Page 34 of The Charlie Method

We hope this letter finds you in the best of health and high spirits. We write to you today not just as students but as two souls irrevocably intertwined in both academic ambition and profound love.

As you know, the rigorous demands of the STEM program tests both our intellectual capacities and our resilience as human beings. We are proud to say that we have risen to the occasion in every way possible. However, there is one aspect of our academic journey that has been a source of considerable distress: the separation imposed upon us by the current assignment of lab partners in Cell and Tissue Engineering with Professor Bianchi.

Our relationship is not an impediment to our learning but an asset. It’s the very foundation on which our academic success is built. When we work together, our intellects flourish in ways that defy the ordinary. Because of this, we ask you to reconsider the current assignment of lab partners and allow us to work together going forward.

To further substantiate our plea, we have attached a letter from our therapist, a credentialed and respected professional, who has astutely observed the symbiotic relationship between our love and our academic performance. Our therapist attests to the fact that our emotional well-being is intrinsically linked to our ability to work together. The mutual support we provide each other is unparalleled, and it fuels a kind of intellectual synergy that results in work of the highest caliber.

According to this expert, our separation would be detrimental to our mental health and could potentially lead to a significant decline in our grades—a scenario that would be devastating not only for us but for the reputation of this esteemed department.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

With the deepest respect and hope,

Lourdes and George

Forever United in Love and Learning

CHAPTER EIGHT

WILL

The mysterious Lars

I’M STRIPPING OUT OF MY SWEATSHIRT WHEN A TEXT FROM MY NEW LABpartner lights my phone. Tossing the hoodie on my bed, I tap the notification and grin.

CHARLOTTE:

This Lourdes and George letter is a work of art. Pure genius.

I take off my pants and kick them away before responding.

ME:

I told you. Lourdes has skills.

CHARLOTTE:

Do they seriously have a therapist??

ME:

Nah, I think they got one of those unlicensed online shrinks to write a letter on their behalf.

CHARLOTTE:

OMG and the line about the therapist observing the symbiotic relationship between their love and academic performance. It’s my favorite part.

ME:

My fave is the sign-off. Forever United in Love and Learning.

CHARLOTTE:

So brilliant. And it worked! Professor Bianchi actually reassigned us.

Naked, I stride into the hall bathroom and turn on the shower. Beckett is out with some of our teammates tonight, but I was too tired and lazy to hit up the bar. Besides, we have an early practice tomorrow, and I don’t want to piss off Coach by showing up hungover. Unlike Beck, I don’t bounce back as easily after a night of drinking.

Still, when Case texts as I’m getting out of the shower, asking if I want to chill, I tell him to come over. Hanging out with Case is a hell of a lot more convenient than putting on real clothes and trekking to Malone’s. Case lives down the street from us, sharing a house with Trager and two sophomores on the team, so in less than five minutes, he’s walking through my front door.

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