Five

"I'm sorry Abbs, but would you please show Professor Kim to his study hall. I will see to it tomorrow. Please, excuse me," I apologized. I didn't give her any chance to reply before I rushed past them. So closely that we made skin contact. I took in a sharp breath. I composed myself and walked calmly into the study hall. Took out the device from my pocket and switched all of the options back on. Dad knows that I mute him during lectures, but he always seems to enjoy following them on his computer screen. The look that Dan gave me sends a shiver down my spine. I turn my attention back towards the projector and showed them the solution to the mathematical problem. Explaining it to them in as much detail as I could muster. I heard OH's and ahs proving that they understand. I picked up the stack of books and hand it to the front row, asking them to pass it along. "Your assignment is to read the first chapter and answer the multiple answer questions at the end. I want your work on my table first thing Wednesday morning. I want neat and completed work. Class dismissed," I ended. They stood up and made for the exit. "Did you do what I think you had?" Dan asked. His backpack slanged over his left shoulder. I left his question intentionally unanswered. He sighed as he rubbed the back of his head. "You should be more careful, Sam. I love Gramps, but I don't want him to come here. My best friend is an Asian guy from South Korea. Gramps will murder us both," he begged me. His last few sentences barely audible. So my Dad won't be able to catch on. I nodded at him. I new exactly what he meant. "I don't want that either." I mouthed assumingly. "So what did Prof. Harolds want?" JJ asked. She was standing of to the side listening to us. "He wants me to show the new music Professor around campus," I informed them. The only problem is that my Dad won't approve, seeing how he's Asian, the thought made me look down at my feet. My nervousness clearly visible on my face. My heart falls into my stomach when Dan place a hand upon my shoulder. Reassuring me that he won't say a thing, either.

Dan is only a year younger then me. He, Nate (my brother's eldest) and I grew up together. Even though I am the baby in the family, I graduated at an early age. I had always been a genius. Mom used to call me her beautiful mind. I wish she was here. She didn't have a problem with anybody, no matter their race. She always said that the sun shines down on everybody, the only difference is that we all see the world through different eyes. I still live at that quote of hers, but Dad had lost its true meaning years ago. JJ left the hall with her nephew. They are very close. I'm glad. I made my way towards Abby's doorway. My next lecture is in an hour, so I'm taking a little break.