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Taking the first open seat, I rested my head on the desk to quietly catch my breath. I again felt like I wanted to throw up, but that wasn’t happening here.
Gathering myself I sat up realizing that I hadn’t grabbed my book bag from my locker. It wasn’t like I had the notebook for this class in it or anything. I had given up on attending a long time ago. But it would have been nice to have something in front of me so I didn’t look like an idiot.
Pulling out my phone, I did my best to seem like I was taking notes on it. I wasn’t because I had no idea what the professor was talking about. It looked like everyone else did, though. They were all laser-focused on the woman standing in front of us. That is, everyone was paying attention except one person. And when I saw him, I couldn’t breathe.
It was Quin, and he was looking up at me. Our eyes connected for a second but then he looked away. Everything inside of me tingled. I could immediately feel myself breathing harder.
Just seeing him did something to me. I had been given a second chance with him. I wasn’t going to let him slip out of my life again.
“And, that’s it. Next class will be a quiz on what we covered over the past two weeks. Be ready,” the professor said before turning her attention to me. “Mr. Rucker, can I see you a moment?”
I wasn’t expecting that. Worst still, Quin was seated on the opposite side of the room which had a different exit. He wasn’t looking my way and he would be gone before I could ask him to wait for me.
“Mr. Rucker,” the grey-haired, Asian woman called again.
“Coming,” I told her keeping an eye on Quin as he approached the door.
Quickly swimming upstream past the flood of people, I approached the professor as she erased the board. She was taking her time with it and it was killing me. When Quin disappeared, my heart sank. He was gone again and I felt like crap.
“Coming in five minutes before the end of class isn’t considered attending. At least not in my book.”
“I know. And I’m really sorry about that. I ran over from practice. But I promise I won’t be late again.”
“I’m told you need to pass this class to remain eligible to play next season.”
“That’s correct, Ma’am.”
“Then I would think you would take this class a little more seriously.”
“And I promise, I will… moving forward.”
“If you don’t want to be here…”
“I do want to be here.”
“Why?” She asked sincerely.
“Because it’s a subject I’m really interested in. Teaching kids is something I’ve always wanted to do.”
“What about football? I hear you have a promising professional career.”
“Football is what I’m good at. It’s a blessing. But it’s not…”
I didn’t finish the sentence. That was a box I didn’t want to open right now.
“Well, if you are serious about this class, you’re going to have a lot of catching up to do.”
“I realize that, and I’m willing to work. I’m getting a tutor.”
“Are you?”
“Yes, Ma’am. In fact…” I said suddenly getting an idea. “Could we pick this up next class? I promise I’ll be on time for it.”
“You better be. Remember, attendance is mandatory.”
“I got it. I’m on it. I’ll be here. Promise,” I said clomping my cleats on the carpet as I trotted to the door.
As soon as I was in the hall, I scanned both directions looking for him. He wasn’t there. Where had he gone so quickly?
