If you want to go back and read part 1 of Melissa’s story, click here.
To read part 2 of Melissa’s story, click here.
Arriving in front of her dorm with an amazingly attentive and kind man, instead of alone, was a first for Melissa. Gavin somehow managed to keep her talking their entire walk home. She blinked in surprise as she stared up at the large building. They hadn’t been walking long enough to already be there. She wasn’t ready to be done talking with him, even if he was doing most of the talking. That actually worked better for her.
“Did we get the wrong place?” Gavin broke into her dumbfounded staring. “You suddenly look a little lost.”
“Oh…I…no. I live here.” Melissa blushed. In a few seconds, she managed to refocus on his face, though the blush didn’t fade as clarity returned. “Yes, this is my house…room…dorm. Ugh!”
Gavin stood there smiling, watching. “So now that we have arrived at your living space…” He winked. “I find myself nervous to ask you my question because I really want your answer to be yes.”
“You will never know the answer if you don’t ask.” Melissa glanced around as her flash of outgoingness faded. “Of course, you can always ask later.”
“I can’t tell if you’re trying to encourage or discourage me.” He laughed. “Melissa with the unknown last name, will you go out to dinner with me this friday night?”
“It’s Janson.”
“Is that a no?” He sighed. “I thought you told me there wasn’t a guy I had to worry about. Why string me along if you were just going to say no?”
Melissa staggered back. Tears stung her eyes as she blinked. He was no longer smiling. In fact, his disappointment quickly changed to a scowl.
She stumbled over words and her feet. “I…what?”
And just like that he was walking away. Melissa stood there staring after him, unsure whether she even wanted to stop him.
“Janson is my last name.” She finally called out. Not waiting for whatever response he may or may not give, she ran inside. The tears were coming and she couldn’t stop them.
Just inside the door Melanie stood there shaking her head. “What happened? Gavin went from smiles to scowls in less than a second.”
“I told him my last name.” Melissa slowed only long enough to get past her before she sped for her room.
Slamming the door shut behind her, Melissa immediately walked over to the window and stared out. Though she couldn’t figure out what had happened, a small part of her wanted to see him one last time. He had been so nice and patient at the party. He had been the first guy other than Devin to talk to her since she arrived on campus. Maybe she had been naive to think that he’d also be her first date.
Looking out she noticed that Gavin was still down there, arms crossed and glaring, while Melanie spoke to him. She poked him in the chest and stormed away shaking her head. Whatever Melanie had said must have sunk in because he slumped and looked up at the building. He didn’t look mad anymore.
“Melissa?” Melanie’s voice came through her door a short time later. “I know I may be overstepping. I asked Gavin what happened and I told him how much of an idiot he is.” There was a long pause before she spoke again. “He’s out there hoping to apologize if you are interested in hearing him out.”
Melissa stared at the door, unsure, for several minutes. When she opened the door, Melanie was gone. She went back to peek down and see if Gavin was still out there. After seeing him down there pacing she sighed and headed back out. With arms folded tight, she slowed as she neared him.
“Melissa.” Gavin stopped his relentless pacing with a jolt. “I didn’t think you’d come back out.”
“Melanie said she already told you that you were an idiot so I don’t think I need to but I would like the apology she said you were waiting to give me.” She took a step back when he moved toward her.
He stopped immediately. “Melissa, I’m sorry. My brain stopped working. I thought you were telling me you had a boyfriend and were blowing me off after teasing me. All I could think of was getting out of here.”
She nodded. For a second she felt like she was back at that party, trying to fade into complete invisibility in the corner. She shook herself and refocused back on Gavin who was still speaking.
“Again, I am sorry for how I reacted and I’m also sorry for awkwardly lingering after I’m the one who got mad at you. Don’t worry. I will leave you alone, I promise. Forget I asked you on a date. Maybe I can someday overcome the mess I’ve made of tonight. If you ever give me the chance to ask you out again it would be so much better than this so let’s pretend that I didn’t ask.”
“Does that mean you are asking me to forget the whole night? Forget I know you? Are you wanting a complete restart?”
“Well…” Gavin chuckled weakly. “After all that trouble convincing you to tell me your name, you want me to start completely over?”
Melissa sighed. “Maybe. How are you going to convince me of anything if you run off and hide?”
“I’m not going to hide. I’m trying to bow out gracefully. Give you some space. Be a gentleman and all that.” Gavin kicked at some of the gravel on the sidewalk.
“Then when will this convincing and overcoming happen?” Her arms were still folded but her shoulders relaxed.
Gavin gave a sort of sheepish half smile. “Tomorrow?”
“I have class most of tomorrow. However, I’ll be studying at those tables over there at 2.” Melissa shrugged. “I’m done at 3 and I won’t be sitting around waiting for anyone to come.”
“2 o’clock. I’ll be there.” He gave a quick nod. “With the exception of that last minute of our walk, I want you to know that I loved walking you home. You are a great person to talk with. I’ll see you tomorrow, Melissa Janson.” With a little bow he walked away.
