What Love Is

Maturity

"Honey , are you sure you're fine?"My mom asked again after I briefly spoke with my dad.
"Yeah I am mom , even more so since you've got a room for me on campus.. that's going to help me a lot you know"I tried to sound as cheerful as possible.
"I told you she'd love it Janice"I heard my dad say in the background.
"Alright then , since you're reopening in a week , dad got a few of his friends to send all the stuff you may need. I took the liberty to pack for you. I called Elaina's parents and heard they were still on their trip.."
"Mmhmm..."I hummed.
"You didn't tell us you girls where alone "My mom used her stern voice.
" Mom , we are responsible enough to take care of ourselves besides it's been just a month"I explained.
"Hey.. you know you can tell me anything Kayla"her voice softened and I knew she could tell that I wasn't myself.
"I do...and I will..I just need some space mom ...let me grow"I had no idea I had it in me to ever say those words out loud.
" But what do you mean by ..."My mom's voice was cut off by Sandra's scream.
"Mom , I gotta go ... we'll talk later.."I ended the call , and headed down to speak to Sandra.
"Guess what , I finally got a room"
"Ahh finally!"She squeaked.
I caught a glimpse of Elaina mixing dough in the kitchen.
"Yeah "I sounded the least excited.
"Alright that's enough .. you've been looking like a sad emoji since last night. I told you to call him."Sandra said , her face glued to a bowl of soup .
It was late in the afternoon and I still hadn't heard from Caesar.

You do know what 'space' means right?...
I do , it's just...the possibility of him completely leaving me scared me through the night .
"Half a day without a 'Caesar' is unhealthy for the soul" She whispers , snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Really Robertson?"I glare at her. She just cackles in response.
"Listen , he called me at 5 in the freaking morning to check up on you before he left for work..I wasn't supposed to tell you but..."
"He did?"my face lit up.
"I should never speak sometimes"she rolls her eyes and I smack her arm.
"Hey! , I told you he did, didn't I?..now lemme drink my soup "She whined.
He's not gonna call but we at least know that he's thinking about you...

***
"Could lectures ever get a little interesting? , Maybe a little disco light in each hall to light up the mood.."I puffed.
"I was thinking the same thing Mahatma.."Sandra gave me a dreamy look and I couldn't help giggling.
"Finally !!! ,She shows her teeth after a week ...You gotta give me credit Jerry"Sandra elbowed Jerry who sat next to us at the cafeteria.
"You gotta tell me what happened to her first , she doesn't pick up my calls nor answer my messages..I had to come here."
"I'm right here Jerry"I rolled my eyes.
"Paul just called , I'll leave you two alone."Sandra blew me a kiss and stroded off.
"Are you hungry?"He asked worriedly.
" I just had lunch before you came "I held my bottle of water.
"Kay .. talk to me"he laid his hand on  mine .
"It's.."I paused.
"I'm listening.."
"Erm..Boy problem... actually  man problem"a humorless laugh escapes me. Jerry stares.
"You're in a relationship?"
Well.. if you can still call it that..
Really?

"Yeah?" I couldn't tell if it was a question or an answer.
"For how long?"His hand backed away from mine.
"A month.."
"Kayla!"
"Hey hey—"
"Why on Earth didn't you tell me? , Who is he?"He groaned.
"Whoa... whoa.. one question at a time , press"I tried lighting up the mood .
"This isn't funny Aniya , we're best friends.."he glanced at me.
"I know I know...I guess I got carried away. And besides we were all occupied right?"
He just wasn't smiling and I flinched.
"Jerry come on , not you too"I shrieked.
"Who is he ?"he demanded.

I spent the next hour giving him every detail since I was done with lectures for the day.
"Let me get this straight.(he rubbed his palms together)  he's giving you the silent treatment?"

Smart guy erhh?..
Quiet.

"That's right and I deserve it "I nod.
"Mhmm.. it's been a whole week , no calls , no messages?"
"Nope"I answered.
"Damn Kayla..  a car and your own driver? "
I said nothing .
"Have you called him?"He broke the silence.
He's smart alright...
Fine , fine I know I should have called but I couldn't stand it if he didn't pick up my calls.