Page 14 of Beautiful Beginning

If I was going to run, I needed to collect the requirements. To ensure I met the qualifications, if I wanted to continue up that hill.

Students and staff filled the office, dressed in suit jackets, and slacks. Giving their best representation of the school. Whereas I stood in the back of the line with a t-shirt and sweats. Dressing in a suit, wearing slacks on campus isn’t something I’d get excited about.

After graduation though, it’d likely be my world.So might as well start now.

As I neared the desk, to collect the packet, my date with Journey replayed. The question she asked, “What do you plan to do for the university.” Most ideas I had to improve the community started with the greater community—not specifically for college students, or our university.

The things like improving the economics, and voter engagement. Ensuring people had the right to understand the candidates was all applicable though. Not likely something to get them excited about me though.

The poster, from the past president, still hung on the wall. The pillars of his platform outlined—improve café hours, improve parking relations, and game day visibility. I didn’t know what the last one meant, but all were comical. I thought back to the year before and tried to remember if I voted for that guy. If I did, I can’t imagine what the other person’s plans were.

“Pretty terrible, huh?” The guy in front of me pointed to the poster. “We should have known he wouldn’t take the role seriously.”

“What is game day visibility anyway?” I smirked. “And why would that make the top 3?”

We shared a laugh before he moved forward. “I mean, if that’s the top 3 I’m afraid to see what the rest of his pillars contained.” He stretched his hand out. “I’m Dean, by the way.” It was slick. Something I’d see someone who was keen on running for office do. Because they networked, never missed an opportunity to meet someone new.

“Dean, I’m Chaz, nice to meet you.” I studied his face before asking, “So you want to be the new SGA president?”

That’s when he cleared his throat, straightened his back, and looked at me like he was standing behind a podium. “I’d be a damn good one.”

Thankfully it was his turn to collect the package and move on. Talking to him made me question why I was there. The ringing phone in my pocket quickly reminded me. “Journey, hey.”

“I wanted to let you know our date last night had zero negative impact on my test taking skills.” Like she did on the sidelines, her voice dripped in confidence, enthusiasm.

“Good, girl.” I asked, “How are you celebrating?”

“Well—”

“Sir, do you want this?” The girl behind the desk had her hand outstretched. The packet hovering between us. “Or did you have a question?”

I pulled my phone away and said, “I want it.” I slipped it out of her grip and thanked her. As I walked away I said, “Well, did you have plans?”

“Wait.” I didn’t think it was possible for her voice to raise an octave, but it did. “Where are you?”

“Leaving the SGA office.” I planned on taking the packet home, scouring it over. Then deciding before uttering to a single soul I was considering it.

I heard clapping and what sounded like a chant for the football team before she said, “You are going to be amazing.” Her optimism countered my pessimism in a great way. Somewhere between us, there was enough water in the glass to quench anyone’s thirst. “How can I help?”

But then I had to pour a little of the water out. “I haven’t decided for sure, yet. Picked up the package to review the requirements. But more than anything, I appreciate your nudge of support. If I decide to run, I’d be happy to have you on my side.”

“On your side, huh…”

I repeated it back, and it did sound a little more intimate than I intended. Still, if she was down, I’d have her by my side for sure.

“You know,” she started speaking and whatever it was, if I knew it already, I’d learn it a few more times, “I’ve stayed out of the school’s political scene. But you genuinely want to leave the school better than you found it. And even if one of my besties runs against you, I’m comfortable supporting you.”

“That’s like an endorsement from the greatest president of all time,” I joked. “But how do you know I genuinely want to leave the school better than I found it.”

“Because you aren’t worried about who you will impress along the way. It doesn’t seem like you are in this to win friends. Expand your circle. Get noticed outside of school.”

The thought made my stomach turn. “Definitely don’t want that.”

“See…”

If knowing Journey for a couple of weeks was any hint, my senior year was about to change my life. It’d easily be the highlight of my four years on campus. “You never said how you were going to celebrate.” I didn’t wait for her response though. I offered, “Would you mind if I pick you up for an impromptu date?”

She repeated, “An impromptu date. In the middle of the day?”

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