A Mighty Quill

Thought Provoking

Psych 101

Psychology Class

Professor Matthers being drenched from the rain, came in with squelching shoes and a question

"How do you handle conflict? That is your assignment. Whether it be the not so gentle reminder of nature raging on or conflict with others." He took his brown, leather bag slightly, placing it on the floor. He wiped his specs and turned to us all with a drop or two slowly tracing his face, "I could always ask for a 100 page essay?" I had never seen people move faster to the door, they were quick and all I could do was watch as the crowd dispersed. As I had a few things on my desk, I wrote the question… How do I handle conflict? It's not hard to get lost in the topic, there are so many instances and I've had the same reaction as always, avoid it.

I suppose scribbling it on my notebook over and over wouldn't help the answers come faster. With my third outline of the word, the door creaked and I looked up. There was Logan, he had brought Professor Matthers a change of clothing, spare gym clothes down to socks and a pair of sneakers.

Professor Matthers thanked him, took it and made his way out of the classroom. I got up, packed what I had and somehow a pair of black sneakers and denim pants were facing me. I looked up and watched as my bag was taken. A polite question from a familiar voice "Would you like some help?" I stood up and took my bag "Logan, asking the question and having already performed it isn't really a question." I was barely a step away when he asked "Why have you been avoiding me?" I couldn't help but freeze and surprisingly responded "I'm not avoiding you, I do have another class." A quick response followed "What's your next class?" I turned around and said "Professor Parr, literature…" He nodded "She's not here, most classes have been cancelled due to really bad weather. Some of the roads are flooded and those who are not on campus are finding it hard to get to campus." I am almost certain he could see my worry as he asked. "Don't be too worried. It's just a little rain." I had to get to the phone rather quickly "This would seem as though I'm running away but I have to get a hold of someone, can we talk some other time?" I didn't wait for a response, I had to get to the phone and call Daniel.

I called him once… There was no response. I called him for the second time… It went to voicemail by the third call, it wouldn't connect and the power had gone out…

Sheer panic arose. What am I going to do? Do I wait, do I keep trying? Logan wasn't far behind "The power is out. You won't be able to get through to anyone." I nearly snapped at him but took a few moments to respond "Is the weather always this bad?" His hand held out for mine as he said "It can be a little scary sometimes but it does pass. Come with me." I didn't know whether to follow or to ignore him, he was being kind towards me and without holding anything against him, I should at least be kind in return.

We walked out of the building and went to the dormitory, he took me to his place and although I didn't want to go in, he handed me a cordless phone. "Try calling with this?" I was relieved and surprised, I called and this time I got through "Danny, are you alright?" I could barely hear him "... I… you… later…" bits cracked, the sound of static and beeping just completely disconnected. I handed Logan the phone "Thank you, the call was disconnected." He took the phone and placed it back on the wall mount. "I am going to head back to my place, thank you again." He smiled and stood there, looking at the wall "You're welcome Quinley."

There are very few times that when my name is said, I know that the person is not exactly happy with me. Although, I am not certain what could possibly upset Logan. As I walked away from him, I bumped into Destiny or rather she walked into me. "I am so sorry, I was trying to get to my…" When she gathered herself, she recognised it was me "Oh… I remember you." I smiled at her and answered "Yes, I am Quin." "I'd shake your hand but I'm a little soaked. What are you doing here?" I got straight to the point "I was trying to get a hold of Daniel, my boyfriend and Logan offered to help me. There was no way to get through to him on campus, nothing was working at all." I could see her visible relief, I wouldn't want her to misunderstand at all.

Our conversation was brief as it began pouring even more. I found myself running in the rain, eventually I got to my place only to find a very upset Daniel. I couldn't help but hug him, even though I felt like a rather wet puppy. "I am so glad you're safe." He didn't hug me back in fact when I stopped and looked at him, his face was rather annoyed. He at first could only ask me this question "Where were you when you called me?" I did not have much of a reaction avoiding it by trying to open my door, he grabbed a hold of my wrist "I was at Xi Tau Mu (ΞΤΜ)." I looked at him half expecting understanding but instead "I hope you and Logan enjoy your time together." was his retort.

He left, I didn't try to stop him either. A day of anxiety had already heightened my emotions and his actions only stirred tears. It would be a long night, I sat at my table and looked at Professor Matthers question.

How do you handle conflict?

Truthfully, in many ways. Some conflict is not worth having and although I want peace, I won't necessarily get it from the other party. To avoid conflict is not handling it, it is simply postponing it in hopes that either party fizzles out of rage and upset. To be the source of conflict might not always be of choice yet you find yourself in the middle, much like a terrible rainstorm. Nobody asks for it, it's nature.

As I began my paper lining the steps, I wanted to throw away all reasoning and send a very important text to Daniel telling him he was a fart but chose not to. Instead, I turned it off and went back to my desk, looking at the pages so eloquently deciding on what is the right course of action but does any of it truly express humanity? I suppose an outburst now and then is possible but is it worth it given that words can so easily soothe but also easily ignite.

Resting my pen over the pages and deciding that 2am wasn't such a bad time for rest. Setting my alarm, like clockwork with my mind needlessly repeating every action of the day. I know I'm not at peace but I am exhausted from it all.