Experimental RM Fic--Part 4
Ch.4-Ryan’s Point of View.
I can’t believe today is my college orientation, which means that classes start in just a little over a month. Time has flown by so quickly. I am sitting at the breakfast table with Seth before driving off to Berkley for the weekend. Kirsten is preparing something in the kitchen.
"Hey Seth, did you check the mail yesterday?" I ask him. "When I checked, the mailbox was empty." I'm curious. I have to know. Has Marissa's letter finally arrived? Has she even written me back yet? Is she even going to write back? I can't wait any longer. I have to know the answer.
"Ryan. Dude, you ask me that everyday. Yes, I checked it, and no, you haven't received any mail from Marissa yet. I just never thought I'd see the day when Kid Chino would let a girl who is thousands of miles away on a fishing boat control him this much when he's not even dating her, especially when she probably wears bucket hats now and smells like raw oysters."
Bucket hats? That could be hot. And raw oysters? I like oysters.
"I mean it's like she's all you ever think about, dude," he continues. "Looks like I need to add a whip to Cosmo Girl's wardrobe. What kind of whip should I add, Ryan? A bullwhip? A stockwhip? Maybe a pussywhip?"
"Seth, I'm not whipped."
"Yeah, whatever dude. You keep telling yourself that," he mumbles as he takes a bite of his chocolate chip pancake.
Kirsten approaches the breakfast table and interrupts our discussion. “Ryan sweetie, here is some food for the road,” she says as she hands me a stuffed brown paper bag filled with snacks.
"What time does the mailman come today, Kirsten?" I inquire. Maybe the mailman will come before I leave. Oh God. Maybe Seth is right. Maybe I am whipped.
"Usually at 11am on Saturdays," she answers. Good. It's 10:45am now. I won't be leaving for another half an hour. I can check before I leave.
Meanwhile, Seth yanks the brown paper bag out of my hand and starts examining its contents.
“Mom, what if he gets diarrhea from your cooking and becomes the laughing stock of orientation? Is this really how we show Ryan we care about his future?” One can always count on Seth for inappropriate humor.
“Seth, don’t say diarrhea,” I deadpan.
She counters, “Hey, I can cook now!”
“Mom, I’m sorry but odd French fusion cuisine doesn’t count,” Seth says. Kirsten rolls her eyes at him and instead turns her head in my direction.
“It’s okay Ryan… I didn’t make it. I promise. Sandy did before he headed to the office this morning. It’s a turkey and bacon sandwich with no mayo just how you like it. I also added some juice, chips, chocolate chip cookies, and an apple.”
Wow. Are they trying to make me gain the ‘freshman fifteen’ before I even begin college? She just stuffed me with a huge pancake breakfast, and I’m pretty sure there will be food at orientation. I’m grateful nonetheless. I love Kirsten. She always seems to care so much. That’s more than I can say about my biological mother.
“Thanks Kirsten. Tell Sandy I said thanks too. You guys really didn’t have to. I could have always picked something up on my way there,” I tell her.
“Nonsense, Ryan. We want you well fed and taken care of, and you are already running late so this way you have a better chance of getting there on time. By the way, do you have a full tank of gas?”
“Yes, Kirsten,” I answer.
“Okay. Well here is one hundred dollars just in case you need anything.” She stuffs a one hundred dollar bill into my hand. This is just great-more money for me to feel like I owe the Cohens.
“But Kirsten, really it’s okay. I still have plenty of money saved from when I worked construction. I can always take some out of that account at an ATM machine if I need any.”
I am still not comfortable with the Cohens giving me so much money. They have already done so much for me. I don’t deserve all that they have done. It just makes me feel that much guiltier.
“Ryan, I need to know that you are well taken care of. You shouldn’t be using your own money for this. That’s what we are here for.”
I try to give her one of my sulking-eyed puppy dog looks, but it doesn’t work.
“Money. Wallet. Now,” She orders.
Well now I have no choice. I’d rather follow her orders than piss her off anymore. I gingerly open my wallet and stuff the money inside.
“Good. Now Ryan, remember to call us every hour so we know you are okay. Is your cell phone fully charged?”
“Yes, Kirsten. I charged it last night. I’ll call. I promise.”
"Okay, did you pack enough clothes?" She asks me.
