“It was odd at first because we didn’t really have that kind of relationship but by midnight things had shifted between us and I realized we had gotten closer without my even realizing it. The next day I asked him if he could meet me for lunch in the city close to where I worked, and he agreed. That was the moment when we became more than just roommates. We became friends and from there… things evolved.”
“Did you ever have problems after you started dating him?” I asked.
“We had fights… the same fights we’d had as I moved in,” Professor Milton admitted. “But this time we were in love… so everything was bearable I suppose.”
“Thanks for sharing all that with me,” I said, realizing there was so much about Professor Milton’s life that I didn’t know.
“I’m sharing it with you because I want you to know that sometimes the things we dread the most can end up being… exactly what we need at the time,” she said. “Just hang in there and ride it out. Who knows… you might get something amazing from it.”
I thought about my belief in fate and what Professor Milton was telling me kind of fit into that belief system. “I’ll try and remember that.”
“In the meantime… how’s your music coming along?”
“Um… I’ve been procrastinating a little on my work,” I admitted. “In addition to finding a place to live, I also need to find a job so that I could afford a place to live.”
“Have you applied anywhere?”
“Denison’s Appliance Hut, the Waffle House and Fresh Farm Ice Cream Parlor.”
“Ah, I know the owner of Fresh Farm,” Professor Milton told me. “I can put in a good word on your behalf.”
“Would you?” I asked. “I can use all the help I can get.”
“No problem; it’s done.”
I shook my head at her and smiled. “You really are my favorite professor.”
Professor Milton laughed. “Flattery… my old friend,” she joked. Then her tone grew a little more serious. “Just remember to spend time on your music too. I know you have a lot to deal with, but you need to focus on the things you’re passionate about. Feeding your soul is important.”
“Thanks,” I nodded.
After Professor Milton left, I turned back to the piano and started playing. Then I stopped and took out my phone. I set the recorder on and started playing once more. I let the notes flow out of me seamlessly. My hands moved where they wanted to. I didn’t think about the kind of melody I wanted to create. I just let it come without thinking about it… or anything else.
There was so much I wanted to achieve. I wanted to write great music, I wanted to play in concerts, and one day I wanted to teach music to a new generation and inspire young adults the way that Professor Milton had inspired and encouraged me. But my goals were not limited to my career alone. I wanted to have a family one-day, I wanted to find a partner to raise children with. I wanted to create the kind of life for my kids that I had never had growing up.
It was odd, but somehow that seemed a more far-fetched dream than any of my career goals. I wondered if having a perfect little family of my own was too much to ask for. If I had to settle for music and music alone would I be content with that?
I felt my phone beep in my pocket, and I checked the alert. Apparently, the apartment finder app I had joined had found another potential match for me and had sent me a new address. I decided that I would make an appointment for tomorrow morning so that I could see the apartment and meet my potential roommate. I was nervous already.
9
Devlin
“Hi, man!” Zack said excitedly, the moment he saw me.
He pulled me in for a bear hug in the middle of the restaurant, and I laughed. “Get off me… geez.”
“Please… you love my hugs.”
“Can we please just sit and eat?” I asked.
“That’s always been your problem,” Zack said, with mock sadness as we sat down together. “So damn closed off.”
“Shut up and sit down,” I said. “I’m starving.”
“Dude, it’s been ages,” Zack said, shaking his head at me.
“Don’t I know it,” I nodded. “I’m sorry. I know I’ve been terrible at keeping in touch. It’s just with all the shit that went down recently—”