My College Professor (R.S.L)

Chapter 4

Avoiding conversation with my mom was becoming futile, so I repeated Ross' words in my head and built up enough courage to call her. 

I could tell she was exhausted the moment she picked up. "Erin,"

"Hi, mom." I murmured, playing with a lock of my hair. "Um, how are you?" Awkward conversations weren't supposed to happen between a mother and daughter. I hated that it was in this case. 

"Better now that you've called. I've missed talking to you, honey." 

"Me, too." Talking face to face would have been better, but this would do. "I'm sorry I haven't called. It's just that after you told me about the divorce..."

"I get it, you were upset." She cut in softly. "You have to understand that this decision didn't come lightly. We sat down one night and talked for hours about what we should do. We ultimately decided that divorce would be the best option."

I wanted to scream. How was divorcing the man you supposedly loved the best option? But I kept my mouth shut, continuing to listen and maybe get a sense of what she was thinking. I had to be understanding. It was just so hard. 

I never in a million years thought my parents would split up. 

I was thankful when she finally changed the topic, asking about my semester and if I had many any friends. I couldn't help but immediately think of Ross, wanting nothing more than to tell her about him. She always wanted to know about the boys I dated, but this was so different. Not only was Ross not a boy, but he was my teacher. 

My mom would probably make me come home if I told her. 

Leaving Florida to attend NYU was the best decision I had ever made. I wouldn't have been able to meet new people, get an amazing education...meet Ross. It was like I was made to move to the busy city. And no matter how much I missed my family, I belonged here. 

I spent an hour talking with my mom. Despite the divorce, she seemed to be in pretty good spirits. She informed me that my dad was officially moved out and living in a condo not too far from home. It was weird to think of my dad not living at home anymore. I mean...he was my dad. He was supposed to live at home with mom, not by himself.

But things don't work out the way you want them to. 

Finally bidding my mom a goodbye, I changed out of my pajamas and slipped on some running clothes. I had no classes today and Ross was busy teaching, so I decided to head out to the track and run. The air was brisk and cool, refreshing and very much needed. I shut the world out and ran, my earbuds in and music blasting. 

My muscles ached as I ran mile after mile, my lungs burning and heart racing. I hadn't run since I moved, and I missed it dearly. I found it as a stress reliever, allowing me to forget about my problems and just focus on the wind blowing against my face. 

I placed my hands on my knees, panting as I came to a I stop, unable to run any longer. I took slow, deep breaths, making the trek back to my dorm once I got my breathing under control. Definitely needed that run. I felt energized and refreshed. 

Well, sweaty, but still refreshed. 

I stripped off my clothes, letting the shower heat up before I stepped inside. I closed my eyes and relished in the hot water, the steam loosening up my worn out muscles. If I wouldn't turn into a prune, I would probably stay in the shower all day. 

Loud banging on the door caused me to jump in shock, my bottle of shampoo falling to the bottom of the tub. "Dude, your phone has been ringing non-stop! Answer it before I throw it out the window!"