Si, Per Favore

7. Testing The Waters

"Okay class, I hope you are ready for the quiz. It will show on your portal in about 10 minutes. It covers what we have done in the past two months. It's like a revision but it will also be added to your final grade when the course ends." Professor Chiara announces and goes back to looking into her laptop.

My heart sank. Test?! Oh fuck. I completely forgot about that test. I frantically looked around and saw students quickly brushing through their notebooks and some slides on their laptops. The murmuring of students filled the classroom and I just sat there staring at the blank whiteboard in front of me. It had completely slipped out of my mind in the past few days with all that was happening. I recalled I had texted Carlo about it too. How could I be so stupid?

My eyes landed on the empty seat next to mine. I was hoping Elisa and Matteo would show up, but they were nowhere in sight. I have to admit, after coming here I have realized that Italian students also take their studies VERY seriously. Like here at Bocconi. Ever since I had come here I would tell people that I was here for a semester at Bocconi, their eyes would go wide. Followed by praises for the university and how only the smart and/ or rich go there.

I was extremely disappointed in myself. I loved this class and I was just hoping that all the hours I have paid attention to the lectures and the notes I had made, help me recall most of it.

Upon opening the test I realised that most questions were MCQs. Which, in my opinion, is worse, I would rather have open-ended questions where I can add whatever I know and recall. I skimmed through the questions and realized that I did know a few answers but a lot of the questions were tough with very similar options.

As I tried to focus on the test, I noticed a flurry of movement beside me. Luca slid into the seat next to mine, looking like he had just run a marathon. His coat was dumped on the floor, and he whipped out his MacBook with frantic energy. His breath was coming in quick, ragged bursts, and his cheeks were flushed.

"Do you want some water?" I asked, noticing his distress.

"Uh, yeah, that would be great," Luca replied, his fingers fumbling over the keyboard. I handed him my bottle, and he took a grateful sip, his eyes catching mine briefly. "Thanks. I am so late. Not ideal for a test day."

"Yeah, true." I sighed. "Did you study for this?"

"Did YOU study for this?" he asked, a slight smirk playing on his lips as he typed in his password.

I rolled my eyes, a small smile forming despite my anxiety. "Barely. I completely forgot about it."

He chuckled softly. "Me too. I guess we're in the same boat."

As Luca opened his portal and began the quiz, I felt a bit more relaxed. Somehow, having him next to me made the situation less daunting. We worked in silence for a while, the only sounds being the occasional clicking of keys and the rustling of papers.
Now and then, I glanced at Luca, his brow furrowed in concentration. It was comforting to see someone else struggling through the same questions.

"Do you know the answer to this one?" I discreetly whispered, covering my mouth with my hand. It was the perfect moment to ask, Professor Chiara was doing something on her laptop.

He looked into my screen momentarily. "Oh yeah, it's option B."

"Okay, thanks."

Time passed quickly, and I found myself immersed in the test. Suddenly, I felt a gentle nudge. "Do you know this one?"
I looked at his screen.

"It's the only answer I am sure of. It's C." I felt some heat rush to my face.  I was embarrassed honestly. Amidst all that had happened in the past week, I completely forgot about this test. As I clicked on submit, I felt the need to do better next time and not fuck up again.