Page 19 of Backstroke

I park in a rush, then jog to my dorm for my bookbag. Thankfully, it’s packed and ready to go, and I’m out of the Hall and sprinting across campus. With five minutes to spare, I slide into the auditorium, taking my seat on the top row.

As I catch my breath, I wipe the sweat from my forehead from the jog here. I look around the room. The auditorium is filling up quickly and I spot a few familiar faces from move-in day. I slip into a seat in the back and pull out my notebook and pen, ready to take notes. The professor walks in and begins setting up for the lecture.

Dr. Andrews begins talking about the syllabus and the upcoming assignments. I jot down important dates and deadlines, trying to push all other thoughts aside. This is what I need to focus on, my studies and my future.

After the lecture, I drop everything into my bag and take off toward a small cafe close to my next class. I opt to sit outside, needing the fresh air. Pulling out my phone, I dial my mother.

“Hello?” Her familiar voice sounds through, making me instantly relax. We may not be close anymore, but she’s still the only family I have left.

“Hey mom, it’s Fallon,” I reply.

“Fallon! I’ve been worried sick. I was about to call the administrative office to make sure you were alright. What’s going on, sweetie?” I guess I could have used Rowyn’s or Lyndsy’s phone to give her an update, but I didn’t think about it.

“I’m okay, mom, really,” I say, trying to sound as reassuring as possible. “I lost my other phone and had to get a replacement today, so this is my new number,” I explain.

“Oh, thank goodness,” she sighs in relief. “I was so worried. How are your classes going, sweetie?”

“I’ve only had English 101 so far but I think I’m going to like it. The professor gave us a list of the books we’ll be going over, so I’m excited to dive into those,” I ramble on.

“You always were a bookworm,” she teases. “Listen, I’m glad to get in touch with you. I have some exciting news to share. I’ll be in town Friday. Could you meet me for dinner?” Thoughts swirl through my mind at what she could possibly have to tell me. It’s not like her to keep things from me.

“What’s wrong? Why can’t you tell me now? You know I will worry all week about what it is,” I plead.

There’s a brief pause before she responds. “I know, Fallon, but it’s something I really want to discuss in person. I promise it’s nothing bad. Can you wait until Friday?”

“Alright, mom,” I agree, my curiosity piqued. “I’ll see you on Friday then.”

“Great! I’ll text you the details later. Take care, sweetie.”

“You too, mom. Bye,” I say, ending the call and feeling a mix of anticipation and wariness over what she has to share. I lean back in my chair, the gentle breeze playing with my hair. I stare at my phone, mind racing with possibilities.What would mom want to tell me in person?Taking a deep breath, I try to calm my thoughts. She sounded happier than I’ve heard her in a long time, which gives me hope that whatever the news is will be positive.

I spent most of my free time talking with her and now I have about five minutes to grab a snack and get to my next class. I quickly gather my things and head inside the café. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods fills the air. I grab agranola bar and a bottle of water, pay at the counter then rush out the door. With my snack in hand, I make my way to my next class, my mind still buzzing with curiosity about my mom’s news.

The walk to the math and science building is short, which I’m thankful for. I should have gone through my schedule before the start of classes instead of relying on this stupid map to get me around.Live and learn, I guess.

Once I get to the classroom, I wince because the professor has already started. I don’t want to disrupt her as I come in, but I have no choice. Slowly I open the door, and of course it squeaks on its hinges, alerting everyone’s attention to my tardiness. My cheeks flame as I mutter my apologies. When I look for a seat, I see Rowyn waving me over. Relief floods through me and I hurry to plop down beside her.

“Rough morning?” she whispers, with a sympathetic smile.

“Not terrible, but not great,” I whisper back, trying to focus on the professor.

I take out my notebook and try to catch up on the lecture. I scribble down notes as quickly as I can. Rowyn nudges me and slides her notes over so I can see what I missed. I give her a grateful smile and focus on the professor’s words, determined to make the most of the class despite my late arrival.

Mrs. Abernathy walks us through what to expect this semester. Fortunately, math comes easy to me so I’m not worried, but Rowyn seems to be fidgeting beside me.

After class, I walk with Rowyn to her next one since I’m finished for the day.

“That class doesn’t seem like it will be too bad,” I note.

“Yeah, easy for you to say. I suck at math,” she grumbles. I bump her shoulder with mine playfully.

“Well, we already know we’ll be study buddies. I can help with math and you can help me with Literature.”

“Oh, we can definitely arrange that!” she smiles.

“I had to get a new phone. Can you put yours and Lyndsy’s numbers in there?” I pull it from my back shorts pocket and hand it over.

“Oh, I love the case. Have you seen any more of Remy?” she asks while she saves the numbers. I’m thankful that she’s looking at the screen and not me, because I’m sure she could see the embarrassment on my face. I didn’t tell them what happened in the library yesterday, and I don’t plan on it either. That was a one time thing. A spur of the moment lapse in judgment. At least that’s what I keep telling myself.

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