Awakenings: The Greek, The Russian and Me

Chapter 27

The weekend goes by quickly, and Mom returns on Sunday evening. She is full of positive things to say about Florida, and her mind is half set on moving there. She has also met someone who rocks her world. All I hear about is how nice the people were, the wonderful weather, and the beautiful beaches. She has even priced out apartments. "Mom, I want you to be hap- py, but I'm not moving to Florida. My life and my friends are here. If you're really serious about moving, let me know, and I'll see if I can stay with Dad or find someone who might need a roommate," I say honestly.

She just stares at me and then says, "Well, you're an adult now, so if you want to stay, it's up to you. I'm ninety-eight percent sure that I will be relocating over the summer." She smiles. I feel exhausted just listening to her, so I remind her that I have exams tomorrow and head off for bed.

In bed I lie there thinking of all the events of these last couple of months. Meeting Conn and losing my virginity wasn't that bad; in fact, he was very gentle, I say to myself as I remember that night. Conn—I wonder what he is doing. I don't understand him; I know he felt some- thing, and I was falling in love with him. In love? I ask myself. Maybe not love but infatuation or sexual gratification. Oh yes, he did know how to make me crazy, but our relationship really just revolved around sex. Erik, on the other hand, he's my friend, and he also makes me feel things I never felt before. When we have sex, it's passionate, very intense, and he fills me completely. I have a sense of contentment but also sexual satisfaction. With Erik it's not just about sex; he's the complete deal. Am I falling in love? What is love exactly? I yawn as my mind keeps on asking questions and providing answers.

The next morning I wake up early, have breakfast, and head to school ready for my biology class. After so much stressing and studying, my nerves are frazzled as I sit and wait for Dr. Liberman to hand out the exams. Once I get mine, I stare at it blankly for a moment; then I take a deep breath and begin to read the questions. I feel myself relax as I fly though the exam, answering question after question with an increasing sense of security. I finish the exam with five minutes to spare, and I feel proud of my accomplishments. Dr. Liberman calls time and collects all the exams, and he announces that by

Wednesday afternoon, all grades should be posted. I exit the lecture hall and find Erik waiting for me. "So how was it?" he asks.

I smile and reply, "Not as bad as I thought. I think all that studying and your mom's Russian food really did the trick."

He smiles as he kisses me lightly. "Well, psychology is in about thirty minutes. It shouldn't be too bad either." He grabs my hand, and we stroll down the hall. It's a beautiful day, and we decide to sit outside on the steps and soak in some vitamin D. We are sitting side by side as he holds my hand and the sun warms us. "So how do you want to celebrate the end of the semester?" he asks as he draws circles on my palm.

"I have an idea, but I want it to be a surprise, so you will just have to trust me. Do you have plans for tonight" I say.

He looks at me questioningly. "No, why?"

I smile and reply, "Well, I will drop by your house and pick you up. We will be taking the train."

"How about if after the psychology exam we get some lunch, go play pool, or head back to my place; then in the evening, whenever you're ready, we can take the train into Manhattan," he whispers in my ear.

"That sounds like a plan," I say, and as I lean against him to give him a kiss, I notice that Conn is approaching the steps leading to the front door. My heart still clench- es at the sight of him, but I'm distracted by Erik's mouth possessing mine, and before I realize it, I'm lost in our kiss. A short while later, we head back into the building for our final exam. It's a fifty-question multiple-choice exam that takes less than an hour to complete. I smile in satisfaction as I answer the last question and hand in my paper. I exit the lecture hall and sit on the window ledge as I wait for Erik to come out. My mind can't stop dredg- ing up memories of Conn as I sit here in silence. Finally Erik comes out, and I feel relieved at the welcomed dis- traction. He is smiling both with his lips and his eyes, and I can't help but smile too. He hugs me and twirls me around as he says, "We are officially done with this year of college!" and I can't help but giggle at his expression.