The Professor

Part 2 - Chapter Fifty-Six

I decided to go home for the weekend. Getting out of the college scene and being back home with my family has been more refreshing than I thought it would be. 

As soon as I got home last night, my mother had my favorite meal--chicken alfredo--all ready for me to dive into and I got to spend an hour on the balcony reading while listening to the waves crash onto the shore.

It wasn't until my mother asked what the latest was with me and Dean when my mind started to drift to him.

When I wake up the next morning, I head downstairs to make a pot of coffee. The pot thankfully already has fresh brewed coffee in it and I pour a cup. My mother is sitting at the counter in her robe, drinking her own.

"Good morning, dear. How did you sleep?" She asks.

"Great. Best sleep i've gotten in over a month." 

"That's good to hear. What are your plans for the day?"

I take my first sip of coffee and instantly feel relieved when the warm liquid slides down my throat. "I don't know," I tell her. "Probably just relax."

She slides out of her seat at the counter and put her mug in the sink before turning to face me. "Well, I'm going into town later to do a little shopping. I was also thinking of getting a mani-pedi, would you like to join? You can tell me all about college over lunch!"

My mother's excitement is hard to match. But for her, and for my protection, I do as best as I can to put on a smile. If I say no to her offer she will know something is up. I never turn down a shopping trip or a mani-pedi so before I can even think clearly, i'm agreeing to going out with my mother for the day.

She wraps my body with her arms and squeals excitedly. Being the only daughter in the family, I think she likes having me as an out from being in a house with two men.

"I'm going to go finish getting ready. Start showering once you're finished with breakfast, dear."

She kisses my forehead before waltzing to her room on the first floor.

I take a deep breath and clutch the ends of the counter. I can't remember the last time I've gone out and after all that's happened, maybe that's what I need. I've been so confined at school and dealing with a lot that I haven't had time to simply relax and enjoy myself, much less see my family.

I pour another cup of coffee and take it up to my room to sit on the balcony. Mornings at the beach have always been a favorite of mine, there's just something so peaceful about the sound of seagulls and waves as soon as you wake up.

When i'm finished with my coffee, I take a shower and begin to get dressed.

My mother chooses her favorite nail salon that's in a shopping center five minutes from our house. I choose a burgundy color for my feet and a neutral color for my hands. After the nail salon, we have lunch at Panera Bread, one of our favorite locations for a quick "sit down" meal. I order a salad and mother orders soup. I wait in silence for a minute or two after we get our food for my mothers thousands of questions.

"So," she starts. Yep, here it comes. "Anything new?"

I know what this question means. Those two words are really asking, "so have you found a boyfriend yet?"

I play with my lettuce and avoid her eyes. "Yes, actually. I have. His name is Collin."

Her eyes grow wide with excitement. "Oooh, that's a cute name. What's he like? How did you meet him?"

"I met him in one of my classes," I lie, leaving out the frat party part. "He's very nice. Incredibly smart. He's just your standard guy; brown hair, blue eyes, nice smile."