Flashcards On The Wall

Chapter 10: A Favor

The next day I head to the gym at noon, the same time I do every Saturday. Almost nobody is there which is precisely what I love the most about the gym at this hour. Students are either still asleep or thinking of anything but working out. I decide to spend most of the time on the treadmill, going beyond my usual speed. Then I switch to the elliptical for my last twenty minutes. With headphones on, I listen to my favorite playlist while replaying the previous night in my head. While walking out I'm still so caught up in my own head that I don't notice someone is leaving the weight room until I run into them. My phone hits the ground.

"I'm so sor-"

I look up and see it's Gabriel in front of me.

Are you serious? This school is too damn small!

I pick up my phone, "Didn't see you there," I tell him.

"On your way out?" he questions.

"Yes," I say.

"Ladies first," he motions to the door.

We walk side by side onto the parking lot. I'm wishing I'd chosen another parking spot that wasn't so far.

"So, did you enjoy the rest of your night?" he starts.

What? He's acting normal. Did last night not happen? Okay, I'll go along with it.

"I did...Did you?"

"Could have been better," he answers.

My phone rings. It's Trevor.

"I need to get this," I say hoping he'll see this as an opportunity to get in his car and leave.

Gabriel stands patiently in front of me, listening to my side of the conversation. I don't hide my disappointed well because when I hang up Gabriel wants to know what was said.

"Bad news?"

"No," I lie.

"Really?"

I decide not to say who it was.

"A friend was supposed to help me put this desk together today, but something came up. A little inconvenient but it's fine. I'll ask-"

"I can do it," Gabriel offers.

"Do what?" I ask.

"I'm not doing much today," he adds.

He's volunteering to help me?

"Are you serious?" I wonder.

"Don't you want it done?" he asks.

"Yes but-"

"Then?" he asks.

Is this a good idea? I'm being ridiculous. It's just a desk and he's only trying to be nice.

"That would actually be a big help. Thank you," I tell him.

"What time?" he asks.

"Whenever you're free," I answer.

"Is four okay?"

"I'll see you then," I agree.

We get to work almost as soon as he arrived, with small talk here and there. Neither one of us brought up the night before and I consider if I completely misread the situation. It was possible. By the time we done, it's dark outside and I was relieved.

"Finished. One desk in perfect condition, ready to be used," he admires.

Though it can be considered a small task, I can tell he's proud of his work.