The football player and his teacher

Chapter thirty-three - First day at university

Ashley's POV:

My summer vacation almost ended. I don't know how it passed so fast. Maybe it was because I was with Avery. Honestly, I'm surprised we managed to understand each other for so long. Usually, we argue about every single thing. I have no idea what happened to him, but I like the new version. He is nice to me, and we can make a normal conversation. I believed that Avery was a good boy. The thing is that he didn't want to show it. I'm glad that everything went in the right direction for us. Arguing wasn't going to help us. Now, the problem is his new team. I was thinking about talking with the captain, but I knew Avery wouldn't like it. Maybe it's better if I don't mess with this. The problem is not mine. I should focus on myself. I don't have problems, but soon my classes start. I have to prepare myself. Let's hope that I will have luck this year. In high school, I didn't have many friends. I mean, not close ones. I want this year to be different. Probably the problem is in me. The thing is that I never trusted anyone completely. I was always doubting people, which is not good. Not everyone will stab a knife in your back. Maybe I want too much. That's why no one is perfect, and that includes me. I have to start appreciating people more. Well, up to now, the only friend I have is Avery. Honestly, I don't know if we are friends. We never made it official. I can ask him about that. The thing is that I'm not sure how he will react. It's better if I leave things the way they are. That way, we won't have problems. I like being in New York with Avery, but part of me wants to go home. Well, this is my first time without my parents. One day, I will get used to this. I hope that after I graduate, I will stay here. There are many career opportunities.

Today my classes start. It's time for me to meet new people. Maybe I will meet my new best friend. Who knows what might happen? My roommate came last week. Her name is Izabella, but she wants me to call her Izzy. Honestly, I like her name. It fits her personality perfectly. She has been here for a week, but I already told her everything about Avery and me. Let's say that she wanted to know who was the boy with who I go out so often. We were not dating, so I had no reason to lie to her. Izzy has the right to know everything. Also, I like that I can talk with someone about that.

I woke up and checked the phone. It was 8:30 am. After an hour, I have a class. I better get up and get ready. My roommate has already left for her classes. Izzy is studying fashion. She said that since she was little, she drew dressed models. Her dream is to make her clothing line. People wear clothes all the time. That is a good idea for a business. I hope that her dream will come true.

When I got ready, I walked to my class. There was one free desk on the front row. It's the perfect place for me. That way, I will be focused on the teacher, and nothing will distract me. Soon, the teacher came.

- Hello, students. My name is Barbara Sanders. In this course, you will learn about people's behavior. The question that many people ask is why someone acts a certain way. I hope that when we finish the course, you will be able to understand the people around you better. You will have two tests and a project. The first test will be in the seventh week. That's why the second one, in the fourteenth. The project looks simple, but it's not easy. All you have to do is talk with a person of your choice. Also, to try to understand why this person acts in a certain way. For example, your friend is angry and starts throwing things. Your job is to understand why anger makes your friend do this. It might look easy to some of you, but not many students can finish it. When you have the reason, you have to write it down. All I will want from you is the problem and the reason for your person's behavior. Are there any questions?

- I have one. - I said

- Yes. What's your name?

- Ashley Moore.

- Ok, miss Moore. What is your question?

- What if our chosen person doesn't want to talk with us? Do we have to try harder or choose someone else?

- That's a great question. It takes some people time to open up and talk about the problem. That's the first type of people. Some people don't want to talk about it. You always have to try. Giving up is never a solution. If this person doesn't want to talk, give them some time. You can distance yourself from them. The key is to make them say something. No matter what it is. Communication is one of the most important parts of solving a problem. Did I answer your question, miss Moore?

- Yes, thank you.

- You're welcome. Are there more questions? If there aren't, we can start with the lesson.

I think I made the right decision. Helping people is something good. Also, I think this career can help me to understand myself better. No one has said it directly, but I define myself as a complicated person. Sometimes I don't know what I want. The project is interesting. I have no idea who my person will be, but it will be like a challenge. Honestly, I was thinking about Avery or Blake. That might help them fix their relations. When the time comes, I will think about this.

After this class, I walked back to my dorm. I saw Avery coming in, so I decided to wait for him. He walked into his dorm without even looking at me. I assume that something has happened. I knocked on his door, but no one opened it. Then I walked in.

- Hey. Are you ok?

- Oh, um, hi.

- What's wrong? You look mad.

- I had a quick chat with Blake. My first game with the team is after three weeks. He wanted to be sure I won't take his place under the spotlight.

- No offense, but this boy is crazy.

- I know. It's not like I will listen to Blake. This team needs changes. Otherwise, they won't achieve anything.

- You mean to change the player or something else?

- The boys are good, but they need more training. Also, the strategies are lame. I have done more complicated ones.

- Why don't you talk with the coach about this? You can tell him what you think. He might listen to you.

- I don't know. I don't want my opinion to be the most important one. Also, I came here two months ago.

- I'm sure everything will be fine. Be patient. Some things take time.

- Thank you for being here.

- No problem.

- I like talking with you, but I have a class. My roommate might come soon. If you want, you can wait for him.

