Fragile Hearts

8: Kaylee's Pity Party

A couple of weeks after my triple date at the movies, Professor Wilkes asks me to stay after class. It's been two months and he still hasn't called on me to tell a funny happening from childhood. I know I'm the only person who hasn't spoken in front of the class, but I'm sure my time is short. My heart pounds while I wait for the axe to drop on whatever he has to say.

The professor stops erasing the white board and sits behind his desk. "Morgan, I've been teaching this class for many years and I have a gut feeling for students who are terrified of public speaking. That's why I haven't called on you. Some teachers think the best way for students to overcome their fear is by forcing them to speak. That's not my belief and it's the reason I haven't asked you to do anything other than written work. I also want you to know that I'm not going to make you do anything you're not ready for. Every time you're in class, I can see the tension in your face and how you try to hide at the back of the room. So...does this talk help?"

I nod vigorously. "Yes, sir."

"Of course I can't give you a passing grade if you don't participate in the speaking assignments, so if you aren't ready by the end of next month, I'll have to drop you from class with an incomplete. But that's better than a failing grade."

I'm so grateful to Professor Wilkes I want to hug him.

After school, Tyce is parked in front of my dorm. He jumps out of his truck and says, "I'll be tutoring Kaylee in a couple of hours. Would you like to go with me? She keeps asking about you."

"Is it okay with her parents?"

"Oh, sure. In fact, they were home for a few days and then left again. I think they went to Paris."

I roll my eyes. "Must be a tough life."

Tyce responds seriously, "It is-for Kaylee."

"How's her health?"

"She doesn't like to talk about it, so I get the scoop from Julie, her caretaker. They're still looking for a kidney donor."

"How can her parents just leave when she's so sick? My mom and dad never left my side for weeks after my accident."

Tyce gives me a funny look. He asks, "How long were you in the hospital?"

"Three months."

His gives me that unreadable expression again and reaches for my hand. He places it between his two palms. "I'm so sorry."

I pull my hand away. I don't want his pity. "That was a long time ago. Let's talk about something else."

"Okay. Will you go to Kaylee's with me?"

I have a sudden desire to see the little girl again. "Okay. Do you want me to meet you there?"

"I have a few errands to run. Can I just come back and we'll walk over together? This warm weather isn't going to last much longer."

"That sounds nice."

"Great, I'll be back in an hour and a half."

Right on time, I hear a knock on my door and peek through the peep-hole. Tyce leans down and places his eye on the other side.

I laugh and open the door. "I'd know that eye anywhere."

"And how would you know it?"

Before thinking, I say aloud, "It's the new color-sexy blue." I gasp and place my hand over my mouth.

Tyce gives me a surprised look.

I stutter, "Ah, ah, that's what Lucy said the first day we met you." I think I'm making things worse, but Tyce is grinning.