"Yeah, I mean... I'm only staying over for one night." I love her to death, but her motherliness can be rather smothering sometimes.
“Okay, well I am really proud of you! Drive safely, don’t have the music turned up too loud, and have a great time. I’m not sure how much it has changed since I went, but I enjoyed my orientation at Berkeley.”
I see a soft smile flicker across her lips as she recalls the memory.
“Mom, you’re a dinosaur now. I’m pretty sure it’s changed. For one, I’m sure most students at Berkeley aren’t hippies anymore,” Seth quips.
“Seth, I was not a hippie,” Kirsten protests.
“You lived in the back of a mail truck with dad,” Seth points out.
“I think this is my cue to go. Besides, like you said, Kirsten, I’m already running late. Thanks for the food and the money. I love you guys.”
“Wait, you can’t leave without a hug!” She runs towards me and wraps her arms around me tightly. It feels good to be loved by a family even if they aren’t biological. I relax my body and fall into her warm embrace. We remain like that for almost a minute until she pulls away from me and makes eye contact. She tells me, “I mean it, Ryan. We are all really proud of you. You are going to do great. Have a great time this weekend. You deserve it. You earned it.”
Her reassurance really means a lot to me, and I thank her for it. I feel less nervous now. We pull away from each other and I start walking towards the front door.
"Ryan, drive safely... and call me tonight, man. I need to talk to you about plans for Summer. Her birthday is coming up," Seth gets some last minute words in.
"Will do man, and thanks," I reply as we bump fists.
I head out of the house with renewed confidence. Everything will be okay-or I hope so anyways. I can do this.
********************************************
I walk out onto the driveway and remember that there is one more thing I need to do before heading out. I head for the mailbox. Has the mailman come yet?
It’s been several weeks since I last heard from Marissa, and it would kill me to go the entire weekend without knowing if I finally received a new letter from her. I open the mailbox and sure enough, I see an envelope addressed to me in her handwriting. I smile to myself. I don’t have the time to read it now, but I will read it the first chance I get tonight after my first day of orientation. I can’t wait. I get into my car and drive away.
**********************************************
The three and a half hour drive to Berkley is not too bad, and I manage to get there on time. As I pull up to the campus, I can see signs everywhere reading, “Welcome to Orientation for UC Berkeley Class of 2010!” The sidewalks are crowded and noisy as hundreds of other incoming freshmen meet and greet each other for the first time, and the campus is decorated in blue and yellow balloons, representing the school’s colors-Yale blue and California gold. A variety of welcoming banners hang from the brick walls of each juxtaposed building, and the sidewalks are chalked in the spirit of the weekend’s festivities. I park my car, step outside, and inhale deeply. If I wasn’t nervous before, I certainly am now.
After I call Kirsten to let her know that I arrived safely, a group of upperclassmen round me and the other freshmen up and lead us into a huge lecture hall to begin the orientation. I don’t know anyone here, but I’m too nervous to introduce myself so I just search for a random seat towards the back of the building and sit down.
The president of the university introduces himself along with several other faculty and staff, and then several upperclassmen from SGA (student-body government association) discuss various campus activities and how to be successful at Berkeley. By the time the mascot is introduced, I begin to dose off to sleep.
A while later, I am awakened by some guy yelling something loudly from a distance, although I can’t make out what he is yelling. I look up and see no one. That’s odd. Oh no! I must have fallen asleep and nobody bothered to wake me up! I feel my blood pressure rising as I realize that I’m not currently wherever I’m supposed to be. Then the words the guy is yelling finally register in my brain.
“Chino! What’s up man?”
Luke? What is he doing here? Not that I'm complaining. He's standing in front of me wearing a light blue Abercrombie shirt, khaki shorts, and flip flops. He looks no different than when I last saw him.
“Luke! Wow. Uh... hey man! What’s up? I wasn't expecting to see you. What are you doing here?”
Luke grins widely and asks rhetorically, “Come on... what do you think? I got into Berkeley, and I’ll be going here in the fall. Why else would I be at freshman orientation? I take it you are going here too.” I smile inwardly. It’s so nice to see a familiar face-an old friend.
“That’s really cool man, but I meant what are you doing here in this lecture hall? I uh... this is really embarrassing, but I realized I must have fallen asleep. Aren’t you supposed to be with everyone else? Where are we supposed to be anyways?”
