Saturdays

Chapter Five

Fifth Saturday

Two hours into my regular visit to The Grind, I have almost completed all of my homework and studying. I promised myself that I wouldn't be distracted by anything or anyone until I was pretty much completely done with everything. Trust me, it was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Turning down a talk with Jack was even harder but somehow, I had the willpower to do so.

Now that I can let my mind relax, I begin to think of what happened earlier this week on my first date with Jack. Well, my first date ever that is.

Flashback

Today, in about thirty minutes, Jack is picking me up from my creative writing class. I have been counting down the minutes literally the whole morning. I didn't realize how nervous I would get. I mean, it's just jack.. This isn't our first time meeting. I just need to think positive.

Finally, I have five minutes left of my class. My bag is packed and I'm practically standing up. To my surprise, the professor lets us out early, which causes me to almost sprint out the door. I look around for the car that Jack described but am met by Jack himself, who was previously leaning against the car.

"Hey Grace!" He says while hugging me, "I was hoping you'd like to go to this really good pizza place down the street."

"That would be perfect, pizza sounds so good right now!"

Jack grins wide as he opens the passenger door, like a gentlemen. "Thank you" I say.

"My pleasure."

How is a human being so perfect?

The drive was only a few minutes but it was filled with a whole bunch of bad singing and dancing, along to whatever song was playing on the radio. I don't think I've ever been this comfortable with a guy, who isn't in my family.

A few hours later, we are sitting in my dorm, mostly talking about my family.

"I'm super close with my brother Noah. We text each other like everyday and I tell him almost everything."

"Does he know about me?"

"Actually, yeah. When I flew out there for my dad, I told my mom and brother a little about you. It wasn't really on my mind when I was with my dad but I'm sure my mom has said something about you since then."

"Speaking of your dad, how's he been? Any better?"

I sigh, "I wish. My mom says he looks worse each day. The cancer is spreading quickly and his body isn't responding well, which makes sense since it's cancer."

He nods. "I'm really really sorry you have to go through this. I know it's different, but my grandma was diagnosed with lung cancer when I was seven. I was young but I knew what was going on. We were so close and I just wish we would have had a little more time together."

"I'm so sorry. No matter who it is, cancer is devastating."

He sighs, "I'm sorry I made it about me. What I was trying to say is that I understand and I'm here if you need me, my arms are open wide."

My eyes start to water, "Thank you," I whisper as I lean over to hug him. We embrace for a few seconds then I break the hug to wipe my tears. "Sorry."

"It's totally okay, that's what I'm here for."

After I smile, a thought comes to mind,"Hey, do you want to facetime my brother? Right now?"