Page 2 of Courting Clemson

Currently, we were all biology majors, but Grace was already second-guessing her decision. We assured her she had plenty of time to figure it out. The first two years were mostly general-education classes anyway. That seemed like enough to calm her anxiety—about that topic, at least. She moved on to the next stressor within minutes, and we talked her off that ledge too. The girl worried way too much, and since I was the complete opposite, I usually ran point in talking her down.

“Is Grace here yet?” I asked, and Avery shook her head before I finished getting the words out.

“Not yet, but I got a text from her earlier saying they got off to a late start this morning. I think her mom was having a meltdown again,” she explained with a hearty eyeroll.

We already knew the girl got her dramatics from her mother, so I could just imagine what the farewell scene was like at her house.

Made me think of my own send-off again. I was lucky my parents both dragged themselves out to the driveway to half-heartedly wave as I drove away. If I had to deal with an emotional breakdown at every life event, I would’ve left years ago. Or maybe that was what I told myself to ease the pain of feeling like no one truly cared.

“Do you want some help bringing your stuff in?” my new friend asked.

“That would be awesome, but if you want to spend time with your folks before they head out, I get it.”

But she pushed me toward the door with her hand low on my hip. Under her breath she commented, “They’re making me crazy. Maybe they’ll get the hint that we just want to get settled in, and they’ll take off.”

I gave one curt nod that I heard her message loud and clear, and we both headed back outside into the glorious Southern California sunshine.

“Maybe if they leave early enough, we can hit the beach,” she said. “We have days to unpack before classes start.”

As tempting as the idea was, I had to burst her bubble. Or at least deflate it a little bit.

“Not for me,” I said. “Classes start Monday, and it’s that stupid PE requirement, of all things. The professor actually emailed a list of supplies to bring to the first class and threatened he’d be checking everyone’s locker to make sure everything’s there.”

She snorted when I added that last part. “And we thought we were finally free of the micro-managing.”

“Girl, I don’t know when or if that ever really happens. I mean, think about it. The next four years are going to be spent bending over backward to please professors just to graduate and enter the workforce and then be in the same situation with an employer.”

I probably sounded bitter—or negative at the very least. But I spoke my truth.

“Wow, Clemson. Way to paint a picture of sunshine,” my roommate bemoaned.

With a shrug, I said, “Just calling it like I see it.” If nothing else, the people around me could always count on that.

After several trips back and forth between my designated bedroom and car, the heat started taking its toll. Avery’s parents finally said farewell, and the house was quiet as she and I flopped down on the sofa we all pitched in to buy.

“Damn! This thing is actually pretty comfortable. Impressive for an online purchase,” she said.

I agreed enthusiastically and added, “And the color is way better than what it looked like on my screen.”

“I think if we add a chair, maybe here”—Avery leaped to her feet to point out the spot she had in mind—“and one over here.” She paused a moment, looking back and forth between the two areas. “That would really balance out the room. Don’t you think?”

“Duuuude,” I dragged out in perfect SoCal fashion. “Not my wheelhouse. You guys can totally do what you want with the decor in here. As long as it’s clean and fairly tidy, I’m good to go.” I knew my sense of style was lacking—to say the least. But I did have standards when it came to organization and cleanliness.

Finally, our third roommate trudged through the door. The poor thing looked like she had been in battle and not in the back of a luxury sedan for the couple of hours’ drive.

Avery and I shot each other concerned looks and then wrapped our new friend in welcoming hugs.

“You okay?” Avery asked before I could.

Grace just gave a quick nod and dashed a look over her shoulder to see if her parents were behind her yet. “They’re driving me nuts. Please don’t encourage them to stay any longer than necessary.” She volleyed a pleading look between Avery and me.

“We got you,” I assured her with a quick squeeze of her hand.

Her little mitt was ice cold, and that didn’t add up with the outside air temperature.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” I muttered for her ears only.

This time when she met my waiting attention, her eyes were filled with unshed tears.

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