“Relax Chino… It’s cool. They’re all at dinner, but it’s not mandatory. It's 5pm now and we just have to be back by 6:30pm to go on a campus tour. I've just been roaming around trying to get acquainted with the campus. It’s pretty huge, and I don’t blame you for falling asleep. That shit was boring as hell. That one SGA chick though… I forget her name, but I think she was president. She was hot! Dude did you see her rack? You didn’t sleep through that did you man?”
“It’s really good to see you, Luke,” I tell him as we bump fists.
“Right back at ya. It’s great to see you, Chino. And nice haircut man. You look great. I almost didn't recognize you with the short hair, but it suits you. Anyways, I’m happy to see a familiar face. It’s been a while. How ‘bout we grab a bite to eat and catch up?” He punches me playfully on my shoulder, and we both head out to grab dinner together. Maybe Berkeley won’t be so bad after all.
********************************************************
After dinner, Luke and I stick together during the campus tours and then hang out in the Student Learning Center. We go over tomorrow's orientation schedule and then decide on what professors we are going to take for our core curriculum classes during tomorrow's registration. We decide on the same professors for Calculus I and English I, and I think it will be nice to have him in some of my classes. As the day’s events finally come to a close, Luke and I exchange numbers and head off to our designated dorms for the night.
I call Seth like he asked me to, but he doesn't pick up so I leave a message to let him know that I am exhausted from the days activities and thus going to bed now so I can wake up early in the morning. It's about 10pm and I begin to yawn as I gladly throw myself onto the scanty bed. Thankfully, my roommate for the night is not here yet so I reach into my pocket and pull out the envelope I’ve been so anxious to open all day. I turn off my phone-just in case-so that there will be no interruptions. No Seth. No Summer. Nope. Just me here reading Marissa’s new letter.
I’ve really missed her. I wish I could see her beautiful face and touch her soft, silky blonde hair and smooth skin in person, and I wish I could inhale her sweet, strawberry scent, but this is the next best thing. I hastily rip open the envelope, pull out the letter, and begin to read it. Finally!
July 1, 2006
Dear Ryan,
Of course I haven’t forgotten about you! How could I ever forget about you? I’m sorry I didn’t write you write away the first time. I’ll make sure to write you back as soon as possible from now on.
I miss you too! And I also think about you every day!
Haha, you are such a girl for writing on floral paper! No, I’m not serious-Ryan, I absolutely adore your stationary. It matches mine! We already established that Seth is eccentric. Besides, isn’t he the one who walked in on you changing and who cries during chick flicks? Tell him I said ‘hi’ by the way.
Aww, Ryan! I’m so glad my mac and cheese is your favorite. Your grilled cheese isn’t too bad either. ;-)
Just wait until you try my pecan pie! Marie taught me her secret recipe! She’s the head cook. Did I tell you that already? She is so nice, and she’s been almost like a mother to me ever since I got here. She really looks out for me. She’s a bit older, and she’s very wise.
My dad is doing very well. Thanks for asking. He and I have gotten so close again these past few weeks. Our time together reminds me of when I was a little girl and had no worries. I love him a lot, and I’m so proud of him. He’s really done well for himself on this boat.
My muscles are so sore from carrying boxes yesterday. I was exhausted, but today was my day off and so I got to sleep in. It was a treat to receive your letter on my day off.
So when you finally go to orientation, I want to hear all about it! I may decide to go to Berkeley next year if things go well with my dad, and it would be great to have a heads up on what professors to take and what the hot spots are on campus.
By the way, it really means a lot to me that you are proud of me and that you approve of what I’m doing. I know I’ve already told you that, but it means the world to me so I just wanted to make sure you know that.
Well I should get going. Dinner will be served in about half an hour and I’d like to help Marie set the table for everyone. Write back soon?
Marissa
I drag myself out of the bed and turn on my phone so that I can set the alarm for 6:00 am. I don’t have to be at mandatory breakfast until 7:30 am, but I want to write Marissa before beginning day two of orientation. I reach to turn off the light and then fold the letter and place it carefully into a small pocket in my backpack. Finally, I crawl back into the bed and cover myself with the sheets. It’s been a long day but also a very fulfilling one. I take a deep breath and close my eyes-my thoughts wandering to Marissa. I begin to drift off to sleep-the smile on my face never leaving.
