functions so that you don’t have to leave class one minute after we begin. It’s extremely disrespectful to me.”
I try not to grind my teeth or utter exactly what I’m thinking, so I just sit there, fuming.
22
Maya
I drag my feet a little as I head out of my business class, feeling glum.
Why is she acting like such an ass? I know Flores said she was a pill but come on. And that pop quiz that you must be present for was a low blow. I guarantee you she came up with that just as soon as I walked out of the door. I almost want to report her to the school. But I don’t want to put a target on my back either.
With trimesters, it’s crazy how fast the school year moves. Teachers are already sending mid-term grades out in February. By March, we’ll be taking finals and heading home for spring break week before spring term starts up in late March.
It’s hard to keep frowning though, with Grant swimming in my head.
I smile thinking about what a ridiculously kind gesture he made today. I assumed he was pulling another Gatorade scenario.
As I’m walking back, I get a call from my dad. This is surprising, since he rarely calls except for our Sunday night chat a couple of times every month.
“How’s my best little angel A student?” he asks.
“I’m fine,” I say, and cringe a little. I don’t want to go into detail about the fact that I’m almost getting a D in a class—which would shock him.
No matter what shenanigans I’ve gotten into over the years, he’s always proudly told his brothers and anyone whom he talks with how smart of a daughter he has.
And how I’m a straight-A student.
“Well, I was just thinking…when you come back to Traverse City for spring break, you are completely welcome to stay with me. I’ve got a room in my new apartment all ready. If you want it. Which I’d love you to do. Business has been doing well this year, so I’ve got the new place. We can celebrate you declaring your major and everything!”
My heart sinks. I really don’t want to tell him the thoughts I’ve been tossing around in my mind about some major changes I’m considering. “Hmm. Okay, I’ll have to think on that. I’ve been so wrapped up in this term, I haven’t even thought that far out.”
“That’s terrific. Hey, a friend of mine up in northern Michigan, well, they just had a position open up for the summer—get this—going through the Traverse City historical records and digitizing them. Can you imagine? You’d go through thousands of old newspapers!”
“So, I’d be in some musty old basement, scanning documents all summer?”
“Maya, come on. Don’t poo-poo my idea. You’ve always loved art. And history. At the same time, you’ve got to do things you don’t like sometimes to get to where you want to be. This would be a great first step. There aren’t a ton of jobs out there to actually use that Art History Degree. Thank God for that Business minor, am I right?”
“Then maybe I should change my major,” I quip.
He chuckles, and then after a few moments, it dissipates.
“You’re joking, right?” He quips, when I don’t confirm that I’m joking.
“I’m dead serious, Dad. I’ve been thinking about changing it.”
“To what?”
“Hey, you know what, Dad? I just got back to the dorms and my friend is calling me! Gotta go! Bye! Can’t wait to talk later!”
I hang up, and my pulse is racing.
What will they do if they find out I’m getting a D in a class?
My mind swirls with anxiety as I head up the stairs to my room.
I set my backpack down, and then my phone vibrates again.
This time, it’s my mom.
Mom: I just cleaned your room for you today. Can you believe how cozy this will be in summer?
The picture she sends is meant to make me happy, but instead, anxiety rips through my stomach. I thought my parents were even-keeled, but there’s no denying that the post-divorce tug-o-war for my attention has come into full swing now with my dad getting his nice new apartment. Last summer, it was an easy decision just to stay with my mom in the house where I grew up. I’m usually happy to be the giver, but I don’t feel comfortable with this competition.
I lie down for a moment and feel something under my pillow.
It’s a little note from Grant.
“Passion comes after you put in the