annie and I were thinking of starting a crafting club.At initiation, there was this portal where you could register new clubs so like-minded people could find each other.We want to combine craft nights and charitable projects.
That’s a wonderful idea.You know the best way to move on from someone is to involve yourself in activities that help others.Societally, we focus too much on ourselves and our personal happiness.Your soul is nurtured by good deeds.
I exhale happily.While I feel awful about what I’ve done recently, she’s showing me the way through.I need to stop thinking about myself and focus on the bigger community.
Oh, your father’s here.Back from his walk.
My father appears behind her and stares at me.You look different.
I flush.Yes, I cut my hair.I don’t mention the eyebrow plucking or fashion changes, since I’m sure he’s already noticed.
Too sophisticated.You looked better before,he says gruffly.
Don’t listen to him.He knows nothing about fashion.I think you look very au courant.My mother has been softening his edges for years, but I already know what he’s like.
I’m going to shower now.Good to see you.He dismisses me like a work colleague, but he’s happy that I’m following his directive to talk to my mother more.
I’ll let you go now,I say.
So lovely to talk to you, darling,she responds.
You helped me a lot today,I say impulsively, and I can see the pleasure this comment brings her.While I want to prove I’m mature and independent, I can see that she still wants to feel needed.
Later, when Annie bursts into the room, the first thing she does is tackle me in a big hug.Are you okay?
I’m fine.Nothing bad happened to me.It’s not logical to have a broken heart over someone you only started liking this morning.
Oh my god.Tell me everything,she demands.
So I do.It feels good to have someone who I can actually talk to about the whole frat house situation.Yet even as I tell her about how kind Viktor and his teammates were, I don’t reveal the whole extent of my crush.
Well, he does seem to be a lot nicer than his first impression,she admits.And you already set the Humphrey Hall gossip machine into overdrive by arriving here in Big Z’s car.
How does everyone know it was his car?
It’s the only Range Rover on campus.He must be mega-rich.
You can tell everyone that absolutely nothing is going on.No matter how much I wish the opposite was true.
She shrugs.Let them talk.But more importantly, you must be over the Alpha Zeta Mu sorority now.Angelica should have been looking out for you.None of this would have happened if she hadn’t ditched you.
I nod.But I still have to see them and explain what happened.
Do it!Annie urges.They should know what almost happened.Their stupid revenge schemes are so ridiculous.
After dinner, I go over to the sorority house.We go straight to our little meeting room and sit in a circle with everyone looking at me curiously.
What happened last night?Des asks.
