Page 38 of Mud, Love, and Chemistry

How was it so good in July, but so horribly frustrating now? Why couldn’t he have stayed in Wyoming? At least then I’d have that perfect memory. It never would have been tarnished and I could have lived my life wallowing in the fact that I lost the most wonderful guy in the world.

I let out a groan, dropping my head to pinch the bridge of my nose. I’m not that lucky, I guess.

With a deep, cleansing breath, I trudge back toward the trail. I find Sam using the fallen tree trunk to stretch upon. “How are you feeling now?” I ask.

“Honestly? Still kind of shitty.” His chest expands as he sucks in a big gulp of air. “I feel like I can’t fill my lungs.”

I chew on my lower lip. “We should call it, then. Let’s turn around and get home.”

“What? No, Brynn. I’m supposed to help you complete this hike.” He clears his throat. “I mean, I won’t get my extra credit if I don’t.”

Ah, there it is. This isn’t about helping me at all. It’s about his grade. “We can ask Professor Duncan if we need to make it up, but you’re in no shape to keep up with the elevation changes. Let’s go.” With a defeated sigh, I backtrack slowly down the path toward the trailhead.

Once we’re back at the parking area, I ask Sam, “Are you okay to drive?”

“I think so.” He wobbles his head around. “I’m not lightheaded anymore, just nauseous and tired.”

“Be sure to drink a lot of water today and rest. You should be okay in the morning.”

“Thanks.” He drops his gaze to the ground for a moment before looking me in the eye. There’s a hint of remorse in his gaze. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry for getting altitude sickness.”

I give a despondent nod. “Thanks, but it’s not your fault.” With another deep breath, and an even deeper exhale, I bolster myself for what I’m about to say. “It’s mine.”

Sam’s eyes widen. “Brynn, don’t think?”

“No, Sam.” I put my hand up. “I should have taken into account the fact that you aren’t used to these elevations. I should have been more patient and taken my time.” Frustration with myself bubbles in my gut, settling in my stomach like a ball of lead. “You can add that to your report.”

Before Sam can retort, I hop into Lisa’s car and drive away. I don’t need to hear how poorly he’s going to grade me. Or worse, I don’t need to hear more of his lies. He’ll just say how he won’t mention any of my failures, only to have my grade come back low because I wasn’t prepared enough. I know I messed up.

And I don’t need him digging the knife in any further.

Chapter 12

I spend the next few days sulking about my failed hike, but as Thursday draws nearer, I perk up. It’s hard not to when you know your favorite professor is going to be spotlighting you because she thinks you’re brilliant. The fact that she asked me to help solidifies my standings for the internship.

I work hard to contain my excitement as Professor St. James announces the study group. “Since so many of you seemed to struggle with that last exam, I have decided to put together a peer-led study group. The group will meet in this room every Friday afternoon at five p.m., and the first one will be tomorrow.”

Grumblings filter through the air. It is very last minute, but the professor and I decided the sooner we can start the better. Naturally, I’m completely prepared. I’ve already compiled the information from all the past lectures this semester, made the presentation materials, and read through my notes out loud several times to ensure I’ve got it down.

I’m going to knock this study group out of the park.

Professor St. James continues. “This will be a chance to review the information from class, maybe with a different perspective since it will be delivered by someone who isn’t me.”

I hear a few chuckles, and annoyance flares in me. It’s not a funny topic. These people are failing and the professor is simply trying to give them another chance to succeed. How is that comical?

“Two of your fellow classmates have graciously agreed to?”

Wait. Did she say “two?” She didn’t mention asking anyone else to help. And who would that be? She said only two other people aside from me passed, and one was just barely. Who is the other person?

“So...” Dr. St. James’ voice reels me back in. “I would encourage you to attend these study sessions, and be sure to thank your study leaders, Brynn and Sam.”

As soon as his name leaves her lips, my stomach drops so fast, I feel like I might vomit all over my desk.

Sam? As in, Sam Eastman? As in the one person on the face of this planet I’ve been trying to avoid for the last several weeks?

This has to be a mistake. Surely, she misspoke. I mean, if I’m getting a ninety-seven percent on my exams, then I don’t need anyone to help me with the study group. I’m more than capable of delivering the information myself.

Ugh, I might actually be sick.

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