F: How are you both doing today? Hot one out there.
A: I'm fine.
N: Not too bad. I think it's going to get up in the high nineties this week.
F: That's unfortunate news for walking my dog. Have you two gotten a pet for your townhome?
A: Oh, no we haven't. We talked about it over the summer but I don't think our schedules would be fair for a pet.
N: Yeah I'm going to be working with the men's soccer team this semester and then next semester with the baseball team.
F: Well congratulations! You seem to have really found your path with your change of major.
N: Yeah thanks to you Lina.
A: Sure, but you did the work to get you here. You know I support you.
F: And how are you doing Ms. Macer? I'm glad to hear about your father's successful surgery.
A: Oh, thank you. Uh, my classes are going fine. I'm excited to get more involved with my education classes. I'm really looking forward to my teaching co-op.
N: And no chance of us having less books in the house?
A: Not a chance.
F: So the summer went well for you?
A: Yes, I think so.
N: Yeah.
F: Do you feel closer as a couple? After your first two years here and all that's happened?
N/A: ....
N: I think we are, yes. We've had to go through something in our relationship that most people should never have to go through, much less in college. And it's just made me... Appreciate and admire Lina even more for the way she handled it all with such grace and strength.
F: Ms. Macer? Are you okay?
A: I- Yes. I just... *clears throat* I don't think I would have been able to make it through without Nathan. He kept me tethered. If it hadn't been for him, I would have floated away. And for that my endless affection for him has grown even deeper.
F: What kind of plans have you discussed for the future?
N: What do you mean?
F: Have you talked about your plans post-graduation? Location, job, family, that kind of thing?
A: I think the location thing will depend mostly on Nathan's job. I can move wherever, but I want him to follow where he wants to go. I won't hold him back from that.
N: Yeah, I think once we have that figured out we can start finalizing more of the wedding plans because hopefully, we'll have some money-
A: And then maybe a few years later think about the family thing.
N: But we did both agree that a dog is a must.
A: Or a cat. Or both.
N: Yes, or both.
F: All this time together, do you find yourself bickering over any of the little things?
N/A: No.
F: No doubts about each other?
A: Of course not.
N: Not at all.
F: Ms. Macer, what's the first word that comes to mind when you think about Mr. Crane?
A: Kind.
F: And you, Mr. Crane, when you think about Ms. Macer?
N: Lovely.
F: *scribbles in notebook* Alright, I think that is all I have for today. Thank you for coming for your fifth interview and I hope your fall semester goes splendidly.
A: Thank you Mr. Francis, you as well.
N: See you next time sir, have a good rest of your day.
I hold open the door and Alina ducks under my arm into the hallway. She's got her backpack on and it bounces as she walks. She has to go to work at the Bookshop, and I have to go meet with the soccer team but we do have plans for dinner later and by plans, I mean ordering Chinese food.
"Hey, Alina?" I ask, following her out the door into the blinding sun and heat.
"Yeah?" She turns in her ballet flats, blinking into the sun as she looks up at me.
I rub the back of my neck, not sure if I'm sweating from nerves or the heat. "Did... Did you mean all that stuff you said in there?"
She tilts her head to the side, squinting a little harder. "Did you?"
YOU ARE READING
The Tuition Fee
ChickLitAlina Macer is your average middle-class-near-the-bottom student who was granted the opportunity of a life time by getting a full ride scholarship to the university of her dreams. Nathaniel Crane on the other hand, seems to have it all. Well, to e...