I can’t believe today is my college orientation, which means that classes start in just a little over a month. Time has flown by so quickly. I am sitting at the breakfast table with Seth before driving off to Berkley for the weekend. Kirsten is preparing something in the kitchen.
"Hey Seth, did you check the mail yesterday?" I ask him. "When I checked, the mailbox was empty." I'm curious. I have to know. Has Marissa's letter finally arrived? Has she even written me back yet? Is she even going to write back? I can't wait any longer. I have to know the answer.
"Ryan. Dude, you ask me that everyday. Yes, I checked it, and no, you haven't received any mail from Marissa yet. I just never thought I'd see the day when Kid Chino would let a girl who is thousands of miles away on a fishing boat control him this much when he's not even dating her, especially when she probably wears bucket hats now and smells like raw oysters."
Bucket hats? That could be hot. And raw oysters? I like oysters.
"I mean it's like she's all you ever think about, dude," he continues. "Looks like I need to add a whip to Cosmo Girl's wardrobe. What kind of whip should I add, Ryan? A bullwhip? A stockwhip? Maybe a pussywhip?"
"Seth, I'm not whipped."
"Yeah, whatever dude. You keep telling yourself that," he mumbles as he takes a bite of his chocolate chip pancake.
Kirsten approaches the breakfast table and interrupts our discussion. “Ryan sweetie, here is some food for the road,” she says as she hands me a stuffed brown paper bag filled with snacks.
"What time does the mailman come today, Kirsten?" I inquire. Maybe the mailman will come before I leave. Oh God. Maybe Seth is right. Maybe I am whipped.
"Usually at 11am on Saturdays," she answers. Good. It's 10:45am now. I won't be leaving for another half an hour. I can check before I leave.
Meanwhile, Seth yanks the brown paper bag out of my hand and starts examining its contents.
“Mom, what if he gets diarrhea from your cooking and becomes the laughing stock of orientation? Is this really how we show Ryan we care about his future?” One can always count on Seth for inappropriate humor.
“Seth, don’t say diarrhea,” I deadpan.
She counters, “Hey, I can cook now!”
“Mom, I’m sorry but odd French fusion cuisine doesn’t count,” Seth says. Kirsten rolls her eyes at him and instead turns her head in my direction.
“It’s okay Ryan… I didn’t make it. I promise. Sandy did before he headed to the office this morning. It’s a turkey and bacon sandwich with no mayo just how you like it. I also added some juice, chips, chocolate chip cookies, and an apple.”
Wow. Are they trying to make me gain the ‘freshman fifteen’ before I even begin college? She just stuffed me with a huge pancake breakfast, and I’m pretty sure there will be food at orientation. I’m grateful nonetheless. I love Kirsten. She always seems to care so much. That’s more than I can say about my biological mother.
“Thanks Kirsten. Tell Sandy I said thanks too. You guys really didn’t have to. I could have always picked something up on my way there,” I tell her.
“Nonsense, Ryan. We want you well fed and taken care of, and you are already running late so this way you have a better chance of getting there on time. By the way, do you have a full tank of gas?”
“Yes, Kirsten,” I answer.
“Okay. Well here is one hundred dollars just in case you need anything.” She stuffs a one hundred dollar bill into my hand. This is just great-more money for me to feel like I owe the Cohens.
“But Kirsten, really it’s okay. I still have plenty of money saved from when I worked construction. I can always take some out of that account at an ATM machine if I need any.”
I am still not comfortable with the Cohens giving me so much money. They have already done so much for me. I don’t deserve all that they have done. It just makes me feel that much guiltier.
“Ryan, I need to know that you are well taken care of. You shouldn’t be using your own money for this. That’s what we are here for.”
I try to give her one of my sulking-eyed puppy dog looks, but it doesn’t work.
“Money. Wallet. Now,” She orders.
Well now I have no choice. I’d rather follow her orders than piss her off anymore. I gingerly open my wallet and stuff the money inside.
“Good. Now Ryan, remember to call us every hour so we know you are okay. Is your cell phone fully charged?”
“Yes, Kirsten. I charged it last night. I’ll call. I promise.”
"Okay, did you pack enough clothes?" She asks me.
"Yeah, I mean... I'm only staying over for one night." I love her to death, but her motherliness can be rather smothering sometimes.
