Heart of the Matter (Coming Home Book 3)

by Stephens, Amy

  In the end, I decided on the usual entry level English and History classes, World Religions and Introduction to Geology. I really tried to squeeze in a literature class, but English 101 was a prerequisite and couldn’t be taken simultaneously.

  As Mr. McDonald typed my class selections into his computer, he informed me I was the last one to enroll in the World Religions class. It was officially full and closed to any more students. I didn’t know if I should’ve been jumping for joy or squalling right about now, but this day hadn’t turned out to be what I was hoping for at all. He handed over my actual schedule, and if I had no other questions or changes, I was to sign at the bottom and keep the top copy for myself.

  I kindly shook his hand and then stood to walk out of the room.

  “Ms. Kennedy, two of your classes are located in the building across the street, while the other two are located on the military base that’s just a couple miles down the road. You shouldn’t have any trouble locating it, but you’ll need to take your schedule down to the base and have them issue you a temporary ID card and base pass.”

  I felt so overwhelmed I couldn’t even comment. Military base? ID card? What had I gotten myself into? I thought I’d be going from building to building on a regular campus, not driving across town. Just one more reason not to like it there.

  “Excuse me, but did you say military base?” I questioned, not sure if I’d heard him correctly.

  “Yes, ma’am. Bishop has a joint education policy with the United States Air Force. Many of the military personnel are students at Bishop and earning their degree just like you. In fact, the gentleman who was here before you just signed up to obtain his second degree with us.”

  “Oh, I see.” I really hoped Mr. McDonald didn’t sense the disappointment in my tone.

  “I can understand your fear of going to the base. You’ll find other students there as well so there’s nothing for you to worry about. We’re very fortunate that Bishop has this partnership with the Air Force. It’s a benefit for the students as well as for the military.”

  I mumbled thanks to Mr. McDonald and then closed the door behind me.

  I walked out to my car and fumbled in my purse for my keys. I pulled out my wallet, checkbook and cell phone and still couldn’t find them. I patted my pockets, even though I never put them there, then leaned over to look inside the car. There, on the front seat, were my keys. As if this day couldn’t get any worse for me.

  I called my mom to bring me the spare set from home and sat on the curb next to my car to wait for her. Right now, I just wanted to be angry with the world. A few months ago, I’d had a great life. Now, I wondered if going to college was even the right thing for me. I was only going to be miserable taking classes I really didn’t want to take in the first place, and now having to go to the military base too. What next? Would it be smart to find a second job, save up all of my money and join Monica at State for the second semester? Maybe I could even go back and take out more money on my student loan. Starting in the winter wouldn’t be so bad, would it? I mean, after all, I’d be at State just as I’d wanted to be from the very beginning.

  Since I had nothing better to do while I waited for my mom, I pulled out my schedule and glanced over it again. I had English and History on Monday and Wednesday nights with Geology and World Religions on the other two nights. What kind of college offered classes only at night? How was I supposed to keep up with my favorite television shows? On the bright side, if there was one, at least I’d have my Friday nights off and I wouldn’t have to get up at the butt-crack of dawn for an eight o’clock morning class as I probably would have had to do at State. What good was a free Friday night without my best friend being there?

  I placed my chin on the palms of my hands and propped my elbows up on my knees. I could already feel it now. This was going to be a long semester. I was so miserable right now I didn’t even bother to call Monica to tell her about my classes as I’d said I would. I just wanted my mom to hurry up and get there with my keys so I could go home.

  About the Author

  Amy Stephens is a new adult/contemporary romance author. Originally from Greenville, Alabama, she now lives in Robertsdale, Alabama, just minutes from the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast beaches, with her husband and son. She is a graduate of Troy University with a Master’s in Human Resource Management. She works in retail management full-time during the day and pursues her passion for writing in her down time.

  When she’s not working or writing, you will find her reading, watching her favorite football team, the Auburn Tigers, her favorite baseball team, the Atlanta Braves, or watching NASCAR. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

  Her books include Falling for Him and Falling for Her, a two-part Falcon Club series. She’s also written the Coming Home series: Don’t Turn Back, Never Look Back, and Heart of the Matter. And don’t miss The Ride Home for Christmas and Cooper: A Holiday Romance, two holiday novellas available now.

  For more information, please visit:

  www.facebook.com/amystephensauthor

  http://www.goodreads.com/amystephens

  amystephensauthor@gmail.com