Southern Attraction: The College Years

by Tracy Kauffman

  "Something tells me that you want more, though," Mike replied.

  "Maybe I do. ...We are here. Maybe we can finish this after the appointment. Do you have a class afterward?" Heather asked.

  "Yes, but I can skip it today."

  "You don't need to skip class, Mike. Why don't we meet up after school this afternoon? We can go get some dinner."

  "You are not worried about Jake seeing us or getting jealous," Mike inquired.

  "No. I'm tired of worrying about what he thinks. What anyone thinks."

  "If you are sure."

  "I am."

  "Well, okay then. I'll stop by around 5."

  "Why don't I meet you at your apartment? What room are you in?"

  "I'm in the Highlands. Oh, that's right. I told you already. I'm in Apartment 12," Mike replied.

  Chapter 11

  Mike's apartment was on the 2nd floor. He had two bedrooms; one was for guest or parents when they visited. Heather was eager to see where he lived. She knocked on the door twice before he opened the door.

  "Sorry I was changing. Do you want to come in and I can show you around."

  "Yes, please. This is nice."

  "Here is the living room, the kitchen, the bathrooms, and I have a small study lounge against this window. This desk was built in."

  "This is really nice. I wished I could live in a place like this."

  "I'm sure you have plenty of room at the House," Mike replied.

  "Yes, but sometimes it would be nice to really have some privacy."

  "Yeah, I guess. So anyway, tell me how your meeting with Amanda went?"

  "I think it went well; she is supposed to call me in a day or two to let me know if I can be in the program."

  "I can call her if you want me to."

  "No, please don't. I want to be in the program if I am suited for it. I don't want to get in just because my friend called the manager."

  "Okay, but let me know if you change your mind," Mike replied.

  "Trust me; I won't. Besides, I think it went very well."

  "I'm sure it did. They could always use someone as bright as you to be in it."

  "I really believe I can bring a lot to the group. Besides I need something to get my mind off Jake for a while. I'm tired of worrying about him. It is time that I make myself more useful."

  "You are useful… but I'm sure you can really help out."

  "You seem to have a lot of confidence in me. You barely know me," Heather replied.

  "I think I know you quite well. Maybe better than you know yourself."

  "What is that suppose to me?" Heather questioned.

  "I didn't mean it as an insult. I meant it as a compliment."

  "How so?"

  "I see you as a well accomplished, caring woman. You look for the best in people and try to help them better themselves."

  "Yes. I do. But that is just a perception of me. You don't know me as a person."

  "I see a strong woman who has suffered a lot. Who has had to face more in their lifetime than most. I see that you are troubled too."

  "Did I give you that impression that I was troubled?" Heather asked.

  "I’ve seen you go to the clinic a couple of times."

  "What clinic?" Heather inquired.

  "I’ve seen you at Dr. Haney place. I know what type of doctor he is."

  "What? Did you follow me?"

  "Of course not. I just saw you come out of his office."

  "I went to the clinic with one of my friends." Heather lied.

  "Heather, I know you went alone because I’ve seen you walk inside."

  "So. What of it?" She asked.

  "I'm not trying to make you angry. I'm just trying to tell you that I understand. We all have to go through things sometimes," Mike replied.

  "I don't appreciate you getting into my business."

  "I'm not trying to. I just want you to feel comfortable talking to me. You can talk to me about anything."

  Heather couldn't help being angry at Mike. Not at his words but at him knowing about her secret. She didn't feel comfortable with him knowing it. She barely felt comfortable with Jake knowing it. At least Jake and she had been through a lot together already. They had been together since high school in Huckleburg, Alabama. She felt like she barely knew Mike at all. What did he know about struggles? What experience did he have with the trials of life? Probably none.

  "I really don't want you in my business. I'm not trying to be mean, but some things should remain private."

  "I was just trying to help," Mike replied.

  "If you want to help, then stay out of my business."

  "I thought you invited me into your business when you said you would come over tonight. Remember we were talking about Jake."

  "Jake is one thing, but this is entirely different. I don't like someone spying on me."

  "Is that what you thought I did?" Mike asked.

  "Yes. Isn't it?"

  "I couldn't help noticing you going into the clinic. I didn't follow you there."

  "No, but you waiting long enough to see how long I was there for."

  "I thought we could get a bite or something."

  "Well, you didn't come talk to me afterward."

  "No, because you seemed upset. I thought it was best to leave you alone."

  "Then, why now? What gives you the right to pry now?"

  "Nothing I guess. I just wanted to help you. I'm not trying to hurt you."

  "What makes you think you can help me or anybody? What troubles have you ever had to face?" Heather asked.

  "I have had my fair share of troubles, thank you anyway."

  "What? What hardships have you ever had to deal with?" Heather asked sarcastically.

  "Okay you want to know, I'll tell you. What about the fact that my dad left my mom and me when I was five years old. What about my mom and me having to struggle for everything we have. What about the fact that we lost our home at Thanksgiving and had to move into government housing."

  "Oh, Mike. I didn't know. You just seem like you have it all. You live in the nicest houses on campus."