“Okay, well I am really proud of you! Drive safely, don’t have the music turned up too loud, and have a great time. I’m not sure how much it has changed since I went, but I enjoyed my orientation at Berkeley.”
I see a soft smile flicker across her lips as she recalls the memory.
“Mom, you’re a dinosaur now. I’m pretty sure it’s changed. For one, I’m sure most students at Berkeley aren’t hippies anymore,” Seth quips.
“Seth, I was not a hippie,” Kirsten protests.
“You lived in the back of a mail truck with dad,” Seth points out.
“I think this is my cue to go. Besides, like you said, Kirsten, I’m already running late. Thanks for the food and the money. I love you guys.”
“Wait, you can’t leave without a hug!” She runs towards me and wraps her arms around me tightly. It feels good to be loved by a family even if they aren’t biological. I relax my body and fall into her warm embrace. We remain like that for almost a minute until she pulls away from me and makes eye contact. She tells me, “I mean it, Ryan. We are all really proud of you. You are going to do great. Have a great time this weekend. You deserve it. You earned it.”
Her reassurance really means a lot to me, and I thank her for it. I feel less nervous now. We pull away from each other and I start walking towards the front door.
"Ryan, drive safely... and call me tonight, man. I need to talk to you about plans for Summer. Her birthday is coming up," Seth gets some last minute words in.
"Will do man, and thanks," I reply as we bump fists.
I head out of the house with renewed confidence. Everything will be okay-or I hope so anyways. I can do this.
********************************************
I walk out onto the driveway and remember that there is one more thing I need to do before heading out. I head for the mailbox. Has the mailman come yet?
It’s been several weeks since I last heard from Marissa, and it would kill me to go the entire weekend without knowing if I finally received a new letter from her. I open the mailbox and sure enough, I see an envelope addressed to me in her handwriting. I smile to myself. I don’t have the time to read it now, but I will read it the first chance I get tonight after my first day of orientation. I can’t wait. I get into my car and drive away.
**********************************************
The three and a half hour drive to Berkley is not too bad, and I manage to get there on time. As I pull up to the campus, I can see signs everywhere reading, “Welcome to Orientation for UC Berkeley Class of 2010!” The sidewalks are crowded and noisy as hundreds of other incoming freshmen meet and greet each other for the first time, and the campus is decorated in blue and yellow balloons, representing the school’s colors-Yale blue and California gold. A variety of welcoming banners hang from the brick walls of each juxtaposed building, and the sidewalks are chalked in the spirit of the weekend’s festivities. I park my car, step outside, and inhale deeply. If I wasn’t nervous before, I certainly am now.
After I call Kirsten to let her know that I arrived safely, a group of upperclassmen round me and the other freshmen up and lead us into a huge lecture hall to begin the orientation. I don’t know anyone here, but I’m too nervous to introduce myself so I just search for a random seat towards the back of the building and sit down.
The president of the university introduces himself along with several other faculty and staff, and then several upperclassmen from SGA (student-body government association) discuss various campus activities and how to be successful at Berkeley. By the time the mascot is introduced, I begin to dose off to sleep.
A while later, I am awakened by some guy yelling something loudly from a distance, although I can’t make out what he is yelling. I look up and see no one. That’s odd. Oh no! I must have fallen asleep and nobody bothered to wake me up! I feel my blood pressure rising as I realize that I’m not currently wherever I’m supposed to be. Then the words the guy is yelling finally register in my brain.
“Chino! What’s up man?”
Luke? What is he doing here? Not that I'm complaining. He's standing in front of me wearing a light blue Abercrombie shirt, khaki shorts, and flip flops. He looks no different than when I last saw him.
“Luke! Wow. Uh... hey man! What’s up? I wasn't expecting to see you. What are you doing here?”
Luke grins widely and asks rhetorically, “Come on... what do you think? I got into Berkeley, and I’ll be going here in the fall. Why else would I be at freshman orientation? I take it you are going here too.” I smile inwardly. It’s so nice to see a familiar face-an old friend.
“That’s really cool man, but I meant what are you doing here in this lecture hall? I uh... this is really embarrassing, but I realized I must have fallen asleep. Aren’t you supposed to be with everyone else? Where are we supposed to be anyways?”
