“Oh, crap! I’m late!!” I jump out of my incredibly comfortable bed. “I have to be there in twenty minutes!” I yell, not speaking to anyone but myself. I had stayed up all night studying for my final in Ethics in Public Health but having only gotten four hours of sleep, I am really regretting that decision right now. I am thankful that I was OCD enough to set out what I was going to wear today, I grab my outfit and throw my pajamas off as I race to the bathroom. I take one look in the mirror and groan. I look like absolute hell! My green eyes swollen and puffy from lack of sleep, my chestnut brown hair looked like I stuck my finger in a light socket, and I really need to get out in the sun more often. I start putting on my favorite purple V neck t-shirt and jean capris like my life depended on it. I wash my face and brush my teeth. No time for make up. I throw my untamed hair into a ponytail. “There,” I think to myself, “that will have to do.”
My roommate, Livey, is already in the kitchen when I come tumbling down the hall. She is my best friend on this planet and she knows me better than anyone. She has my coffee the way I like it, three sugars and French vanilla creamer, ready in my Emory University to go cup. “I knew you were going to be late this morning, so I got it ready for you,” Livey says with a smirk on her lips. Her face is round, like a cherub, and her nose is speckled with freckles. Her strawberry blonde hair always looks perfect, not a hair out of place even with this Georgia humidity. She is adorably short and slim. Her sweet Georgian accent is present in every word. I try my best to look offended, but her belly laugh tells me she knows better. I giggle every time she laughs, it’s just so infectious.
“Livey, what would I do without you?” I ask her as I grab my book bag and coffee.
“Allie, you would be late with no coffee.” she says, laughing. “Now, go ace that final!” I grin at her as I run out the front door. Thank goodness we live on the first floor of our apartment building in Atlanta. I wouldn’t have the time to run down three flights of stairs. I unlock my 93 cherry red mustang and roar the engine to life. God, I love this car. I have had it since my junior year of high school and being that my brother Jon is a mechanic, I never had to put it in the shop. He owns his own business back in Lynchburg, the town in Virginia where we grew up. I suddenly miss him, and make a mental note to call him once my exam is over.
I am so thankful that I live only a couple streets over from my school, Emory University. As I zoom down Peachtree Road, I realize I need to be in my class in ten minutes! I down the rest of my coffee and whip my car into the closest parking space I can find and take off toward the building. The building is so stately and huge. I start taking stairs two at a time, trying to get in the room before the finals begin. I look down at my watch, three minutes to go! As I look up, I run smack into a guy and we both fall back. Dazed and embarrassed, I pick up my book bag and mutter an apology to the poor guy. He stands, brushes off his navy pin stripe suit and offers me his hand. My face turns scarlet as I look into the guy I knocked down. He is stunning, to say the least. His eyes are baby blue, the kind that can see right through to your soul. His chocolate colored brown hair flops on his forehead. How I want to run my fingers through it. He is at least 6 foot tall and it is obvious through his suit that he is great shape.
“Are you okay?” this Adonis asks me. My heart rate shoots up and I‘m sure he can feel my quickened pulse. God, I hope he doesn‘t know that I am wondering what‘s under that pin stripe suit.
“I am so sorry about that, but I have to get to class fast, I have a final to get to,” I explain as I stand.
“Of course, do you need me to walk you there?” the handsome stranger asks me with a half smile. Holy shit, he‘s hot.
“Oh, no thanks. I appreciate it, though,” I mumble.
“Well, good luck on your test,” he says as I rush towards my classroom. Oh.My.God, I think out loud. I can’t believe I just ran into that beautiful man and fell on my ass in front of him! I can’t help but look over my shoulder for one last glimpse of him. He’s staring at me, his blue eyes hooded. I feel my face turn a crimson red. Oh, great! He thinks I am a total klutz, which actually, I am. I was too embarrassed to let him walk me to class. I am already regretting it though. No time to think about him right now, I got to get through this exam.
I walk into class, finally, without a minute to spare. “Ah, Miss Marshall, you decided to show up for your final,” Miss Wiseman snorts as I take my seat. The class stifles their laughter. “Sorry about that,” I mutter as I sit. “Traffic was awful.”
“Well, I do hope you are ready for this, Miss Marshall. This class is not a joke and if you want to get into the Physician Assistant Program, then I suggest you concentrate.” she snaps. Ouch, that hurt. I have a 4.0 and I know there is nothing to really worry about, but why did she have to call me out like that? I smolder as she passes out our exams. “There are one hundred questions. The exam will cover everything you have learned in your ‘Ethics of Public Health’ class this semester. Good luck, class, and remember, no talking!” Geez, are we in kindergarten here? I roll my eyes as we begin this final, my mind still wondering back to that beautiful stranger. I flush at the thought. Okay, back to reality, Marshall! I think to myself. I soon focus on the task at hand and feverishly start my final. And to my surprise, the answers come easily, given the events that happened this morning with the Greek god and my annoying clumsiness.
