Page 19 of Hailey Goes to College

“Like calling me Nancy Drew?”

He gives me a lopsided grin. “You’re a cute, Nancy Drew.”

I blush and look away. I can’t let him win that easily. “Well, you just called the newspaper stupid so you aren’t exactly winning any points here.”

“I know. I’m apparently really bad at this whole groveling thing.”

“Is that what this is?” I look back over at him. “Groveling?”

“Would I win points if I said yes?”

I laugh, causing his face to brighten. “Fine. A few.”

“I’ll take it. And if I said I was sorry for making you doubt me?”

I bite my lip. “I think you’d win a few more.” I take a deep breath and twist my torso to face him. “And maybe I should say sorry too—for having that doubt in the first place. And for accosting you outside class.”

“Next time you wait outside my class, I’d like it to be for far more pleasant reasons.”

I stand up. “Next time?”

He stands too. “Yeah, next time.” He looks out across the field and then up at the sky. “Want to take a walk?”

I shrug. “Sure.”

He reaches for my hand but stops halfway, a questioning look in his eyes. I could ignore it, probably should. Instead, I grab his hand and let him lead me along a path of his own making.

As we walk through the campus park, we talk about our classes and he asks about my involvement with the newspaper. I worry this will cause strife between us given the history revolving around the newspaper, but thankfully it doesn’t. He even asks what I’m working on for the paper and admits that he’s been reading my articles each week. We talk about our friends and our plans for Thanksgiving break. It feels like old times, but with a new sense of honesty and openness.

We spend the next half hour walking around the campus park and before we part ways, we promise each other to text later tonight to make plans to hang out this weekend. We still have a lot to work through, but I’m confident that we can rebuild what we started. As I head back to my dorm, I can’t help but smile. For the first time in weeks, things are looking up.

The next few weeks are a whirlwind of activity. Ryan and I take things slow, spending time together between classes and getting to know each other all over again. We text all of the time and we’ve hung out in each other’s dorm rooms several times. The trust between us grows stronger, and I find myself opening up to him in ways I hadn’t before. Meanwhile, my responsibilities at the newspaper keep me busy, and I’m constantly juggling my personal life and classes.

One afternoon, as I’m working on my latest article in the library, I get a text from Ryan:

Meet me at the coffee shop?

I smile and quickly respond:

See you there :)

As I pack up my things and head to the coffee shop, I reflect on how much has changed. Ryan and I have found a new balance, and I feel more confident in my role at the newspaper. Life is finally starting to feel settled and my major has finally been registered with the school as journalism.

I make the short walk to the coffee shop and see that Ryan is already there, waiting with a smile. He stands up to greet me with a hug and gives me a soft kiss on the lips. “Hey, baby. How’s your day going?”

“Busy, as usual,” I say while laughing. “But good. How about yours?”

“Pretty good,” he says as we sit down. “I had a class project that’s been keeping me busy.”

We order our drinks and settle into a booth. It’s easy and comfortable, a stark contrast to the tension-filled days of uncertainty I felt when we were apart. I’m glad that the nervous tension I feel now is from the newness of a relationship rather than a failed one.

“So,” he starts, “I’ve been thinking that we haven’t been on a proper date since I let you win at miniature golf.”

“I’m sorry—let me win? I think what you mean to say is ‘since I embarrassed you’.” I give him my most pompous smile.

He rolls his eyes good-naturedly. “Fine, since you crushed my ego.” He leans forward. “But really, let’s go out. Actually leave campus this weekend.”

I grin, feeling a surge of excitement. “I’d love that. What do you have in mind?”

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