Daddy Issues

68 - Buddies

'So, yeah, I think that's about it. I hope you managed to get a good idea of what it's like to study here.'

Mindy, the student that was assigned to me, has walked me back to the entrance of the main building. I think I kept her about 20 minutes longer than I should have with all my questions, but she kept assuring me that she didn't mind.

'I think I did,' I say. My mind's buzzing with all the information I got today. But I'm so excited. They told us about the courses we'd be following and every single one seems so interesting. And, most importantly, there's no blood or cutting open bodies involved at all.

'Thank you so much for everything,' I tell Mindy. 'Honestly, you've got me so excited. I'd love to study here.'

'I'm so happy to hear that,' she says, smiling brightly at me. 'You know, there's going to be some drinks and snacks in the main hall to close the day. Don't you want to come? I could introduce you to some people, might be nice to see some familiar faces if you start here next year.'

'Oh, that'd be great, but I still have to drive home for about three hours, so I think I'd best get going.'

'In this weather?' Mindy asks, pulling a doubtful face as she watches outside. I look too and grimace as well. The weather has taken a turn for the worse. Snow started falling a couple of hours ago and it's piling up fast.

'Good luck with that.'

'Yeah, thanks.'

'Well, if you have any more questions, feel free to contact me. Hope to see you here again.'

I thank Mindy again for everything, then I zip up my coat and wrap my scarf tightly around my neck to brave the cold. Shit, this snow is crazy, I haven't seen anything like this in years. I hurry across the grounds as fast as I can to find Dan and in the few minutes it takes me, my face is already freezing and I have to shield my eyes against the snow blazing around me.

'Oh my God,' I exclaim as soon as I've gotten into the car. 'Is it safe to drive in this weather?'

'Well, we don't really have a choice.'

Dan sounds a little unsure too as he looks outside. Though it's only 5, the sky is already dark and the view is definitely not optimal for driving with the speed of the snow falling down on us. I did text Dan earlier asking if we should leave sooner to stay ahead of the storm, but he said it would be fine. Now I'm pretty sure he just didn't want me to cut my day short.

'Let's just get going,' he says, already starting the car. 'If it gets too bad, we'll pull over for a while.'

'Okay,' I say. I have nothing but trust in Dan's driving abilities, but this weather is pretty crazy. It's snowing too fast to get the roads cleared, so we'll have to be careful. I'm sure the highway will be better, though.

'Anyway,' Dan says excitedly. 'Tell me! How was it today?'

'It was great!'

I launch into a detailed recap of the day that I'm sure can't be that interesting, but still, Dan makes it seem like it is. He's almost as excited as I am, even if he has to focus very hard on the road.

About an hour in, I'm really starting to doubt whether it's safe to drive. The visibility is terrible and snow is piling up fast. And we're not even going half as fast as you'd usually go on this road, so it's still a long way home. Everybody's driving way slower, just to be safe.

'Should we just stop for dinner for a while?' I suggest. I'm not even driving, but I'm feeling increasingly nervous about being on the road. It has to be worse for Dan, right?