After an hour and a half of the mind numbing exam, I turn my test in to Miss. Wiseman. She looks up from her laptop and grins at me. “All done, Miss Marshall?” she says.
“Yes, ma’am,” I mutter as I lay my paper down.
“You know, Miss Marshall, I should tell you that I am sorry about my outburst this morning when you were almost late. I do not like tardiness, but however, your grades are outstanding. I also spoke to the director of the P.A. program and gave him a recommendation for you.” My green eyes widen in surprise.
“Wow, Miss Wiseman, thank you. I don’t know what to say.”
My professor smiles at me and says, “The only thing I want in return is for you to get in that school and be the best Physician Assistant you can be.”
I flush slightly and grin at her like a stupid moron. “I promise, Miss Wiseman.”
“Good, Allison. I know your father would be proud of you.” I frown, remembering my father and his heart trouble. God, how I miss that man. Tears start to pool in my eyes, so I excuse myself.
“Good day, Allison, and good luck.” Miss Wiseman says, obviously embarrassed that she is the reason I start to tear up. I dart out of the classroom before I start blubbering like an idiot. I run to the closest restroom and let the tears fall freely. “Your father would be so proud.” Miss Wiseman knew I wanted to be a P.A. for that very reason. My dad was diagnosed with heart disease at age forty. I saw him struggle with it every day. One of the last things he told me before I left for Georgia is to live my dreams and not give up, to do my best and forgive myself if I fail sometimes. His blue eyes bore into my soul and I promised him I would not give up. I gave him my word and Allison Marshall does not go back on her word. I wipe my tears and find my resolve. I will do it, daddy, I promise you, I think as I step out the bathroom.
As I step outside, I look around the school. The grand campus is alive with the signs of summer approaching. Lush green lawns with students scattered everywhere, cramming for their finals. It’s a bittersweet moment. I will graduate this weekend with my Masters of Biology. I grin to myself. Emory should hopefully be sending either my acceptance or rejection letter in the mail soon. My interview with the dean in January went great and it made me hopeful. My heart leaps at the thought. I will be the first one in my family to graduate college, let alone go to a graduate program. I know my family is proud of me. My pride swells and I walk to my car with my head held high. As I reach the steps to the parking lot, I see him again. He is getting into a silver BMW. His eyes turn to meet mine. Soul burning blue to wide-eyed green. He slips off his blazer and already has his tie off with the first two buttons undone. He shuts his door and smirks at me. How the hell does my pulse quicken so fast around him? I don’t even know his name! It’s because he’s gorgeous and out of your league, the unwelcome thought comes to my brain. I frown, knowing my mind is right, but hey, he is pretty good eye candy. I watch him pull out of the parking lot. He has my favorite song playing, Jack Johnson singing “Better Together”. I sigh as I throw my book bag in the backseat and get in the driver’s seat. Oh well, I thought, at least I got to see him again when I was not flat on my butt. I chuckle at myself as I turn the engine on and head for my apartment.
My roommate, Livey, is already in the kitchen when I come tumbling down the hall. She is my best friend on this planet and she knows me better than anyone. She has my coffee the way I like it, three sugars and French vanilla creamer, ready in my Emory University to go cup. “I knew you were going to be late this morning, so I got it ready for you,” Livey says with a smirk on her lips. Her face is round, like a cherub, and her nose is speckled with freckles. Her strawberry blonde hair always looks perfect, not a hair out of place even with this Georgia humidity. She is adorably short and slim. Her sweet Georgian accent is present in every word. I try my best to look offended, but her belly laugh tells me she knows better. I giggle every time she laughs, it’s just so infectious.
“Livey, what would I do without you?” I ask her as I grab my book bag and coffee.
“Allie, you would be late with no coffee.” she says, laughing. “Now, go ace that final!” I grin at her as I run out the front door. Thank goodness we live on the first floor of our apartment building in Atlanta. I wouldn’t have the time to run down three flights of stairs. I unlock my 93 cherry red mustang and roar the engine to life. God, I love this car. I have had it since my junior year of high school and being that my brother Jon is a mechanic, I never had to put it in the shop. He owns his own business back in Lynchburg, the town in Virginia where we grew up. I suddenly miss him, and make a mental note to call him once my exam is over.
I am so thankful that I live only a couple streets over from my school, Emory University. As I zoom down Peachtree Road, I realize I need to be in my class in ten minutes! I down the rest of my coffee and whip my car into the closest parking space I can find and take off toward the building. The building is so stately and huge. I start taking stairs two at a time, trying to get in the room before the finals begin. I look down at my watch, three minutes to go! As I look up, I run smack into a guy and we both fall back. Dazed and embarrassed, I pick up my book bag and mutter an apology to the poor guy. He stands, brushes off his navy pin stripe suit and offers me his hand. My face turns scarlet as I look into the guy I knocked down. He is stunning, to say the least. His eyes are baby blue, the kind that can see right through to your soul. His chocolate colored brown hair flops on his forehead. How I want to run my fingers through it. He is at least 6 foot tall and it is obvious through his suit that he is great shape.
