Memories of Life

8. Family.

8. Family.

The first weeks of university life passed in a blur. The lectures were challenging and intense, even for Robert who had found school easy and comfortable. Initially he was intimidated by the set tasks, though he soon adapted to the demands engaging with his studies. Which offered a glimpse into the world he longed to understand, and belong in.

Henry had far less difficulty embracing the challenge. The pair shared two classes one of which was with Professor Rosenbaum whom Henry had mentioned to Robert on that first night. Henry absorbed everything, frequently asking questions during the labs and tutorials, some of which seemed to surprise the teachers from a student so young; his energy and enquiry was relentless.

Robert soon discovered Henry barely slept at night. The pair would study together at the library, or in their rooms until Robert could no longer focus, only to leave Henry alone to carry on. Robert would have to read and re-read from his notes or texts in a slow methodical fashion until he grasped a concept. Henry however would be able to read a chapter a single time, and be able to articulate what it meant. But even more remarkably he could identify any deficiency in the knowledge, which would send him in search for more answers. For some of his teachers this caused mild annoyance, to outright frustration has he pursued them in and out of class seeking to know more. For Rosenbaum however, the young mans enthusiasm was refreshing, and he took a special interest in monitoring his progress. Henry was still under consideration to study the two gruelling degrees he had set his heart on. Though many of his teachers doubted his ability to achieve it, feeling he would eventually wilt under the pressure. But he proved within only a few months he was more than equal to the task, handing in all the set tasks early, while achieving the maximum marks.

When he was granted permission to do the double degree Henry pushed the envelope even further, requesting to finish the four year degrees in half that time. He set about proving his point by taking tests from third and forth year subjects he hadn't even studied yet, passing them with distinction. The Dean however refused his request, stating the content could not have been thoroughly absorbed even by someone with his extraordinary talent. And that the tests were done outside a controlled environment.

Henry was outraged, and didn't emerge from his room for a week, passing his set work onto Robert to hand in. Who by now was becoming familiar with his friend's labile temperament, realising when to leave him for a while until he would eventually return to his confident engaging self. Most of the other students perceived this as arrogance or childishness, though Robert knew better. Henry was his only friend, and he felt a great loyalty towards the man who on that first night had opened his eyes making him feel he was special. This was reaffirmed once every couple of weeks when they would have their night of "release". They would see a band, have some drinks, and roll a joint if they had it. Every time they would end up in Henry's room talking, laughing, or lamenting the fact they were hopeless with females. "Lets face it" Henry had said once, "Where virgins who understand the chemistry of the body. But know fuck all about the chemistry of attracting women."

Robert continued to study hard in his sessions with Henry, who helped him to achieve good marks for those first assessments. Henry never belittled him for his lack of knowledge in certain areas, or was to busy to help. Though it became apparent to Robert that Henry was in a race, with who or what, he wasn't sure? His work ethic never waivered, though he was not his usual witty self when they studied together, it was total concentration and commitment. So apart from the occasional night of "release", they spent little other social time together. Robert had always worked hard, but the hours Henry spent in books was too much and he needed other things to occupy his mind, like the farm had given him.

One evening when walking the short distance from the university to his accommodation Robert passed an oval where some men were training. He stood watching them for a while as they warmed up with some stretches, while passing a football amongst themselves.