I deflate. This can’t be good.
I inhale deeply to bolster myself before flipping the packet over. As soon as I do, I’m smacked in the face by the letter A written on the top line next to my name.
An A? Sam gave me an A?
I have to know exactly what he said, so I scour the rubric for his comments. Each one I read has me melting with appreciation.
Hiking guide was late, but made light of her situation and proceeded with professionalism.
That’s a nice way to say I was grumpy, but I’ll take it. I move on to the next ones.
Hiking guide was knowledgeable of the trail, plant and animal life, and made me feel like I was in expert hands.
Hiking guide listened to my concerns, letting me take breaks as needed.
So far, Sam seems to have put me in a kinder light than I would have put myself. There’s one big issue he hasn’t mentioned. The fact that I rushed him and made him sick. I swallow down my nerves and continue reading.
When I developed altitude sickness, hiking guide was well prepared with ways to combat my symptoms. She made sure I ate and stayed hydrated, gave me plenty of time to rest, and even cut the hike short in order for me to get home to recuperate.
She took full responsibility for the occurrence, but it is my own fault for not listening to my body. Hiking guide put concern for my health and safety above her grade and shouldn’t be docked points for not being able to complete the hike.
I almost want to cry. All of these notes put a positive spin on all the ways I failed. Not one mentions anything about me being short with him, or rushing him, or being difficult to work with. Sam has only good things to say.
The smile that breaks across my face is irrefutable. I can’t help it. This is better than I expected from him, and I certainly need to say thank you.
I pull out my phone, ready to send a text, but I stop. This is something that needs to be done in person. I’ll thank him on Thursday.
***
Unfortunately, Sam is late to O-Chem on Thursday, so I don’t get a chance to thank him beforehand. Then, he leaves with Maya, and there’s no way I’m getting close enough to speak to him with her around. I’m forced to wait one more day.
The following night, when I arrive at study group, Sam’s already waiting for me. “Hey. You’re here early,” I say, confusion lacing my words since he always comes in after me.
“Just wanted to see your face.”
I crinkle my nose at the affectionate tone of his words, even if they do warm my chest. “Excuse me?”
“Oh, uh...” He clears his throat. “I mean, the face you’re making. I wanted to see your confused face.”
“Okay,” I say, increasing the pitch of the second syllable. “Have you set up yet?”
He shakes his head. “I’m making you do it.”
“What?”
“The last three group nights you’ve watched me plug everything in, watched me connect to the wi-fi and all that.” His stupidly adorable grin takes over his face. “It’s time for you to put your knowledge to the test.”
I groan. “Fine.” Standing here, I wait for him to move. “Where is everything?”
With a flick of his wrist, he points at his backpack, but says nothing as he leans back in the chair, folding his arms.
An exasperated sigh escapes me. These are the only times I doubt myself. Well, this and on any date after Connor left, but that doesn’t have any bearing on right now.
I pull Sam’s laptop and all the cables from his backpack, laying everything out on the desk. I organize them by order of operation and set to work. Right off the bat, I struggle to get the first cable into the computer port. After a few seconds, when it becomes obvious I don’t know what I’m doing, Sam gets up.
“I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I’ve tried every port on this stupid thing, and it doesn’t fit.” The unflattering whine in my voice grates at my nerves, but I can’t help it. I’m frustrated and it’s been less than a minute.
“That’s because you’ve got it backward,” Sam says quietly as he slides the cable from my fingers. He flips it around. “Try this end.”
