Awakenings: The Greek, The Russian and Me

Chapter 16

I wake up at six in the morning feeling rested and rejuvenated. Deciding not to stay in bed, I get up, brush my teeth, wash my face, and then dress in my new outfit. I go back to the bathroom, brush my hair, and part it to one side. Gazing in the mirror, I decide to put on some mascara, a touch of light-brown eye shadow, and some lip gloss. Heading back to my bedroom for some shoes, I notice that the message light is blinking on the answering machine, and my heart skips a beat as I run toward the machine and hit play. It isn't Conn; my heart sinks as I hear Pete's older sister Hellen say in a worried tone, "Fran, I just wanted to let you know that Mom got very ill last night. The ambulance took her to Jamaica Hospital, but they are making arrangements to transfer her to New York Presbyterian." And then the message ends. I stand there just stunned beyond words. Oh no, I hope she makes it through. Glancing quickly at my watch, I see it's seven o'clock and remember that Pete has an early class. I scramble for a pair of flats; grab my jean jacket, book bag, and car keys; and head to the door.

I don't get to school as fast as I wanted due to traffic, but I can't stop thinking about poor Mrs. Papadopoulos. Why do good people always suffer the most? I find a park- ing spot quickly and then speed walk toward the main building. What class is Pete taking again? I wonder. Then it hits me! Pete is Greek; maybe he's at the Greek table. My stomach drops at the thought of the Greek table. I walk toward the rails on the second floor that overlook part of the cafeteria and glance down. I was right; Pete is sitting there. I rush down the escalator and head straight toward the Greek table with all my attention focused on Pete. He looks in my direction and, catching sight of me, stands up with a sad expression on his face. I reach him, not seeing anything of our surroundings, and extend my arms as he hugs me. I whisper, "Hellen left me a message. I'm so sorry. How is she doing?" We let go, and I suddenly become aware that we are not alone. I feel my face redden and say, "Oh, I'm so sorry to have barged in," as I turn to face the group. Oh shit! He's there sitting casu- ally across from me with that pretty girl by his side. Our eyes make contact, but he makes no effort to greet me.

I'm brought back to reality as I hear Pete's voice say, "Let's go sit over there; I have to go to class in about fifteen minutes." We move a few tables away, and I can feel Conn's eyes on me. "It seems Mom had a relapse, and she is not doing so well. We are waiting to have her transferred to New York Presbyterian. Hellen is with her, as Dad has to work the coffee shop. Last time we closed for two weeks, we lost customers, and it affected us financially. We can't afford to close, so Dad is there; then I take his place after class," he says in a very tired voice.

"Hey, do you need help at the coffee shop? I can waitress or anything else you might need," I say.

"That's very sweet of you, but I know you're busy, and you have another job," he replies, smiling at me.

"Hey, what are friends for? And your mom is like family to me. I have to work today, but I'll drop by to- morrow after class," I say, gently squeezing his hand.

"Thanks, Fran, you're a sweetheart. I have to go, as I need to catch the professor and explain the situation just in case I have to miss class. See you tomorrow, and thanks for everything." He stands and pats my shoulder. I sit there just lost in thoughts, worried about Pete and his family. I'm brought back to reality as I hear Conn's laughter. I get up from the table and turn to exit the seat- ing area as I glance at the Greek tables. Conn is engaged in conversation with the group, and they are laughing. He briefly looks at me and then looks away and continues his conversation. I feel myself clench my jaws as I walk out and head to the library to study until my next class.

Dr. Liberman's lecture is tolerable today, and it goes reasonably well. Any thought of Conn that tries to dis- tract me is ruthlessly ignored. Since I have a short break before my next class, I opt to head back to the library and review my psychology presentation. Searching for a table, I catch sight of Erik sitting alone studying. I walk to his table and take the empty seat next to him. "We need to stop meeting like this," I say in a laughing tone. He looks up and just stares at me, speechless. Feeling a little uncomfortable, I look down at myself and then at our surroundings and say, "What's wrong? If you want I'll sit somewhere else."