Tiger (Brian&Leah, 2)

32. I Need You

BRIAN

Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, and Statistics have ratcheted up my stress levels over the last few days. While I don't have trouble understanding the syllabus, the assessment criteria and professors' requirements make my head spin.

I yawn into my fist, leaning against the wall by the lecture hall's entrance. Physiology class is due to start in a couple of minutes.

"Sorry I'm late, man."

Turning around, I see Sean. "Not late," I say, fist-bumping him. "Let's go."

Sean nods, and we enter. A quick scan of the hall helps us locate two vacant seats in the middle. Just as we sit, I spot Chad and greet him with a jerk of my head.

Sean raises a brow. "Do you know him?"

"We have classes together. Why?"

"I've seen him at the gym, that's all."

The commotion around us dies down as Dr. Creighton strides to the podium.

He introduces himself and goes over the course syllabus. I take brief notes and can't help but smile—it's an important subject, and although many are intimidated by how hard it is to pass it, it's medicine-related, which makes my excitement soar.

"...We'll cover the functional anatomy of the organs and learn to understand their role in the human body. Well, or try to. The functions of one of the organs we have are still subject to debate. Any idea about what organ that is?"

The silence is absolute. I glance at Sean, then raise my hand.

"Yes, Mr..."

"O'Brien. I believe it's the appendix."

"You believe right. It's small and seems insignificant, although, frankly, nothing in the human body ever is, but if it ruptures and is left untreated, the consequences can be life-threatening. What is that dangerous condition called, Mr. O'Brien?"

"Septicemia, which in turn leads to sepsis, caused by peritonitis in this case."

"Well, someone's taking his future career seriously." Dr. Creighton chuckles. "Keep it up."

"Thanks," I say, refocusing on my notes as he speaks about the projects we're expected to do and the first quiz we'll have in a week.

When the lecture is over, and we're collecting our things, Sean smiles at me. "Good job earlier. You sounded confident."

"It was easy." I shrug. "I assisted a surgeon in Indonesia in an emergency appendectomy. He explained stuff to me."

Sean's eyes flare. "Assisted? Wow. That's cool."

"I was lucky not to throw up."

"They let you assist?"

I didn't realize Chad was listening. I glance at him, faking indifference. "It was an emergency after an earthquake like I said. The nurse got injured. Not that the surgeon had a choice."

"Of course, genius," Chad says, sending me a wink on his way out.

Genius.

I stuff my notebook in the backpack and bite my lip. Why the fuck did I even open my mouth?

Sean's eyes stay glued to Chad's back until he's out of the hall. "It stinks in here," he mutters.

"Huh?"

"Jealousy, man."

I snort. "Yeah, right."

"Right." Sean snaps his fingers. "Now that I've thought about it, he's the same guy who grilled Nash about the push-ups."