Jared drove back to campus in a daze. So many things had gone on in the last few hours that his head was spinning. He tried going through everything in his head, like he did when he studied for his tests and exams.
He was a very good student and decided that comparing this situation to his education was the only way to remain calm. He started from the beginning, talking aloud in the empty car.
"So Amber has issues with her looks. She doesn't think she's sexy but she's wrong. I was stupid to rush into sex barely two hours after we met. She didn't mean to stand me up on our first official date. She's dealing with a sick father and is struggling to keep up in school."
Jared pulled into the parking lot adjoining Amber's dorm room. She lived in the graduate area and he walked quickly back to her dorm room. He was thankful that the hallway was clear and that the cranky friend of hers who lived across the hall wasn't here. Her door was closed and it seemed quiet.
"I just need to tell her I can wait. I just need her to understand I don't normally rush things." Jared spoke aloud and then knocked on the door twice. He waited. Finally, the door opened.
"Hi."
"Hi."
