A Beating Heart

Puzzle Piece Three

So my mom and I visited all three colleges yesterday and I must say it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Actually, I quite like the idea of going to college to be honest. I'd be away from my parents long enough to pursue whatever it is that's happening with Shay. Also, I wouldn't have to worry about my parent's being on my case every second.

Plus UM is close to the mountains...i.e. closer to Shay. The thought alone brings a smile to my face.

Speaking of Shay, I'm supposed to go and met her in an hour and I'm way too nervous at the moment. What is it about this girl that makes me feel all these different emotions? What is she doing to me?

"Think you've made up your mind yet?" My mom pokes her head in my door and asks.

I turn from the full length mirror hanging from my closet door to look at her. "About what?" I question.

She smiles, "The College you think you might want to go to of course."

"Oh right." I nod.

"All of them are great schools but I think UW has the most potential, don't you?"

I stare at my mother for a moment. I know what she's doing. She thinks UW is the best because the University of Winnipeg is closest to the house. I will not do this.

"I actually like UM the best mom. I think the campus was great, the courses were exactly what I wanted and the few teachers we met seemed really awesome." I sell it as best as possible. She narrows her eyes at me for a moment then smiles.

"I'll grab you an application today while I run some errands." She says cheerfully. "Going somewhere?" She asks after a moment.

I turn around fully to look at her. "Um, just into town or maybe to the beach or something. You know, just to clear my head and figure some stuff out."

"What stuff?" She pushes my door open and comes further inside my room. "Everything okay Colby?"

"Yeah mom." I nod quickly. "I just, you know with this college stuff finally happening and me moving out I'm a bit..."

"You don't have to move out, Colby, you can stay right here. You don't need to..."

"No mom," I stop her quickly. I don't want her to think that I don't want to move out because I do. I really, really, really freaking do. "I'm just thinking that's all. But I want to do this. I need to do this. I want to have the full college experience." I nod adamantly.

"Okay honey," my mother smiles. "I just don't want you to overthink all this. College will be good for you, I promise." I smile and nod as she pinches my cheek and then exits my room.

I blow out a sigh of relief. That could have been a total disaster.

I can't wait to tell Shay the good news.

'Or maybe you should wait until you actually get into college.' My subconscious reminds me. I roll my eyes at myself then turn back to the mirror.

I should really hurry and pick out something to wear. I don't want to be late.

--

I glance around me as I wait for Shay to show up for our... date I guess. I'm not exactly sure what to call it if I'm being honest with myself. I mean, she asked me to come out with her, but she didn't say she wanted to take me out, so can I even consider this a date?

I sigh and glance down at my phone. I've been standing here for over fifteen minutes, Shay is late. Shay is never late. Her not having a phone kind of really sucks because I can't even call her to make sure everything is okay.