“Are you okay?” this Adonis asks me. My heart rate shoots up and I‘m sure he can feel my quickened pulse. God, I hope he doesn‘t know that I am wondering what‘s under that pin stripe suit.
“I am so sorry about that, but I have to get to class fast, I have a final to get to,” I explain as I stand.
“Of course, do you need me to walk you there?” the handsome stranger asks me with a half smile. Holy shit, he‘s hot.
“Oh, no thanks. I appreciate it, though,” I mumble.
“Well, good luck on your test,” he says as I rush towards my classroom. Oh.My.God, I think out loud. I can’t believe I just ran into that beautiful man and fell on my ass in front of him! I can’t help but look over my shoulder for one last glimpse of him. He’s staring at me, his blue eyes hooded. I feel my face turn a crimson red. Oh, great! He thinks I am a total klutz, which actually, I am. I was too embarrassed to let him walk me to class. I am already regretting it though. No time to think about him right now, I got to get through this exam.
I walk into class, finally, without a minute to spare. “Ah, Miss Marshall, you decided to show up for your final,” Miss Wiseman snorts as I take my seat. The class stifles their laughter. “Sorry about that,” I mutter as I sit. “Traffic was awful.”
“Well, I do hope you are ready for this, Miss Marshall. This class is not a joke and if you want to get into the Physician Assistant Program, then I suggest you concentrate.” she snaps. Ouch, that hurt. I have a 4.0 and I know there is nothing to really worry about, but why did she have to call me out like that? I smolder as she passes out our exams. “There are one hundred questions. The exam will cover everything you have learned in your ‘Ethics of Public Health’ class this semester. Good luck, class, and remember, no talking!” Geez, are we in kindergarten here? I roll my eyes as we begin this final, my mind still wondering back to that beautiful stranger. I flush at the thought. Okay, back to reality, Marshall! I think to myself. I soon focus on the task at hand and feverishly start my final. And to my surprise, the answers come easily, given the events that happened this morning with the Greek god and my annoying clumsiness.
After an hour and a half of the mind numbing exam, I turn my test in to Miss. Wiseman. She looks up from her laptop and grins at me. “All done, Miss Marshall?” she says.
“Yes, ma’am,” I mutter as I lay my paper down.
“You know, Miss Marshall, I should tell you that I am sorry about my outburst this morning when you were almost late. I do not like tardiness, but however, your grades are outstanding. I also spoke to the director of the P.A. program and gave him a recommendation for you.” My green eyes widen in surprise.
“Wow, Miss Wiseman, thank you. I don’t know what to say.”
My professor smiles at me and says, “The only thing I want in return is for you to get in that school and be the best Physician Assistant you can be.”
I flush slightly and grin at her like a stupid moron. “I promise, Miss Wiseman.”
“Good, Allison. I know your father would be proud of you.” I frown, remembering my father and his heart trouble. God, how I miss that man. Tears start to pool in my eyes, so I excuse myself.
“Good day, Allison, and good luck.” Miss Wiseman says, obviously embarrassed that she is the reason I start to tear up. I dart out of the classroom before I start blubbering like an idiot. I run to the closest restroom and let the tears fall freely. “Your father would be so proud.” Miss Wiseman knew I wanted to be a P.A. for that very reason. My dad was diagnosed with heart disease at age forty. I saw him struggle with it every day. One of the last things he told me before I left for Georgia is to live my dreams and not give up, to do my best and forgive myself if I fail sometimes. His blue eyes bore into my soul and I promised him I would not give up. I gave him my word and Allison Marshall does not go back on her word. I wipe my tears and find my resolve. I will do it, daddy, I promise you, I think as I step out the bathroom.
As I step outside, I look around the school. The grand campus is alive with the signs of summer approaching. Lush green lawns with students scattered everywhere, cramming for their finals. It’s a bittersweet moment. I will graduate this weekend with my Masters of Biology. I grin to myself. Emory should hopefully be sending either my acceptance or rejection letter in the mail soon. My interview with the dean in January went great and it made me hopeful. My heart leaps at the thought. I will be the first one in my family to graduate college, let alone go to a graduate program. I know my family is proud of me. My pride swells and I walk to my car with my head held high. As I reach the steps to the parking lot, I see him again. He is getting into a silver BMW. His eyes turn to meet mine. Soul burning blue to wide-eyed green. He slips off his blazer and already has his tie off with the first two buttons undone. He shuts his door and smirks at me. How the hell does my pulse quicken so fast around him? I don’t even know his name! It’s because he’s gorgeous and out of your league, the unwelcome thought comes to my brain. I frown, knowing my mind is right, but hey, he is pretty good eye candy. I watch him pull out of the parking lot. He has my favorite song playing, Jack Johnson singing “Better Together”. I sigh as I throw my book bag in the backseat and get in the driver’s seat. Oh well, I thought, at least I got to see him again when I was not flat on my butt. I chuckle at myself as I turn the engine on and head for my apartment.
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