Page 21 of The Tartan Thesis

Torin starts to argue, but Professor Drummond holds up a hand. “If that sounds harsh, so be it. You will not disrupt the learning environment for your colleagues, no matter your excellent qualifications or knowledge. You will work together, or you will leave. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Professor,” we both mutter, our heads down.

“Good. If you wish to remain in the program, you will create an action plan for how you intend to work together moving forward.”

I look up and sense Torin doing the same. The professor must read the incomprehension on our faces because he continues. “Since this is an institution of higher education, I recommend you choose to learn from one another. Perhaps you will find that the two of you are not so dissimilar as you believe and can form a truce through shared experiences.”

I spare a glance at Torin, and he looks as baffled as I am at the assignment.

“The format can be whatever you like, but you will print out your plan and bring it to me by end of day tomorrow.” Then his voice turns grave. “If you don’t turn it in together and by the deadline, then this will turn into a very different conversation. Am I clear?”

“Yes, Professor,” we say again.

“My final recommendation is that you do not work on this immediately. Take time to settle yourselves separately, then make contact when you are ready to have a professional conversation.” He pauses and looks between us. “You are dismissed.”

I don’t look at Torin as I collect my things. I hear him still rummaging in his bag when I bolt for the door and leave. I rush down the corridor so I don’t have to see him. I’d like to never see him again, but if I’m going to stay, I suppose I’ll have to. Continuing to be in class with him would be bad enough, but having to meet one-on-one with him to build an action plan will be intolerable.

I make it outside and head toward home, enjoying the chilly air on my still-warm face. I pull my phone from my pocket with trembling fingers and open the text thread with Lucas and Juliana. I need to get this off my chest, and The Pigeons will give me some much-needed perspective.

The last message was from Juliana and how she woke up this morning wanting a hot dog. In my experience, that's most mornings for her.

Beau

I need to vent about something.

Lucas

SPILL

Beau

I just had a full-blown argument with a fellow student. In class.

Lucas

When you say you had an argument… do you mean you had a heated scholarly discussion?

Beau

It might have started that way, but by the end of it? No. Shouting and insults were involved. Then Torin told everyone I basically failed my midterm.

Juliana

ok fuck that guy

Juliana

and did you fail your midterm?

Beau

I got a C+ in my Scottish history course, so I barely passed. The others were better.

Lucas

I’m sorry, pigeon. Also, agreed with Juliana: fuck that guy.

Juliana