Flashcards On The Wall

Chapter 54: Energy

On one Tuesday, I practically fly into the building, aware I'm exactly on time, only to find Gabriel walking in the opposite direction.

"Cancelled," Gabriel says.

"You're kidding," I respond.

"Check your email," he says.

I find my phone in my bag and do, "Seriously? Damn it."

"I didn't see it either."

I always check too.

"That's perfect," I tell him, "I slept through my alarm this morning, literally drove around for thirty-five minutes trying to find a parking spot for a class and guess what? I missed a quiz. Then I was late to work because the freeway exit I take was closed due to construction. I got locked out of my car while I was running an errand, so I came straight here from that only to find out that class apparently will not be taking place today."

Gabriel listens.

"I'm sorry but today was just a lousy day," I explain.

"I can see that."

"Guess I'll see you next week," I say.

I turn around, take a few steps and then almost immediately face him again.

"Are you hungry?" I ask.

"Me?" he looks stunned.

"Yes, you," I answer, "I didn't have time to eat before and I'm starving."

"I can eat," he says.

We go to a diner, we used to go to before and shockingly actually have a somewhat normal conversation.

"So, what did you do today? Was your day as lovely as mine?" I ask sarcastically.

"It was very uneventful," he replies.

"Why is that?" I wonder.

"Let's see...I slept," he replies.

"The whole day?" I ask.

"Like four hours," he answers.

"Why? Did you pull an all-nighter? I thought it was too early in the semester for those," I reply.

"I work nights," he explains.

"Oh," I had no idea, "What's that like?"

"It sucks but it was the first job I could find," he responds.

That explains it.

"How was it adjusting to that kind of schedule?" I ask.

"I'm learning to function on very little sleep," he says.

"That sucks," I comment.

"You're telling me. If I'm lucky I'll get five hours but that's very rare."

"Sleep is too important to me, I couldn't do that," I state.

"You would if you had to," he replies.

"Maybe."

"The key is caffeine. Coffee and I are best friends now," he says.

"You hate coffee," I respond.

"Not anymore," he claims.

I can't help but laugh, "Wasn't it you that said, 'if you can't function without it, you really aren't taking well enough care of your body'?"

"Don't think so," he denies.

"I think so. I remember your tone and disapproving glare. The only thing you liked about my terrible habit was that I refused to use cream and sugar," I remind him.