Life in the Fast Lane

Chapter Eight

It had been two months since Jake left. The first semester of classes had come to a close, and Liv had just returned back to the campus after a few weeks home for the holidays. She had done well in her first term, despite everything she had to deal with. She thought she had found a great relationship, but it was torn away from her before she really had the chance to explore it. They spoke every day, though the time difference did make things a little tough. Jake's mom didn't seem to be doing well, and that often kept him occupied. Liv really felt for him; trying to finish school and look after his mother had to be tough. He had managed to swindle finishing the term up online before he would be transferring to another University. While Liv was happy, he was able to do so, it didn't make missing him any easier.

Classes were starting up again soon, and Liv was not ready. She had purposely chosen a harder than normal schedule to try and keep her mind occupied. Jane disproved of this, but there wasn't much she could say; she was doing just as much schoolwork wise as Liv was. In the back of Liv's mind, she wondered how long she would be able to maintain a long-distance relationship. It was no secret the love they had for each other; it was obvious to anyone who knew them. And though they spoke every day, it was sporadic and sometimes only a few messages a day. The stress Jake was under had to be overwhelming, and it was beginning to affect Liv too.

Soon enough, classes began, and Liv started to try and get back into a normal routine again. The assignments were starting to pile up, and Liv's workload kept increasing. She was kept up all hours studying, doing assignments, or talking with Jake. Sleep was something that Liv was just not seeing these days.

"You need to slow down, girl" Jane finally commented. She had been thinking about saying something to Liv for a while, but she was not sure how to broach the subject. How do you tell your best friend you look like a pile of garbage, please get some rest? "You look like a pile of garbage, please get some rest" Jane pleaded, for lack of a better thing to say.

"I can't, I have two assignments due tomorrow, a midterm basically every day next week, and then a group presentation- don't even get me started on that" she grumbled, taking a sip of her third coffee of the day. "So, sleep can wait. I have lots to do" she added, and Jane sighed heavily. She could see how much Jake being gone was affecting her; she was overworking herself.

"Sleep can't wait- you're going to crash and burn, you know this" Jane tried to reason with her, even though she knew it was no use. Liv wouldn't stop the train of self-destruction she seemed to have put herself on.

"And if I work hard enough this semester, I can take less classes next term- and try and find myself a job" Liv sighed heavily but looking optimistic. "If I can get lucky enough to get one of the few jobs the professor is offering."

"What jobs is the professor offering?" Jane asked, genuinely curious. Liv hadn't mentioned anything to her previously about a potential job in the spring. But then again, Jane thought with a frown, she was always so wrapped up in schoolwork and Jake she didn't have as much time to chat as she usually did, despite the pair living together.

"He knows someone who will take on some students in the spring. The jobs are at Dansk Flygningehjaelp" Liv began, putting her coffee down. "There are a few openings with the Standby Roster Team"

"Never heard of it" Jane informed Liv, biting back a laugh; she was certain her friend was not pronouncing it correctly. "What do they do?"

"Danish Refugee Council; they're a non-profit humanitarian organization" Liv explained, yawning. "It's not entirely what I'd want as a job in the future, but it's good experience. But there's only 3 openings" she added the last part with a grimace.

"How many people are in your class?" Jane asked, afraid to know the answer.

"Thirty." Liv replied curtly. "So, my odds are not great" Liv added with a frown. It made sense why her best friend was working so hard now; she wanted that job. Not only would it be nice to have some money, but it would also provide her with invaluable experience.

"Don't be so down on yourself so quickly" Jane instructed her. "You're working harder than a lot of people on this campus; don't sell yourself short, Liv! You've got this!" She tried her best to convince her friend, but by the look Liv gave her, it was not going to be the case.

Before Liv had the chance to answer, she saw her phone light up with an incoming call; it was Jake.

"Shoot, sorry- I have to take this" Liv mumbled, before stumbling out of the café. "Hey" she greeted, trying her best to remain composed.

"Hey" Jake greeted, sounding exhausted. "How was class today?" he asked, making small talk.

"You know, the usual. Lots of assignments and what not" Liv mumbled, taking a seat at one of the empty tables outside the café. "How's your mother doing?" she asked, even though she was certain she already knew the answer.

"You know, the usual" Jake muttered, sounding defeated. He was struggling, and that was becoming obvious to Liv. They both were struggling. In the back of their minds, they both knew what they had to do, but it seemed neither of them were willing to be the one to bring it up. "She had a better day today though, so at least there's one positive" Jake added, and Liv smiled slightly, glad at least something was going right.

"That's good" Liv replied, and the line fell silent.

"Listen, I think-" they both uttered those words at the same time, and both knew in their hearts what it meant.

"You're on the same page?" Liv asked, a sigh of relief washing over her.

"It's not fair to either of us to stay together" Jake said in a small voice. "By no means does that mean I don't want you in my life- I just don't think it should be as my girlfriend" he added the last sentence in a whisper, and Liv felt her heart begin to beat rapidly.

"I don't want to lose you, either" Liv replied, glad at least they were ending things on good terms. "Stay in touch. Let me know how your mother's doing" Liv asked, as she got ready to hang up the phone.

"I will" Jake sighed, sad that this was ending, but happy, at the very least, they were on the same page.