Page 12 of Kicking It with the Point Guard

Whatever. I just need to focus on passing College Algebra. Forget about all these outside distractions.

Violet

“Yeah, Mom, everything is going well. I’ve made a plan with my advisor, and she’s setting me up with one of the best math tutors at Fox University. She said that even the professors go to him for advice on math.”

I roll onto my stomach on my bed and flump my face into the pillow. Mom is going on about how excited she is for me to finally almost be done with math, and how, after this semester, I’ll be that much closer to graduating, and how I’m handling this like a true adult.

“I’m so glad we sent you to a private university. I knew you’d get a much better education there.” I can hear the tears in her voice.

“Yes, Mom,” I say, rolling my eyes. I haven’t told her that my math professor is the king of Planet Douchebag, and I don’t plan on it.

I’m going to pass this math class, and I’m going to do it without stressing my parents out. I can't let them down. Not after everything they've done to get me to this point.

“Well, I’ve got to go. I’ve still got homework. I just wanted to check in and make sure you and Dad were doing okay.”

“We are, sweetie. We just love you and miss you more every day, and we can’t wait for Christmas break! We’ll get to see you every day for a whole month!”

I laugh. “Maybe not every day. What if I spend a few days sleeping the day away? College is hard work, you know.”

“Oh, hush. I’ll make you homemade cookies, and we’ll play your favorite board games. And I won’t let your father pester you if you decide to read in your favorite chair.” I hear the smile in her voice. She knows she’s got me now.

“All right, all right. You’ve convinced me.” I can’t keep the smile off my own face.

“Love you, pudding cup!” Mom says fondly.

“Love you too, Momma!”

I always feel lighter after talking with my parents. Their love for me is so real and strong that it’s almost a tangible thing. We’ve always been close. When I first came to college, it was hard to be away from them for so long. But we’ve all adapted, and now the holidays are extra special.

I lie in bed a little longer. I almost doze off, but a text from Mia wakes me up. She won’t be back until later because she’s got to work tonight.

I need to do something to wake myself up. I don’t have time to take a nap… even if I so desperately need one.

I could go for a run. Pfft! Who am I kidding? That would be worse than doing math every day.

Maybe I should go get something to eat, and then I can go to the library. There’s less of a chance of me falling asleep doing homework if I’m doing it somewhere other than my comfy, cozy dorm room.

The cafeteria isn’t as full tonight as it is at lunch, so I leisurely peruse my options, finally deciding on a gourmet toasted club sandwich with bacon and melted cheese. I grab a bag of chips and fill a cup with soda.

I take my time, enjoying my meal. The last few times I was here, I was rushed or stressed or approached by someone. I haven’t enjoyed a meal since the last time I got to eat with Mia. Which, now that I think about it, was over a week ago. Her schedule this semester is so hectic.

I miss my roomie.

An hour later, I’m walking across campus. The sun is setting behind me, casting a peachy glow on our beautiful campus. I’m not in any rush to get to the library. In fact, I’m never in a rush to do math homework.

My neck prickles, and I slow to a stop. I’m not alone out here. There are still students hanging out in the courtyard, taking advantage of the changing weather. A lazy breeze dances softly from the east, and there’s more than one blanket lain out on the grass. Couples, friends, and groups chat, laugh, or just hang out, being together.

It really drives home how alone I am when Mia isn’t around.

My neck prickles again, and I turn in a full circle. Someone is watching me, and it isn’t the people enjoying the weather.

That’s not to say that my potential stalker isn’t enjoying the weather… It is a nice change from the heat of summer.

I pick up my pace. With so many people out right now, I’m almost assuredly safe. But making it to the library suddenly seems important.

It only takes a minute for me to cross the rest of the green, then I’m enveloped in the safe scent of books.

I take a deep breath to calm my nerves. Now, on to the fun part. I sigh as I take the familiar path to my favorite study room. Someone has hung up a schedule on the window informing everyone that my study room is off limits for an hour every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

---