November 26th, 1999 – 2:23 PM
My head throbbed as I woke-up in the morning. I clutched my scalp as pushed myself up on the head board. Water had been set-up carefully on my nightstand; I fumbled for a glass of water. My mind cleared as I quenched my thirst and my mind traced back to my last memory. Strong, warm arms holding me safe and tight, I'd been so inebriated, I couldn't for the life of me remember who had brought me home. Was it that handsome Jack?
I felt lost in the memory of his dreamy brown eyes. The memory of his soft fluffy brown hair tucked messily under a Michigan Wolverines baseball cap game him an aloof appearance. Had he been the one to carry me home?
I was certain it had to be him! How could I mistake the sensation of those thick guns. He was so thoughtfully tucking me into bed and setting water for me to wake to. I was in love, there was no mistaking the pounding I felt in my chest, the dizzying elation. I'd read enough of Maria's romance novels to know what I was experiencing.
There was only one answer; I needed to get into the University of Michigan. I would study dance, he would play football… it was straight out of a fairytale. Maybe I could even become a cheerleader! I had already applied for several art colleges already, but I was certain they'd still be taking applications.
I rinsed off and detangled my hair in a rush. I tossed on a tank top and jeans and rushed out the door, I needed to get the application from Maria.
The dusty path, the cold rain pouring down overhead that left Goosebumps on my skin, none of it mattered. Everything in the world was right at this moment and nothing would bring me down.
Grey was at the library when I arrived, deeply emerged in conversation with the lovely Maria
"Really? But there are so many great books here!" He responded to something she had just said.
"It's nice of you to say so." Maria said, sounding awfully pleased with his exclamation and completely unaware of my presence. "I'm writing a novel... Do you want to read it?" She asked smiling dopishly at him, I didn't want to interrupt. It was unusual to see her open-up so much and I didn't want such a rare occasion to be ruined due to my presence.
"You're writing a book? That's incredible!" He said, obviously impressed. "…It's not such a big deal. Um. Do you want to read it?" She asked, noticing me out of the corner of her eye. "If you really want me to read it, I'd love to!"
"Great! I'll. I'll uh. Bring it to you later." She said her posture slumping and eyes darting frantically between us, her face flush.
"Sorry to interrupt. I was… Well, I was going to ask if you could help me apply to another university Maria." I asked.
She stared at me with a look of horror. Grey gave me a look of incredulity before whispering something to Maria and making his way out. I ran an ice-cold hand through my sopping wet hair. "Oh. K-karen. L-l-l-let me get you a towel." Maria stuttered and grabbed.
Once I had dried-up she sat me down with several forums to fill out and a pen. A painstaking three hours later I was done and the application was in the mail.
I thanked her for her help. As I headed out my stomach roared, I stopped in at the bakery and bought myself a slice of cake and a cup of tea on my father's tab and headed home. I lay in bed and dreamed about my future college life, of my major league football player boyfriend-to-be and my promising dance career. Everything was felt so right!