  "Well, now you know I don't. So maybe you can quit being so judgmental of me and my life," Mike replied.

  "I didn't mean to. I'm really sorry."

  "Maybe we just need some time to cool off. Let's just take a rain check on dinner tonight." Mike said as he looked toward the floor.

  "Okay, I understand. I'll see you tomorrow," Heather replied.

  Heather couldn't help thinking how wrong she had been about Mike. She regretted what she had said to him. She didn't want him being angry with her. She hoped he wouldn't be. She wondered if she had hurt him. She wondered how Mike had seemed like he had lived the perfect life, but didn't. She couldn't help wondering how he could afford the housing he was living in, especially since his dad had left him and his mom like that. Did he have a scholarship to pay his way? How could he afford the college? So many questions that would have to wait until another time.

  Chapter 12

  Several days had passed before Heather saw either Mike or Jake. The fall holiday allowed the students to have a couple of days off of class, so Heather decided to drive up to see her uncle, Mick. A lot had changed in Huckleburg. Several new stores and restaurants had opened up around the town square. A new recreation center opened up close to Sally's diner. Funds were donated for the center from local businesses in the area. They dedicated it to the youth in the area. The recreation center had rock climbing, swimming, a basketball court, and dance lessons. The cost for the activities were minimal, just enough to help keep it open. It gave the kids something to do when school was out.

  Heather enjoyed sleeping in her own bed for a change. She reminisced how fast she had wanted to get out of that little town when she lived there, but now she deeply missed living there. She had been away for a few months and had really missed her uncle. He was her only family left. He was still the same ole country bumpkin; his singing always brought a smile to her face eve
n though he couldn't carry a tune.

  Sally seemed more like family now, especially with her dating her uncle. Sally even hinted around that there might be an engagement soon. It was probably wishful thinking on Sally's part. Her uncle was as crazy as could be; she couldn't see him getting married anytime soon. She used to think of him as a pervert because he would always flirt with women, even though he never had a steady girlfriend.

  Shawn had come into town for the holidays too. He had been away at Louisiana State University studying Education with a secondary degree in Business. He planned to teach high school until he could become the principal. Heather had seen Shawn at Sally's diner for a brief moment before he had to leave for an appointment. He had told Heather that he wasn't seeing Stephanie anymore. He told her that hey had ended their relationship shortly after graduation.

  In a way, Heather was elated about their relationship ending. She felt bad for Shawn getting hurt but knew that he deserved better than Stephanie. He would always hold a small place in her heart. She would never forget what he and his family had done for her and her uncle. They had allowed Mick and her to stay with them after they lost the farm. Heather cared deeply for Shawn and wanted him to be truly happy. She doesn't think he could be happy with Stephanie. At least not completely.

  Soon after their breakup, Stephanie had started dating her boss at the Something Blue Shoppe. Brad was a much older man than she was. He had just ended his marriage with his wife of six years before falling in love with Stephanie. Brad had a comfortable home with good looks to go with it. He made his intentions clear with Stephanie that he had no plans to remarry but that he loved her and wanted to move in together soon.

  Heather visited a few of her friends before it was time to return to school in Tuscaloosa. She had enjoyed seeing her uncle again, but it was time to go back and face Jake and Mike. Heather had left Jake a note under his dorm room door that she would be going back to Huckleburg for a couple of days. She knew he wouldn't be able to go because of his football practice. So she decided not to wait on a response. After all, she needed this time alone — time to think about things. Jake had tried to call her a couple of times and even texted her, but she didn't want to talk to him. She wasn't ready.

  On her drive back, all she could think about was her last conversation with Mike. He seemed genuine, caring. He seemed like he was trying to help her. ....But what did she do? She smarted off to him. She judged him wrongfully. So now all she wanted to do was make amends for her actions.

  Heather grabbed her phone, and she dialed Mike's number.

  "Hello."

  "Hey, Mike. It's Heather."

  "Hey. Where are you?"

  "I'm in my car right now."

  "Where have you been? I went by the house to look for you."

  "I was out of town. I went to see my uncle."

  "So are you headed back now."

  "Yes. ....Look I wanted to say I was sorry for the other day. I had no right to say those things."

  "That's water under the bridge. Don't worry about it." Mike replied.

  "Are you are sure?" Heather questioned.

  "Yes. I'm sure. So want to do something tonight." Mike asked.

  "I really need to see Jake. I have to talk to him," Heather replied.

  "Okay. I guess I'll see you later. Be careful."

  "I will. Thank you."

  As soon as she ended her call with Mike, she called Jake. As she waited for his to answer, she took a deep breath. She worried about what he would say to her, especially since she hadn't spoken to him in a few days. What would she say to him? She didn't have all the answers but knew they needed to talk. To sort out their problems so that they could go on with their lives.

  "Hello."

  "Hey, it's me."

  "Hey. It's good to hear from you. I've been really worried," Jake replied.

  "No need to worry. I'm fine. I would like for us to talk though. Can I meet you at the dorm?"

  "Sure. I'll be here."

  "See you in a few minutes," Heather replied.