- Thanks, but I will go. See you later. - I said and left

After an hour and a half is my next class for the day. Then I am free. I want to go out with Avery, but I don't know his program. Well, I can do it on my own. I won't deny some time for myself. To make the time pass by, I went for a shower. Later, I took everything I needed for my next class and walked out. I had nothing to do, so I walked to my classroom. Soon, the teacher came.

- Hello, everyone. My name is Kim Adams. In my course, you will understand how to communicate with people. To be a good therapist doesn't mean being a good listener. Also, you must know how to communicate with your patients. You have to ask the right questions and make a conversation with them. Not everyone will want to talk, and that is where you join in. Some people sign up for a therapist but don't talk at all. It takes time to open up and talk about your problem. Something important is to stay focused on what your patient is saying. Every word might be a key to their problems. You will have a course where the teacher will show you how to understand your patient. Every movement and every word means something. That is what people call body language. Here, we'll focus on communication. You will have two tests. The first is in the sixth week, and the second is in the twelfth week. Are there any questions? If the answer is no, let's start with our lesson.

I had only two classes, but both of them were interesting. I think I chose the right career. As usual, I was in the front row. I need to focus on the teacher. When the class finished, I walked out of the classroom. I saw a blonde girl. I don't think she is a first-grader. It's not like I care. I passed by her when she grabbed my hand. What the heck? Who is this girl? Soon, we walked into a dorm. I guess that is her room.

- Who are you, and what do you want from me?

- I am Olivia.

- I think you know me.

- No, I don't. What is going on?

- My name is Blake. I'll get straight into it. Tell your boyfriend to get off my way. Otherwise, I have to make his life like hell.

- First of all, I don't have a boyfriend. Second of all, I don't take orders from strangers. I don't care who you are, but leave me alone.

- Look, tell Avery to back off. Understood?

- No! You can't tell me what to do. Also, we are not even friends. Whatever you have to say to him, do it personally. I don't want to be part of your problems.

- I tried to do it, but he didn't want to listen. Maybe I have to go after you. If he cares enough, he will listen to me.

- What do you want from me? I told you I couldn't tell Avery what to do.

- I'm sorry, then. You can go, but don't forget that I am watching you.

- Whatever. I don't care. - I said and left

I need to talk with Avery. No matter what is going on between them, I don't want to be part of it. I feel like I am in a high school drama. Honestly, I expected here to be different. Maybe I was wrong. I walked back to my room. Izzy was lying on her bed. I saw a smile on her that meant something had happened.

- Hello. For what is that smile?

- I had a great first day. What about you?

- Me too. My classes look interesting.

- Something has happened. Spill the tea.

- Avery has a problem with the captain of the team. In not a polite way, I was in his room. His girlfriend dragged me there. He wanted to tell me that I had to tell Avery to back off. As if I am his secretary. No matter what is going on, I don't want to be part of this. You know what? I will make him come here.

I texted Avery and told him to come to my dorm. After half an hour, he was there. I told him everything that happened and that I didn't want to be part of it. As I expected, he got mad. I don't know what Izzy told him. Well, he managed to calm down. This girl is great. I'm glad that we are roommates.

- Look, being mad won't help you. Talk with this guy and tell him to get Ash out of the way. - Izzy said

- Ash?

- Ashley. That is my nickname for her.

- Once, I tried to talk with him. He didn't want to listen.

- Some people get jealous. I think that is the problem of your captain. He is afraid that he will lose his fame. He doesn't care about the game.

- The problem is not mine. I am here for another reason.

- The only person who can help you is the coach. Tell him you have talked with this boy, but he didn't want to listen to you.

- Can you be my roommate?

- No, no, no. Izzy is mine. - I said

- Don't fight. I have time for both of you. - Izzy said, chuckling

- If you two have nothing to do, we can go out.

- It's a great idea, but maybe Avery will want to be only with you.

- Izzy, we have talked about this.

- Ashley is right. We are still trying to work the friendship thing out.

- Then do it.

- I will go out. I need a distraction.

- Ok, then. Where we'll go? - Izzy asked

- Why don't we go for ice cream? Later, we can eat it in a park.

- Yeah, why not.

- Avery, you can wait for us outside.

- Why does he have to do that?

- Because I want to change.

- So? Do it in front of him.

- What? I don't even change in front of my dad.

- You are weird. I have a brother two years older than me. Also, I have changed in front of my boyfriend. There is nothing wrong with that. No one will judge you.

- Wait a minute! You have a boyfriend.

- I HAD a boyfriend. We broke up.

- Why?

-Well, both of us are in different universities, so we decided to break up. Distance relationships don't work.

- That's not true. You could've tried.

- Look, I don't want to talk about this.

- Ok, I won't talk.

- Thank you.

The rest of the day, I was with Avery and Izzy. I liked spending time with them. Maybe I have to do it more often. All I want is to get out of Blake's drama. I don't know why he wants to mess me with that, but I won't give in. I don't want it to be part of it. After all, I came here to study. Now I am starting to miss the boys. They weren't my friends, but at least they were nice to me. I never had problems with them. I can call them and ask for advice. I'm sure they can tell me what to do. Now I wish I was at home. Things there weren't so complicated. I hope that I won't have problems. That is the last thing I want.