Page 54 of Beautiful Beginning

“Between writing papers, studying for exams, and figuring out how bad these budget cuts will impact the school… well, I don’t exactly have the time.”

“Mistake number one.” Professor Martin’s tone echoed my father’s. Sounded like my dad when he wanted to get his point across. A forceful tone that relayed,try me if you want to.“This is your life. It’s no question if you have time, you never will. You have to make time.”

That was one of those anecdotes that was way easier said than done. It was pointless to recite because it provided little value to make a difference. “If it were that easy, I’d add two more hours to my day and dedicate them to searching for a job.”

Professor Martin smirked. “With your reputation, you should have political connections in Hill Mount. Finding something should be easy.”

I shouted, “Hill Mount?” Like a rat ran across the floor. It was the town I spent four years without issue. But anything beyond that was questionable. I didn’t come there to stay awhile. I came to get what I needed and leave. I was close to having that in my hands, so the thought of leaving was the only acceptable response. “No.”

“Is there something wrongwith this city?”

“Well, no. Obviously I live here now, but—”

“You don’t think it’s worthy of a life beyond college?” He waited for my response, but I didn’t think it was necessary. “Many students miss out on opportunities because they want to run away from this place. Move on to bigger and better. Don’t count it out. Especially if you have no plans of your own.”

That warning alone made me want to find options. Many options. “I’ll need to find some soon.” I laughed. “And I better figure out how to create time. I’ll see you later.” I waved my hand over my head before walking out the door.

I walked across campus. The barren trees, and yellow grass in the courtyard wasn’t screamingstay here.Of course, if I did stay in Hill Mount I wouldn’t be on campus. The city, as small as it was, had a lot to offer. But many of the places I frequented had students. What would it be like to roll up to a place and not be a peer anymore?

Or was there some secret level that unlocked when you lived in the city permanently. Because I couldn’t recall a single time I ran into any one of my professors. They had to be hanging out somewhere, right? But who would I go to those places with? Marcus was moving clear across the country to start his job at an engineering firm. And Journey planned to move to Neveah City. Not on the opposite coast as Hillside, still hundreds of miles away.

If I could create two more hours in the day, I’d add in a third to sit and think about Journey. And what we would do after graduation. Because there was no way I was moving to Neveah City. It was doubtful she’d consider any place else. I never imagined I’d have a long-distance relationship. But if I had more time to think through it, it could prove possible.

When I got to my car, instead of rushing home to study. Or stopping by Journey’s I drove around the city. Hill Mount had a highway that circled the city, and paths of roads throughout. But the best road to travel, was the one that divided the city in two. I chose to take that one. As I drove, it wasn’t obvious that the street divided the city. The buildings that lined the road were similar. Clothing and shoes stores, some restaurants. But to those who frequented Golden Avenue not many visited both sides of the street. The division couldn’t screamJim Crow Southmore than it whispered it to those who asked.

If there was a single reason for me to be an advocate in Hillside, Golden Avenue would be it.

Near the end of the road, there was a large city park. Tree lined sidewalks, playgrounds, and benches. A public park where anyone was welcome not everyone enjoyed it. Every time I passed I never saw a person with skin like mine. But then again, I never stopped there either.

As I turned around to head back up Golden Avenue, my phone rang over the car’s speakers. Journey’s name illuminated on my screen. My cheeks tugged into a small smile before answering, “Journey, what’s up?”

“I got it,” she yelled into the phone. “I got the interview.” Her cheer voice did her well in almost all occasions. It added to the intrigue of whatever she revealed. But aninterview? Especially that.

“Interview for?”

“Only the top finance consulting company.” She gushed. “I heard this morning, and it’s tomorrow.”

My eyes bulged. “Tomorrow?” That didn’t give her long to prepare. Not enough time to gather her thoughts and determine how she’d impress the shit out of them. But who was I kidding? Journey didn’t need time to discover how impressive she was, she just was. “That’s dope.” My voice likely didn’t mirror one screaming from a blow horn though. “I know you got it.” As I continued, my voice became shakier.

“I have a huge favor to ask.”

Outside of jumping from a plane, anything Journey asked I would have done. Especially, if I could create another couple of hours in my day. “What you got?” I started to tell her I got her, but I waited to hear the request. In case jumping from a plane was on her pre-graduation bucket list.

“Nia and Lauren are on campus, and I need someone to drill me with interview questions.”

“Now?”

“If you have time.” The cheer voice was gone, and a whisper replaced it.

I had no time, but in Professor Martin’s soliloquy he suggested I created it. So, I did. “I have time.”

“Thank you.” Her bubbly tone returned.

That was easy. “I’m on my way.”

Journey met me at the door with her arms spread wide, a huge smile, and her soft lips on mine as we embraced. “Ehm,” she moaned into my mouth, “I wish we had more time for that. I can’t get enough of it.”

“I’m on this, create the time you need kick, so…”

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