Page 129 of Fortunate Misfortune
I just keep reminding myself to hold on tight to that sliver of pride.
Kenneth keeps saying that although everything looks bleak right now, he’s sure something good is coming. Something that’ll turn this all around. While my boyfriend is adorably optimistic, the realist in me is struggling to believe him.
A blast of air conditioning hits me as I step through the doors, a great relief from the humid hell outside. I swipe a bead of sweat from my brow as I walk toward the waiting area, ready to get this meeting over with.
“Mallory!”
My spirits lift at the familiar voice, turning to find my favorite professor jogging toward me. He’s clearly in summer mode with his tourist outfit on, frayed denim shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. I wish I could take a picture for Kenneth. He would love this. “Hi, Dr. Martin!”
“I’m sorry about the internship,” he says, stopping in front of me. “If it helps, you and Kenneth were truly neck and neck the entire time. Two of the brightest students that internship panel had ever seen. You also turned out to be a great pair, don’t you think?”
My cheeks flush at the knowing tone of his voice. I’m sure he noticed the shift between Kenneth and me over the semester. Our hands clasped together under the table, bragging over quiz grades with a smile, secret laughs shared when Dr. Martin did something funny, and the kisses Kenneth pressed to my forehead as we walked into class. He never said anything, but I’m sure “I told you so”is on the tip of his tongue.
“We really did.” I grin. “I’m proud of him.”
“Me too.” Dr. Martin looks around the empty office and checks his watch. “Who are you waiting to see?”
“Ms. Silva. We have a meeting in ten minutes.”
“Perfect. I have a meeting at nine too. I wanted to thank you for the work you did with the donation letters. I wouldn’t have been able to get Type All off the ground without your help this semester.”
I bounce excitedly. “You got the funding for camp? That’s amazing!”
Dr. Martin nods, distracted as he rummages through his bag.
During our first meeting, Dr. Martin asked me about life as a student-athlete living with diabetes. Something about the man had me pouring my soul out to him. Maybe it was the salt-and-pepper hair that reminded me of Mama, but Dr. Martin was suddenly privy to my doubts, the highs and lows when it came to my self-confidence with managing my diabetes, and the real fear that I felt like I was never doing anything right despite my constant efforts.
At our third meeting, he asked about my old job with the diabetes camp in my hometown. I explained my duties under my former boss, Saul: reaching out to donors, editing donation letters, processing applications, assisting with cooking classes, and becoming a counselor at sixteen. I connected him with Saul for the operational details, and it all paid off.
“It’ll be a small group, but it’s really happening, all thanks to you.” Finally, Dr. Martin finds what he’s looking for in his bag and hands me an envelope. “I’ve got to get going. If I’m late to one more meeting, the Dean might put me on probation.”
“I bet your probation will be better than mine,” I joke, stuffing the envelope into my backpack as he jogs away. He mentioned wanting to pay me for my help, so tonight I’ll treat Kenneth to dinner on Dr. Martin’s dime. It’ll be my way of paying him back for letting me wallow in sadness for the past week.
When I turn around, the office door is wide open. Ms. Silva’s eyes glisten like a predator stalking its prey. “Mallory, hello. I’d say what a surprise to see you, but it really isn’t.”
I roll my eyes and walk past her, keeping my curse words to myself like I promised Kenneth I’d do.
Kenneth’s hands in my hair feel like heaven, massaging the headache away after that terrible, too-long meeting. With each knead of his fingers, he smooths out the bumps of shame Ms. Silva hammered into me this morning.
Irresponsible.
Overly hopeful.
Reckless.
“You’re none of those things, Eddie,” Kenneth promises, his voice soft. He’s trying to keep it steady for me, but I know he’s livid. “I don’t care what that vile woman says.”
The smell of cedar fills my nose, drifting in through the window that gives me a spectacular view of the lake. Kenneth and Cade moved to Lake Anita right after the semester ended, making their new home my little escape. Being here calms me as much as his words, but I’m still having a hard time believing them.
“What if she’s right? I should’ve applied for every internship under the sun, but I was picky. Look how that turned out for me.”
“We’ve been over this. You weren’t picky. What you did was smart, because you, my intelligent, driven, and perfect girlfriend were made for so much more than what you were offered.”
“Maybe. Part of me would rather be graduating on time,” I huff, blowing a stray curl out of my eyes.
Kenneth sighs, and I assume he’s giving up on me and my whiny attitude already. I would too if I were him. While I’m still incredibly proud of him, coming to terms with my new reality is tough.
Then he sweeps me into his arms and across his lap, his face incredibly serious. “Look at me, and tell me the truth. Would you really have been okay with accepting an internship that didn’t push you or challenge you? Where you wouldn’t learn or grow?”
