I paid and walked across the street.
The Lohry Center had large columns that stood in front of the building. A lot of the buildings on this campus were built in the old Greek revival style. I learned that in my Freshman O class. See, I learned something while I was here.
I passed between the columns and entered into the main lobby. The tutoring center sat to the right of the lobby, and a small library with old books sat to the left. I’ve never wanted to go into a library so bad in my life. I rubbed the back of my neck and could feel the clamminess as my nerves got the best of me.
These people were here to help. It was their job. I took a deep breath and opened the door and walked inside.
I walked over to a desk where a young girl sat. Her jaw dropped as I walked up to her. It happened on this campus with the football fans. I gave her my most dazzling smile.
“Hi there. I have an appointment with Dean Whiting,” I said as normal as possible as if I weren’t here because I was failing a class.
“Name?” she asked, smiling back at me.
Okay, so she wasn’t a fan.
“Mason McKendrick,” I dropped my voice so it wouldn’t be heard by anyone else.
She looked down at her clipboard. “Sure. She will be with you in a second. Just have a seat over there, and she’ll come out to get you.” She spun around and slapped the cubicle wall behind her. I turned and walked over to the chair and took a seat.
A head popped up behind the cubicle. Motherfucker…
Calvin’s eyes were wide and confused, almost filled with panic when he spotted me. I grinned at him, happy to see him, and then it hit me.
Shit… He worked here.
Then another thing slapped me across the face harder. HE WORKS HERE! This is perfect. Here was an opportunity.
“Calvin!” I said happily at the realization that I might get a second chance with him.
“Mason?” he said completely lost for words. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“Well, I thought I would ask you how you liked your lunch. Looked a little greasy to me,” I answered slyly, winking at him.
“Did you follow me over here?” he said, confused. Maybe a little concerned.
“He has an appointment,” the girl at the desk said, matter of factly.
“Oh…” He stared at me. “Why?”
“Why do people usually have an appointment here?” I shrugged. I wasn’t fast on my feet, usually. I wanted a snappier comeback, but I couldn’t think of one fast enough.
“Oh… Okay,” he disappeared behind his cubicle. I got up and walked over. I put my elbow on the corner and leaned in towards him.
“So, you work here? You’re a tutor?” I asked as if that were cool.
“Yep. I do… That’s what it is that I am here for…”
“I need a tutor, I guess,” I smiled sadly. “I have to pass this class, and I am having a hard time with it.”
“What class?” he turned towards me.
“Uh… Art Appreciation… I know… It’s just…” I stuttered, feeling like a fool.
He grinned back to me. “It’s not that easy a class, I promise. There are a lot of names to memorize. People think it’s a coast class. It is not.”
“Thanks, man. I’ve been feeling like an idiot,” I said. “However, I am glad that I got to get another chance with you. I felt like… Well, like you didn’t like me very much.”
“Mason… I don’t really know you. However, you and I are on different sides of an issue that I’ve had around here since I started college.” He ran his fingers through his hair. Chills ran up my arm.