“Relax Chino… It’s cool. They’re all at dinner, but it’s not mandatory. It's 5pm now and we just have to be back by 6:30pm to go on a campus tour. I've just been roaming around trying to get acquainted with the campus. It’s pretty huge, and I don’t blame you for falling asleep. That shit was boring as hell. That one SGA chick though… I forget her name, but I think she was president. She was hot! Dude did you see her rack? You didn’t sleep through that did you man?”
“It’s really good to see you, Luke,” I tell him as we bump fists.
“Right back at ya. It’s great to see you, Chino. And nice haircut man. You look great. I almost didn't recognize you with the short hair, but it suits you. Anyways, I’m happy to see a familiar face. It’s been a while. How ‘bout we grab a bite to eat and catch up?” He punches me playfully on my shoulder, and we both head out to grab dinner together. Maybe Berkeley won’t be so bad after all.
********************************************************
After dinner, Luke and I stick together during the campus tours and then hang out in the Student Learning Center. We go over tomorrow's orientation schedule and then decide on what professors we are going to take for our core curriculum classes during tomorrow's registration. We decide on the same professors for Calculus I and English I, and I think it will be nice to have him in some of my classes. As the day’s events finally come to a close, Luke and I exchange numbers and head off to our designated dorms for the night.
I call Seth like he asked me to, but he doesn't pick up so I leave a message to let him know that I am exhausted from the days activities and thus going to bed now so I can wake up early in the morning. It's about 10pm and I begin to yawn as I gladly throw myself onto the scanty bed. Thankfully, my roommate for the night is not here yet so I reach into my pocket and pull out the envelope I’ve been so anxious to open all day. I turn off my phone-just in case-so that there will be no interruptions. No Seth. No Summer. Nope. Just me here reading Marissa’s new letter.
I’ve really missed her. I wish I could see her beautiful face and touch her soft, silky blonde hair and smooth skin in person, and I wish I could inhale her sweet, strawberry scent, but this is the next best thing. I hastily rip open the envelope, pull out the letter, and begin to read it. Finally!
July 1, 2006
Dear Ryan,
Of course I haven’t forgotten about you! How could I ever forget about you? I’m sorry I didn’t write you write away the first time. I’ll make sure to write you back as soon as possible from now on.
I miss you too! And I also think about you every day!
Haha, you are such a girl for writing on floral paper! No, I’m not serious-Ryan, I absolutely adore your stationary. It matches mine! We already established that Seth is eccentric. Besides, isn’t he the one who walked in on you changing and who cries during chick flicks? Tell him I said ‘hi’ by the way.
Aww, Ryan! I’m so glad my mac and cheese is your favorite. Your grilled cheese isn’t too bad either. ;-)
Just wait until you try my pecan pie! Marie taught me her secret recipe! She’s the head cook. Did I tell you that already? She is so nice, and she’s been almost like a mother to me ever since I got here. She really looks out for me. She’s a bit older, and she’s very wise.
My dad is doing very well. Thanks for asking. He and I have gotten so close again these past few weeks. Our time together reminds me of when I was a little girl and had no worries. I love him a lot, and I’m so proud of him. He’s really done well for himself on this boat.
My muscles are so sore from carrying boxes yesterday. I was exhausted, but today was my day off and so I got to sleep in. It was a treat to receive your letter on my day off.
So when you finally go to orientation, I want to hear all about it! I may decide to go to Berkeley next year if things go well with my dad, and it would be great to have a heads up on what professors to take and what the hot spots are on campus.
By the way, it really means a lot to me that you are proud of me and that you approve of what I’m doing. I know I’ve already told you that, but it means the world to me so I just wanted to make sure you know that.
Well I should get going. Dinner will be served in about half an hour and I’d like to help Marie set the table for everyone. Write back soon?
Marissa
I drag myself out of the bed and turn on my phone so that I can set the alarm for 6:00 am. I don’t have to be at mandatory breakfast until 7:30 am, but I want to write Marissa before beginning day two of orientation. I reach to turn off the light and then fold the letter and place it carefully into a small pocket in my backpack. Finally, I crawl back into the bed and cover myself with the sheets. It’s been a long day but also a very fulfilling one. I take a deep breath and close my eyes-my thoughts wandering to Marissa. I begin to drift off to sleep-the smile on my face never leaving.