Page 5 of Tutored By the Smart Girl

“Thanks.”

“Honestly, I’m relieved you’ll be seeing a good doctor while you’re so far away from home.”

“Seriously? I’m only four hours from you.”

It seems we have this conversation almost daily.

“I’ll let you get back to things. I’m sorry to bother you. I just?—”

“You’re not bothering me, but I hate to think about you worrying.”

I reach my building and head to the stairs.

“I promise I won’t worry so much. Or try not to.”

I reach the second floor of my dorm. “All moms worry, don’t they?”

I open the door to the dorm I share with my roommate, Anna.

“I guess it’s part of the job description.” She laughs. “I miss having you around here.”

I pad down the hall to my bedroom, open the door and plunk down on my bed. “I miss you too, Mom, but like I said, I’m doing great.”

“Good to hear.”

There’s a pause.

“And honey?”

“Yeah?”

“I found out today your father is moving to Arizona. He got a promotion.”

My heart sinks. “I was hoping since he was only a few hours away from me here at the university that we could work on our relationship. I thought maybe he’d come to the campus.”

“I figured. I’m sorry.”

No need for Mom to apologize. When it comes to my father, I’m used to the setbacks. I learned at an early age if you keep your expectations low, you’re never disappointed.

“Thanks for letting me know.” My fingers tug at a loose thread on my comforter. “Do you think he’ll contact me?”

“If he still has your number, he might. Just wanted you to know.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

We end our call just as my stomach growls. I shuffle into the kitchen.

I was so busy in the library, I missed lunch. I can practically hear my mother scolding me about missing meals.

While I’m making a grilled cheese sandwich, Anna comes through the front door.

“Hey roomie,” she greets with her usual mega-watt smile, her long, dark hair in a loose ponytail. She takes a whiff near my skillet. “Yum.”

“Want one?” I pull a slice of bread out of the package.

“Sure, but I can make it myself.”

“And burn down the building?”

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