Page 25 of Hailey Goes to College

“Anytime, Kels,” I say, giving her a hug. “You’re amazing, and don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.”

“Exactly,” Ryan adds. “You’re a star, Kelsey. Don’t forget it. You should think of changing your major and taking up acting. You were that good!”

Kelsey blushes but remains silent which is telling to me. She might actually be toying with the idea of doing just that, but she’s not ready to talk about it. For as long as I’ve known her she’s been obsessed with being a lawyer—but maybe that was her parents’ influence. I decide to refrain from opening that can of worms tonight.

Once we reach our dorm Kelsey tells Ryan goodnight and goes inside leaving Ryan and I to tell each other goodnight. I turn to Ryan. “Thank you for coming tonight and thank you for saying all those nice things to Kelsey. I appreciate you supporting me and my best friend.”

“I had a great time tonight. I got to spend it with you.” He wraps his arms around me and pulls me in for a kiss that melts my lip gloss off. When we pull away I’m left breathless and wishing our roommates were both otherwise occupied. He must know what I’m thinking. “We’ll have to have our next date just be the two of us.”

“Yeah. I’d like that,” I tell him as I lean back against the door.

He leans in and gives me another kiss but this one is just a peck on the lips then tells me goodnight. I watch him walk away until he turns the corner going further down the hall to his dorm room. As I slip inside, all I can think to myself is tonight was a good night.

The weeks after Kelsey’s play fly by in a blur of classes, study sessions, and time spent with Ryan. Before I know it, midterms are upon us and Thanksgiving break is just around the corner. I’m sitting in the student center between classes, staring out the window at the falling leaves—the trees more bare than not, thinking about how my first semester of college is almost over.

It’s hard to believe how much has changed in just a few months. I’ve made new friends, found a passion for journalism, and started a relationship with an incredible guy. I feel like I’ve grown a lot and changed in such a short amount of time. But with Thanksgiving break approaching, I’m starting to feel anxious. The thought of going home to Arizona and not seeing Ryan for two weeks makes my stomach churn. My mother’s texts about my flight and all the activities she has planned for us to do together increase my anxiety.

Just as I’m lost in my thoughts, Ryan slides into the seat across from me, his presence instantly bringing a smile to my face and making me forget the anxiety of being overscheduled back home.

“Hey, beautiful,” he says, leaning over to give me a quick kiss. “What are you thinking about so hard?” He leans over and rubs at the deep v between my eyes.

“Just how fast this semester has gone by,” I reply, taking his hand and placing it in mine. “And how weird it’s going to be to go home for Thanksgiving and not see you.”

Ryan’s eyes soften as he squeezes my hand. “I’ve been thinking about that, too. But, you know, there’s always another option.”

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? And what would that be?”

“Well,” he says, a playful smile tugging at his lips, “You could always stay here and come back with me to my parents’ farm. You can meet them and see where I’m from. I’d love to show you around. You could learn what farming is all about and maybe even get some ideas on some stories about farming in America for the paper.”

My heart skips a beat at the thought. I hadn’t even dreamed about going to his parents’ farm. “Really? You want me to meet your parents?”

“Yes,” Ryan says, his eyes serious. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while now. I want you to be a part of my life, Hailey. And that includes meeting my family. You’ll get to see where I’m from.”

A rush of warmth spreads through me. “I’d love that, Ryan but I don’t know. Are you sure your parents wouldn’t mind me tagging along for Thanksgiving?”

“They’ll be thrilled,” he assures me. “It’ll be a nice break. What do you say? Doesn’t everyone want to spend their vacation at a working farm?” He gives me a cheeky grin.

“I don’t know,” I say, but it sounds more like a yes than a no. “My parents already bought my plane ticket, and my mom already has a ton of plans. I’ve never been away from home on a holiday before—and I’ve not seen them since school started…”

“Think about it.” He tugs playfully on a lock of hair. “Open invitation for when you decide to skip the sun for a cold farm with me.”

I laugh. “Well, how could I ever say no to that?”

“Don’t worry,” he leans in, “I’ll keep you warm.”

My heart skips a beat and I can feel my face getting flush. “I’ll think about it,” I promise.

Despite the fact that I said I’d have to think about it, we spend the next hour talking about his family and the farm. Ryan tells me about the horses they raise, the fields they tend, and the small town nearby. It’s clear how much he loves it, and his enthusiasm is contagious. I can’t help but feel a deep sense of contentment. This is where I want to be, with Ryan, experiencing new things together. The thought of meeting his family and seeing where he grew up makes the anxiety I have about going home seep away.

I don’t know if it’s his positive energy and excitement for going home or the idea of escaping all of the commitments my mother has for me back home but I no longer need any time to think about it. I even interrupt him mid-sentence. “Yes, I’d love to go home with you.”

Ryan smiles. “I’ll let them know. My parents are going to love you.”

Later, as we walk back to the dorm, Ryan wraps his arm around me, pulling me close. The crisp air is filled with the scent of fallen leaves, and the sky is painted in that orange light turning dark blue of night settling in around us.

“Thanks for agreeing to come with me,” Ryan says softly. “It means a lot.”

“Of course,” I reply, resting my head on his shoulder. “I can’t wait to see the farm and meet your family.” I groan. “I do dread calling my mom, though.” “Do you think she’s going to be upset?” he asks.

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