You Are On My Mind

I Don't See Him

Linda O'Shea's life had changed, and she wasn't necessarily sure if it was for the better. She was acing all her classes, that was good; but her boyfriend was in another country. She sighed as she walked the New York sidewalks; she missed him. She missed how he would always kiss her cheek bone when greeting her. She missed the hand lazily rubbing her back as they stood together. She missed his eyes, his smile, his sense of humor.
"Whatever happens," she told herself, "I'm going to stay friends with the family. They're really nice and good people." Because of that determination to keep that relationship, Linda visited each one as often as she could. Usually, it was just a quick run to the nearest coffee shop, then back to school. She didn't mind, though. When her classes- which were few and far between- didn't have much homework that week, she'd make a point of trying to visit longer. Today, she was meeting his sister. They were going to grab a quick lunch in the cafeteria before Erin had to go back to studying.
Linda smiled at one of the students as she made her way to the library. She and Erin Reagan always met in the library, then ventured to the desired food court. Today, she sat near the book shelves, quietly reading her notes from her medical classes. She had no idea how much work those classes would be, but she knew it would all be worth it.
A tall, handsome young man in his very early twenties sat down next to her. She looked up and smiled politely.
"What're you studying? I haven't seen you around here. Maybe we could study together?"
"Oh, no. No, I don't go here. I'm waiting for a friend." Linda explained quietly, motioning towards the door. "And I'm studying nursing."
"I see. I'm Jack Boyle. And you are?"
Linda made a face of disgust, "so not interested."
"Maybe I could take you out sometime?"
"I have a boyfriend."
"I don't see him."
Linda frowned, this guy was becoming more and more less handsome. "He's over—" she caught herself from saying over seas. She had a feeling that if this guy knew, he'd try even harder to get to her. "Uh, over at NYU."
"He'll never know." He scooted closer to Linda.
"Yes, he will. And you need to back off."
"Why?"
"Cause he'll beat you to a pulp!"
"I'm not worried." He caressed her cheek, and she didn't hesitate to slap him. Taken aback, he temporarily was stunned, but quickly recovered. "Ohhh, you like it rough, huh?"
Linda quickly grabbed his arm, and put her hand on the back of his neck. She slammed his face into the desk twice, then angrily got up, "asshole!" She left the guy confused, and found another student. This one looked just fine- glasses, button up shirt, pens in his pocket. Oh yeah. This one's perfect.
"Excuse me."
The geeky guy looked up, and accidentally ripped his paper with the eraser to the pencil he was holding.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to surprise you..... Could you do me a favor?"
"S-sure, pretty gir- yes, yes. I can do a favor pretty- pretty good."
Linda smiled and sat across from him, "do you know an Erin Reagan?"
"Yes, we're in a few classes together."
"Great! When she comes in here, will you tell her Linda O'Shea is outside at the picnic tables waiting for her?"
"Yes, I can do that."
"Thank you so much," Linda smiled and stood, walking angrily out the building. She had no idea she had just met what would become her worst enemy: Jack Harmon Boyle.