The Love Rectangle

Chapter 12

The semester kind of spiraled out of nowhere. There's a fire in an apartment building in town that leaves more than twenty families homeless. Catholic Charities steps in to help as did many of the other services involved in the initiative. While it is sad to see so many people in crisis, it feels good to know we are making a difference. The workload is so big that every student in the initiative has joined the rescue efforts on some level. It means that I get to spend more time with Connor lately, which is always a good time. We are so busy though that there isn't much chance to talk personal stuff, but he always squeezes in a comment or question about Sean regardless. I think it was his way of keeping tabs on who he saw as his biggest competition for Jen's heart and her attention.

"How's your boyfriend doing?" He sneaks in while we're in the middle of completing forms.

"I don't have a boyfriend, thanks," I retort with attitude.

"Ok, how is Sean O'Malley these days?" He overcorrects himself.

"Fine." I answer, but the truth is I don't really know how Sean is doing.

I've barely seen Sean let alone talked to him since we got back from the mountains. Some of it is easy to explain. I'm spending most of my time with Catholic Charities in an office making phone calls, and researching options online or filling out forms on clients' behalves. Sean is stationed in the church basement and chapel to welcome refugees from the fire. Then, there are midterm exams and about a million group projects due to suck up the rest of our time. I manage to sneak in two evenings a week to train with Coach Lipton since boxing is the best therapy in the world.

There truly aren't many opportunities to kick it with Sean; not that he's even tried to really. Sure, we text here and there. He always has sweet things to say in his texts, but sometimes it takes him 12 or more hours to respond to my one message. He sends me a few of his latest remixes to listen to, but he's never once made an attempt to see me outside of usual campus things. When we do see each other at Catholic Charities or the chance gym run in, he is always kind enough and seemingly happy to see me. Occasionally, when appropriate, he hugs me or puts his arm around me. But then again, Mike DiGiorgio does the same thing. Things between Sean and I definitely feel distant.

Once when we are all cleaning up the church basement after a meeting, he comes up behind me and puts his chin on my shoulder while wrapping his arms around my waist. His embrace felt like heaven, and I realize how much I miss his smell. I am just about to tell him so when Mike walks by and interrupts us with, "Get a room!" That pretty much ends that.

Before I know it, Thanksgiving break is two days away. I get a text from Connor, which is his first text to me in quite a while.

Connor: Hey can u hlp me?

Me: ?

Connor: it's Jen's bday when we get bck. Need hlp with her gift

Is he f'ing kidding me with this request?

Me: Y me?

Connor: I'll b over in a min

Before I have a chance to text an excuse as to why I can't help him, he's already standing in my bedroom door. Kat has let him in.

"Hiiii, Connor!" Sam squeals.

"Hey, Sam. Can I have a minute with Carter?"

He looks afraid of Sam, which is understandable given how strong she comes on.

Sam acts a bit put off, but leaves us alone. I don't say anything because I'm still confused as to how my getting involved with anything dealing with Jen Cooke is a smart idea.