Page 80 of More Than Chemical

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“Wow.” My body warmed. “What subjects?”

“Calc and physics. I’m having a harder time finding chemistry tests.”

I paged through them. They appeared to hold a wealth of information. “Thanks. This is great.”

Class began, and the teacher went over sample problems on the board. I followed along as best I could, trying to focus.

Afterward, Jay and I walked out together. “You going back to the dorm?” he asked.

I heard him, but I didn’t respond. I couldn’t stop thinking about my dad, imagining him sitting at the defendant’s table in a courtroom.

Ugh. I needed to get that image out of my head.

“Ade,” Jay said, a little more urgently than I thought necessary. “Are you okay?”

“Sorry. Yeah, that’s where I’m going. Back to the dorm.”

“All right.” He waved at me, but it was weak, his eyes all-knowing. “See you later.”

I needed a distraction. Something bigger than class, something that would make me completely forget about Dad.

My phone dinged, and I fished it out.

DALLAS

You busy tonight?

I smiled for the first time that day.

No. Except I need to start getting ready for the chemistry test next week.

DALLAS

Want to study?

Where?

DALLAS

The engineering building again?

The hallway to get there is too cold.

DALLAS

My room?

Ha! I don’t think I can study in there. Too many other things to do.

DALLAS

Agreed

4th floor lounge?

DALLAS

So you really don’t care if anyone sees us, do you?

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