C2 Chapter Two

"It's not that I'm interested in him. He doesn't seem to be nice after all," I said, looking straight ahead of me.

"So why are you telling me all of this? You wouldn't be telling me about someone if you're not interested in that person. Also, you said you've just met each other, so how can you say that he's not nice?" Suzy asked.

"I don't like the way he acts. He's always winking at me as if he's telling me something weird. He's acting like a perverted old man," I said.

"Isn't that what you like? Someone who's a little bit sensual? Isn't that the reason why you study—" Suzy teased.

"Just stop, Suzy. This has nothing to do with my course. I'm serious here, please be serious too," I said.

"Okay... Just a word of advice from your best friend—just because you don't like him doesn't mean he's not kind or nice. It takes time to get to know a person, Marty. Just be patient," Suzy advised.

"Thanks for the advice. I'll gladly take that." I glanced at my wristwatch and saw that it's already 12:55 PM. "I think we should hurry up to our classrooms before we get late. See you later, Suzy."

"See you," Suzy replied.

I went to my classroom. There are drawings and pictures of male and female genitals on the walls. I've seen them every day. I'm studying gynecology and the male reproductive system. I really want to become a doctor in this field. It's been my dream since childhood.

A few moments later, professor Wheeler arrived. He discussed sexually transmitted infections and diseases, which commonly include HIV and AIDS. Everyone was surprised when he showed us a detailed illustration of how the diseases look.

After class, I went home feeling exhausted. Well, who wouldn't be exhausted after a day full of discussion? I mean, isn't my brain going to explode? I've got a lot of homework to do, and the preliminary exam is coming soon. I don't want to cram, so I better study beforehand.

"Marty, sweetie, you okay?" Mom asked, knocking on the door of my room, which was slightly open. She's wearing a light orange sleeveless top and jeans.

"Yeah, I'm fine, Mom. Just got a lot of homework to do and subjects to study for the oncoming exam," I replied. "How about you? Where's your boyfriend?"

"Oh, Clark already went home. Although he really wants to see you again. We were surprised when you suddenly left. But I understand, you have lots of schoolwork to do, as you said," Mom replied.

"Me?" I asked, confused. Why would Mom's boyfriend want to see me? "Yeah, I'm sorry for leaving too early, Mom."

"Uh-huh, it's okay, sweetie. Clark wants to get to know you better. As your future stepfather, he said he wants to know your likes and dislikes so that he can treat you better." Mom went toward me and sat down on my bed.

"That's so kind of him," I said.

"Yeah, Clark's actually nice. So, tell me, how's my baby girl doing at school? Did you find a guy already?" Mom asked, changing the topic.

"Oh, Mom, you know that I'm focusing on my studies right now. I don't have time for relationships," I said.

"That's a good thing." Mom put her arm on my shoulder. "But you should know how to balance your relationships with your studies. Life isn't all about school, my dear, so don't put too much pressure on yourself, okay?"

"Thanks, Mom." I wrapped my arms around her.

"We should go grab something to eat. I won't be cooking for tonight, so let's eat outside." Mom stood up and extended her hand to me. "Let's go. You can't study with an empty stomach, or your brain will eat itself."

"Thanks for reminding me, doc." I held Mom's hand and she pulled me up.

"You're so heavy now. You're not a baby anymore," Mom said.

We went outside the house and got into Mom's black Bentley car. Mom turned the engine on and drove to the nearest restaurant. She's a great woman—my idol and hero. Despite the fact that Dad passed away, Mom never made me feel lonely. She was always there every time I needed her. She's doing everything she can to provide for my needs too. She's working as a nurse in one of the major hospitals in the city.

A few moments later, the car stopped in front of a big restaurant. We stepped outside the car. I didn't expect that we'd meet Clark here. It seems like Mom and he have agreed to have dinner together.

"Hey, Marty, it's nice to see you again," Clark said. He's wearing a gray shirt and worn-out jeans. He looks like an actor in a cowboy movie.

"Yeah, nice to meet you too, sir." I forced myself to smile.

Mom and Clark held each other's hand. The three of us went inside the restaurant together. We looked for an empty table and sat down. Now this feels awkward. I feel like a third wheel in Mom's relationship rather than a daughter. I really don't see Clark as someone older than me.

"So, what do you want to eat?" Mom asked, looking at the menu.

"Beef steak," Clark and I said at the same time, which added to the awkwardness of the situation.

"Seems like the two of you have something in common already," Mom remarked, brushing it off. She waved her hand at the waiter, who approached our table immediately. "Two beef steaks, salad, and rice—and don't forget the sauce, please."

"Got it, ma'am. Please enjoy our drinks as you wait," the cute waiter said before going to the counter.

A pretty and tall waitress carrying a salver walked toward us. She looks like a stewardess on an airplane, and we are the passengers sitting in first class—or maybe I'm just exaggerating. She smiled while putting glasses of lemon juice on the table. "Enjoy," she said and went to the other tables.

There was complete silence between the three of us as we waited for the food. I sometimes felt Clark's shoes hitting my feet and momentarily caught him looking at my face. But I don't think that meant anything, so I ignored it. I can say that he likes older women, like Mom—a widow with experience in married life—the same age as him, not a teenage girl who knows nothing about the outside world.

After dinner, I watched as Clark kissed Mom on the cheek before we parted ways. I kinda feel jealous. I want to have someone like Clark too. It seems like the two of them are closer than I anticipated.

"Is there something you want to do or to buy before we go home?" Mom asked.

"Nothing, Mom," I replied. "I still need to answer my homework and study my notes. We're going to have a quiz tomorrow."

"I understand. Let's go home," Mom said.

Mom and I got into her car. She turned the engine on and drove back home. As I watched the city lights through the window of the car, I couldn't stop thinking about Clark. There's something about him. The way he looks at me. He has a very magnetic charm that takes everyone's attention. He looks like the actor I've seen in a romance movie.

When we arrived home, I immediately went inside my room. I have homework to do and I need to study for the prelim exam. I fell asleep while reading my book about male and female reproductive systems.

"So, what's new aside from how the male reproductive system works?" Suzy asked, holding the strap of her bag. Her long, curly black hair cascades down her back.

"Nothing, really," I replied.

"Boring," she said. "You only live once and yet you're making your life so boring."

"None of your business."

Suzy rolled her eyes before going to her classroom. I also went to my classroom. We'll be having a quiz today, so I better relax. I don't want to think about Clark or I'll have a mental block and won't be able to answer.