Page 8 of It Happened Back Then
Me: Not one thing.
Bennett: Did he at least open your door?
Me: He tried but I beat him to it. *shrug emoji* Old habits.
Bennett: Yeah. You never did wait for me to open the door.
Me: How are things withSavannah?
Bennett: Going good.
Me: That’s good. You deserve it.
Bennett: So do you. Even if it’s with Gym Junkie Jerry.
Me: His name is Gerald. But Jerry actually fits.
Bennett: Tell me something, did he make you laugh?
Me: A little. It’s not the same, though.
Bennett: Yeah. I get it.
Me: You happy, Bennett?
Bennett: I think so. You?
Me: I don’t know.
Bennett: You ever think the world throws shit at you just to see how you handle it?
Me: Every damn day.
CHAPTER 3 - BENNETT, AGE 22
“B! You ready for this or what?”
My roommate, Daniel, roughs me up a little as I sit daydreaming at the table in our off-campus apartment. These four years have been hard, harder than I imagined, but one of the best experiences of my life. Now it all comes down to a series of final exams, and a four-course meal served to our instructors, all planned out with specialty dishes we’ve created.
“I’m ready.”
“You don’t look ready. You should have slept in your own bed last night.”
“I did sleep in my own bed,” I retort. “I dropped Savannah off and came back here. You were out like a light.”
“So that’s your problem. Maybe you should have gotten laid last night. You would feel better.”
Rolling my eyes I respond, “That’s the last thing I need right now.” Knowing this is the end of school, my thoughts raced all night, wondering what happens next. Do I stay in Seattle? Do I take the next step with Savannah? Or do I go back home, see if Blossom is in a different frame of mind. Ilet out a long sigh. “I’m ready. Just anxious to get it over with.”
“You're going to kill it. You’ve been one of the top guys in class this year.”
“Hm. But what happens next?” I down the remaining coffee in my mug.
“Dude! You’ll get placed somewhere amazing. What are you talking about?”
I spin my empty mug. “I don’t know if I want to stay here in Seattle. Sure, I’ll be placed in a top restaurant, but I’ll be starting at the bottom.”
Daniel leans on the chair. “Of course you start at the bottom. That’s how it works. And what do you mean about not wanting to stay here? You’re going back home?”
