Let Me Sleep

Chapter 9

Author's Note: I changed Diane's last name today (8/29/19). I edited her name from when I first introduced her (Chapter 6). If there's any confusion or if I forgot to edit her new name somewhere, please let me know. Thanks! 

In addition, I finally made an updated timeline of what I want to happen. I created a general outline of ideas in 2018 and changed my mind on a lot of things since then. Now that I have more of a plan, I will probably whip out more chapters more often (no more year+ gaps LOL). 

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"Why do you still have that book?"

"This is a new book he gave me, Mish." I walked over to my room, dropped my backpack to the ground, and put the new textbook on my bed.

"At this rate, you'll be at a phD level by the end of the week," she murmured.

"Seriously. That last book was everything I learned about chem from undergrad," I exhaled deeply and slumped my shoulders.

"I wouldn't have read it. I hate reading."

I got plates and utensils from the kitchen to eat our food. I brought them to the table and we dug in.

"The reading is fine. I need something to help put me to sleep anyway." I took a moment to chew my food while Michelle waited for me to continue. "I just don't want anyone hating me like this. I'm trying my best."

"This is dumb." Michelle stood up from her seat, still chewing her food. "I'll go over there now to talk to him."

My eyes snapped up at her standing figure, begging her to sit back down. "Please don't."

"You're in school and have two jobs. He can't just give you these books to read and not let you do the actual job!"

"Let me just talk to Diane tomorrow and we'll handle it in a professional environment. If you talk to him now, it will only make things worse."

"Fine. I'll spare him one day." She lowered herself slowly back into her chair. She took an angry bite at her food.

"Thank you," I replied softly.

"You're welcome," she grumbled.

I knew she still wanted to go over next door and have a word with him.

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"I'm tired of talking. And smiling."

"Tell me about it," Jeff sighed.

"No. I just said I'm tired of talking," Charlotte mumbled.

I didn't want to talk about it either. The pharmacy clinical was hectic today. I'd rather push my memories away of today away and keep moving forward.

"Should we cancel the study session today?" I asked playfully. I could use the free time to mentally prepare myself for the chemistry lab. By mentally prepare I meant cry and hope I could read the textbook through my tears.

Jeff hesitated to answer.

I felt a buzz in my pocket. I pulled out my phone and read, Let's just go home today and study hard tomorrow, from Charlotte in our group message.

I looked over at Jeff and he was reading the text on his phone too.

"Fine. I'll see you guys tomorrow."

Charlotte texted us goodbye and I waved to them as I walked away.

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I got my third cup of coffee of the day and had free time to read the second textbook. I sat at a table in a quiet area of the chemistry building to concentrate on finishing this book. I was nowhere near done.