  Chapter 13

  Jake waited in his dorm for Heather to arrive. He was so excited to see her but worried too that something was up. What did she want to talk about? He wondered. Hopefully, the news would be of home instead of their previous conversation. He didn't want to give up on football, even though the season would be ending soon. The Alabama football team was 6-0, and they would be heading for the SEC championship soon. Jake didn't want to miss out on that, even though he was still sitting on the bench from his injuries.

  Soon there was a knock at the door. "Hey Babe," Jake said as he opened the door.

  "Hey. How have you been?"

  "I'm doing good. The doctor says I will be as good as new soon enough."

  "That's great. I hope you will wait a while before you start playing again, though."

  "Yeah. I know the coach is not going to let me play anymore this year, but I'm satisfied just being there at the games. We're winning a lot of games."

  "That's great! I'm really happy for you, and the team of course," Heather replied.

  "So I got your letter about going to visit your uncle. How was he?"

  "He is doing good. He's been seen tending to his farm which keeps him busy. Oh, and he's been seeing Sally."

  "I can see that. He did spend a lot of time at the diner."

  "Yes, I guess he did."

  "So what did you want to talk about?" Jake asked.

  "Well, we didn't really settle anything the last time we talked, and I thought we should continue our conversation."

  "You mean the one about me quitting football."

  "Yes, that's the one," Heather replied.

  "I've been thinking about it. I know I'll be benched the rest of the year and the season is almost over, so maybe we can talk about it more after the season is over. Remember I did get a scholarship through playing."

  "Yes, I know. Maybe we can think of some other way you can continue school without having to play football. I've joined an organization that helps people in the community, and maybe there are people around that we can talk to that would be willing to sponsor you. Or we can apply for a grant or another scholarship program you can apply to in the meantime."

  "Yeah, that sounds good." Jake agreed, but his heart wasn't ready to give up football. He didn't know how to convince Heather that he wanted to continue to play, but he didn't want to argue with her about it either. He loved her and didn't want to lose her.

  "So you are really going to quit playing?" Heather asked.

  "There are a lot of things we got to do before I can tell you that for sure. I have to get money for school, because without school where would I be."

  "I guess you're right. At least you are willing to consider it. You don't know how happy that makes me." Heather wondered how sincere Jake was about giving up football. She wanted to believe him but wasn't convinced. She knew it would be better to let it go for now. She didn't want Jake thinking she didn't believe him. She wanted his trust and to be able to trust him. Time will tell, Heather thought.

  "I'm glad you're happy. That's all that matters to me. I want to make you happy."

  "You do make me happy. I just want you to be safe," Heather said.

  "So who else did you see in Huckleburg?" Jake asked.

  "You mean, did I see Shawn?"

  "Yeah, did you see him and Stephanie."

  "I saw Shawn for a short period. I saw a lot of people."

  "Why are you avoiding the question?" Jake inquired.

  "I'm not. I told you that I saw him. So what? It doesn't matter."

  "Did he act happy to see you?" Jake asked.

  "Not really, he seemed to be in a hurry. I saw him for a short time when he was at Sally's diner. So why do you care so much? Are you jealous?"

  "Jealous of Shawn? Of course not? I was just curious. So were you happy to see your old friends?"

  "I was happy being at home for a while. It was more of a relaxing trip. I didn't do much
. I enjoyed staying in my own bed and seeing my uncle, that's it."

  "I'm glad you had a good time," Jake replied.

  "I had some time to think about things, especially school. I've decided I want to change my major after this semester is over. I thought about going for a degree in Philanthropy."

  "Whatever you want sounds good to me. What exactly is Philanthropy?" Jake inquired.

  "Well it has a lot of meanings but its basically trying to help people by goodwill, including helping people's situations. That means looking for people or companies that are willing to donate to good causes either through private or government assistance programs. Sort of what I'm doing already in my volunteer group, but at a greater level."

  "That sounds really good. I'm proud of you."

  "I think it's a better fit for me. I'm excited about it," Heather replied.

  "So do you want to go get something to eat? I'm hungry."

  "Of course. I want to go to a nice restaurant. Somewhere we can go and sit down and spend some time together," Heather replied.

  "There is an Olive Garden down the road some."

  "I love Olive Garden; I'm in."

  Chapter 14

  After Heather and Jake arrived at the restaurant, Heather looked across the room to find their waiter so they could order. To her surprise, Mike was there. He wasn't alone. He was sitting with a girl who looked very familiar. Then Heather realized he was sitting with Tina Wilson.

  "Who are you looking at?" Jake inquired.

  "No one. I think I need to go to the restroom. Order me the Chicken Alfredo with the salad. Oh, and I want a sweet tea to drink."

  Jake didn't realize Mike was at the restaurant because he was facing the other way. Heather was a little upset that she saw Mike there with Tina. He had told her that Tina was just a friend and now he was on a date with her. Heather thought about whether she should walk by them without speaking or stop and say Hello.

  As she drew closer to their table, it was hard to resist. "Hey, Mike, Tina."

  "Hey, Heather. Good to see you," Tina replied.

  Mike didn't speak but smiled as he looked up at Heather.