Page 83 of Fighting Spirit

After lunch, I had a random urge to catch up on all my notes. I know my brain well enough that I know how to ride the wave of motivation until it runs out. I’m hoping the lack of cell signal in the library will help me stay on track at least a little.

I’ve got four hours until my medication starts to wear off, and I need to make the most of every second.

“Ruth!”

I turn to see Clara heading toward me.

“Hi!” I say, relieved to see a friendly face. My excitement wanes as I realize that she’s zipping up her coat. “Are you going?”

“I have class.” She winces.

“Oh, that’s too bad.” I glance around at the tables. The full tables. Shit, maybe I should have tried to reserve a study space?

She slings her backpack onto her shoulder. “We should set something up though. How was that meeting with Melville?”

I cringe a little at the memory of my professor’s disappointed face. “Not so good,” I say sheepishly. “She gave me some extra assignments to try and make up my grade. I’ve still got two more to do.”

“That sucks.” She reaches out to give my hand an apologetic squeeze. “I’m running late, but text me, okay? You have my number, right?”

“Yeah, you’re in the Econ group chat?”

“Awesome, maybe we can do those assignments together?”

“Really?”

“Of course! It’ll be fun.”

Then she’s out the door, her skirts swishing behind her. I weave through the room, trying not to bump people’s backs with my bag as I frantically try to find a free table. Shit, this place is packed. I’m about to give up when I spot Steph sitting with a guy I don’t know at a corner table.

Not waiting for the space to fill up, I head over, accidentally barging into someone as I go. “Sorry!” I splutter out without stopping. “Oh my god, I’m so glad to see you here,” I say as I dump my stuff. “I was about to give up on finding a spot.”

Something flashes across Steph’s face as she looks up, but it’s gone before I can read what it is, replaced by a wide smile. “Hey! What are you doing here?”

“I need to catch up on psych stuff. I swear I’m about to flunk out,” I laugh, even as I cringe at how true that statement probably is.

“Oh, jeez,” she chuckles. “Sorry, you guys haven’t met.” She gestures to the guy sitting next to her. “This is Charlie.” Then she points to me. “This is Georgie’s roommate, Ruth.”

A trickle of unease moves down my spine at the way she labels me.Georgie’s roommate.Like she and I don’t know each other, like we don’t share a study group.

Charlie sticks out his hand. “Yeah, hi. I think Steph mentioned you.”

I take it and give it a firm shake, letting his recognition soothe the sting. Before I can say anything more, Steph pointedly opens her notebook and starts writing in a lazy scrawl.

Did I interrupt something?

I push the thought aside and try to focus. It takes a while for my brain to get into the work zone, but eventually, it’s like I’ve managed to force it into submission. If only I could do this every time I have something due.

Marshall’s notes are concise but have everything I need. I’m once again reminded how grateful I am that he sat down by me in English last year. I would not have made it through half my classes without him.

Nobody says anything for a long time and eventually, I can’t take the silence anymore. I’ve always been someone who’s had to fill gaps in conversation, but this feels loaded, especially now. It’s like we’re waiting for something, but I have no idea what. “What are you studying for?” I lean forward, asking in a hushed tone.

“Econ,” she answers without looking up.

Okay… I guess she’s in the zone. She usually talks a lot while she’s working, but maybe she’s really trying to lock in today. I duck my head back down. I’ll work for another half hour, and then I’ll take a break.

The rustling of bags grabs my attention. Steph’s stood, packing her books into a satchel. “You’re going?” I try not to let the disappointment show. I’d hoped she’d stay and hang out for a while.

“I’m seeing a movie.”

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