Page 79 of For Crosby

Sabrina

I rushed inside the building and ducked around the corner, leaning against the wall and dragging in deep breaths. It hadn’t been easy to avoid Crosby the way I had been. I didn’t realize how many times our paths would’ve crossed over the course of a day if I hadn’t taken up new routes to classes and found different places to eat.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. I slipped it out and lifted it to my ear. “Hey, Mom. How was the cruise?”

“Oh, my goodness. It was so nice and relaxing. But we missed you.”

“I know. School always gets in the way. I should just quit and travel the world with you guys.”

“Bite your tongue,” she admonished.

I laughed.

“So, how’s the new semester going?”

I glanced around at the students rushing in and out of the building before I turned to face the wall to obstruct the noise. “It’s fine.”

“Fine’s not amazing,” my mother said. “How’s Crosby?”

Why was Crosby the only thing anyone wanted to talk about? “I’m not sure. We’re not seeing each other anymore.”

“What happened?”

“I really don’t feel like talking about it.”

“Oh, honey.” There was a long pause on her end. I knew what came next. And I really didn’t want to be lectured. “If love was easy, there wouldn’t be so many divorces.”

“Mom, I just met the guy. I wasn’t thinking about marriage.”

“I know that. It was an analogy. You need to graduate and find a job before you consider settling down with someone.”

“Actually…finding a job might take longer than I initially thought.”

“Why?” I could hear the fear in her voice. “Are you failing a class?”

“No. But I think I might wanna go to law school.”

A deafening silence filled her end.

“Okay, you can pick your jaw up off the floor now. I know it sounds crazy, but I think I can do it.”

“Of course, you can do it,” she said, sounding surer than even I was. “I’m just surprised, that’s all. You never mentioned you were interested in law.”

“I know. But I think I’ve got what it takes.”

“There’s not a doubt in my mind you’ll make an amazing lawyer.” I could hear the pride in her voice. “You’re determined and strong and you care about other people. Hold on, I want you to tell your dad the big news.”

“Tell your dad what?” my dad said, getting on the phone.

“Hey, Dad.”

“What’s your big news?”

“I’m thinking of declaring a major in pre-law. Then going to law school.”

“No way?”

I laughed. “Yup. Your daughter’s gonna be a lawyer.”

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