CLASSIFICATIONS OF TRUTH (Short Story)
First Classification: There are things that I know but you don't know
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GRACE
Half an hour feels like forever as I wait by the campus gate. Each passing white car sends a jolt of anticipation through me, but my phone remains disappointingly silent. I decide to give mom a call, only to be met with her voicemail instructing me speak after the beep. Sighing, I end the call, fingers crossed for some good news.
As the minutes drag on, I find myself absentmindedly stretching my fingers, checking the guard's clock impatiently – it's already 7:45 pm. The campus is gradually emptying out, students streaming past me on their way home. I scrutinize each face, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. Then, just when I'm starting to feel a bit defeated, I spot him making his way towards the exit, his eyes locked onto mine. A smile creeps onto his face, and suddenly, I'm all aflutter with butterflies. Just as I'm about to get lost in the moment, a car's horn rudely brings me back to reality.
I turn around, and there it is – the car I've been eagerly awaiting has finally arrived.
WINSTON
The class ran over by almost fifteen minutes because the professor needed to discuss some crucial details about next week's midterm exams.
After quickly packing up, I rushed (quite literally) towards the main gate, hoping to catch her before she left. As I got closer to the exit, it was getting crowded with students, block-mates, and classmates all making their way out. Despite the crowd, I managed to spot her standing by the gate frame. Our eyes met, and for a moment, it felt like time slowed down. I smiled at her, but she just looked back at me. The fantasy ended abruptly with a car's horn, and she turned to head towards a white car. My smile lingered, grateful for the chance to see her tonight.
GRACE
I've got a mix of good and bad news for myself. The downside is I stumbled upon something at home that's making me want to bail. On the bright side, I'll be crashing at my best friend Ace's place tonight. I'm already parked at their gate, waiting for Ace to swing it open for me. Finally, after what felt like a century, she does.
"I was starting to think you enjoyed leaving me hanging out here," I tease as she laughs it off. "I'm just swamped with reviews. Midterms are looming next week."
"Yeah, I'm fully aware of that," I reply, knowing that midterms are just around the corner. Despite wanting to do well, the motivation to crack open a book or even my notebook seems to vanish every time. It's like they emit a sleep-inducing fog, making me feel lethargic and drowsy.
"So, what's on the agenda for tonight?" Ace asks, knowing me too well. "Hmm... Do you still have those CDs?" I inquire. Her grin widens. "You're really determined to keep me from studying," she jokes before playfully punching my arm. "If I end up failing, you're covering my tuition," she playfully threatens. "As if you'd actually let me do that," I retort. "Whatever!" And with that, we dive into setting up for the evening.
WINSTON
I can't be mistaken. I saw her, unmistakably entering Al's house. Without hesitation, I dialed his number. "What's up?" Al answered promptly. I hesitated for a moment, pondering how to approach the topic. "Al, did you-" He cut me off with an impatient tone, "Whatever bro, just come over so you can see her."
