Late Night Studying

"...The bilayer consists of lipids arranged in two layers, thus the term bilayer," the professor paused for a moment. "Any questions?" Silence fell over the room as I finished the last notes. "Alright then, I'll see you all bright and early Thursday morning at 8 am for the exam." The room came to life as people collected their belongings and began to make their way out of the hall. 1

I however remained where I was. Two days. Two days until the biggest test of my college career and I was focused on anything but the science which I was supposed to be studying. Sure, I understood it...sort of...but what I really wanted was hopelessly out of my reach. Surreptitiously I glanced down the row of the lecture hall, trying to steal a quick glimpse of him. My hands froze as his eyes met mine. I dropped my purse as an out, and dropped to my knees to pick it up, staring at the floor. He saw...oh God. He saw me looking. He probably thinks I'm the biggest fucking loser. 2

Standing, I busied myself with my books. Jacob. Just the sound of his name was enough to make me crazy, and in 4 months of sharing class with him, i'd never even said hello. I'm such a wuss. Jesus, his eyes are gorgeous...I stared at him once for an hour straight...he never looked my way though. With a sigh, I turned to walk out of the room. I had barely gone six steps when I stumbled over my own feet and landed flat on my face, books scattering everywhere. 3

"Nice job, slick," I told myself as i sat back on my haunches, gathering my things. After a moment, I realized I couldn't find my textbook. Getting frustrated, I stood up quickly and started looking under chairs. 4

"Looking for this?" a smooth tenor voice asked. I looked up and saw Jacob. Fighting to keep control of my body, and mouth, I managed to stammer, "Yeah, thanks." Taking the book, I mustered a cool smile. 5

"I'm Jacob, by the way," he said, holding out his hand. As if I didn't already know!6

"Chelsea," I replied, shaking his hand, savoring the callous on his palm. I honestly thought I would fall over. 7

"Hi Chelsea. Hey, I was wondering. I couldn't help but notice that you take really good notes in this class, so I was thinking maybe you could do me a favor?"8

Uncertainly, I replied, "What sort of favor?" He laughed, and my knees went a bit weak. 9

"Well, since i'm pretty much pathetic in all things science, I was wondering if maybe you could give me a hand with the material," he answered.10

He wanted a tutor. Two days before the final. Jesus fucking Christ, are all men born procrastinators?11

"Um, Jacob, maybe you didn't notice, but the final is day after tomorrow. How could I possibly teach you all the material in that time frame?"12

He grinned rather sheepishly. "I know, but I don't want much, maybe like a couple hours tomorrow night?"13

I conceded, mainly because I needed the extra study time as well. I fought to keep too much excitement from showing in my voice, "Alright, uh...later tonight in the library?" 14

Jacob quickly checked his notebook, and answered, "Tonight isn't so good, how about tomorrow night, around 8? Is my room okay? The library closes early."15

"Okay, see you then?" Then, as an afterthought, I added, "Wheres your room?" I can't believe I had almost forgotten to ask. 16

He lit up, relieved, I suppose. Smiling, he answered, "Room 409 in the south hall." He held my gaze for a moment, then looking down, he exclaimed, " Shit! I'm late! I gotta go...see you tomorrow!" And away he went. 17

I couldn't believe my luck. Five minutes ago I had been sprawled out on the floor, with Jacob not even knowing I existed, and now I get to see where he SLEEPS. I just couldn't wait.18