Another Year of University

It was the end of the first day of another year of university. It was great to be back. Professor Joe Warren was always happy to be back at Stanford, walking down the corridors and into classrooms, seeing old and new students. He had been at this university for twenty years and he planned to remain there until he retired.

Teaching was in his blood and nothing gave him more pleasure than to see evidence of the impact he made on multiple lives. He was still in touch with many of his students long after they had graduated. 

He smiled now as he walked out of his office. Yes, it was great to be back. The campus was like his home away from home.

On his way through the portico, he spotted fellow professor, Marianna Harper heading towards him. He stopped and leaned against the post as he waited for her to reach him.

She was smiling broadly. “Hello, Joe.”

“Hello, Marianna. You look great.”

“So do you. How was your summer?”

“Great. I went to Seville for two weeks.”

“Seville. How was it?”

“Fantastic. I loved the place, the food, the people and the culture.”

“Did you go alone?”

“No. I went with my sister and her family.”

She was relieved to hear that. “What else did you do over the summer?”

“Read, jog, swim, play tennis, cycle and binge watch Perry Mason.”

She laughed. “Sounds like you had a great summer.”

“I did. How about you?”

“I spent a lot of time with family and friends, went to a concert, the ballet and visited the San Jose art gallery, something I have been planning to do for a long time but never got around to it. I didn’t travel anywhere but there were lots of things to do here.”

“I heard about Brody. You must be very pleased.”

“I am. He’s going to make a fine lawyer.”

“I’m sure he is.”

“Say, why don’t we go somewhere and grab a bite to eat and finish catching up? My treat.”

He grinned. “You’re on.”

They took her car and drove to True Food Kitchen. He had the Vegan Double Cheeseburger and she the Grilled Chicken Avocado Wrap. “I’m happy that things are looking up for Brody.”

“What do you mean?”

“He was pretty cut up when he and Kalisha broke up.”

“Kalisha?”

“Yes, Kalisha Harris. She used to be a student here at Stanford. She graduated last year. Brody and she had been dating since high-school until she broke up with him. He was understandably upset.”

“How old is Brody?”

“Twenty-five–the same age as Kalisha.”

“It may take time but he’ll get over it.”

“Yes, he will.”

“His career will keep him busy and before you know it, he’ll meet and fall in love with another young woman.”

“I suppose so. Anyway, he and Patrick are going fishing this weekend.”

“How is Brody getting along with his father’s new wife?”

“They seem to be getting along fine.”

“Does it bother you that they do?”

“Not any more.”

“That’s good.”

“Enough about me and my family. I want to hear more about you and your family.”

“Well, my niece Georgiana is getting married.”

“That’s great. When’s the wedding?”

“Next month.”

“How exciting.”

“Yes, it is. I get to give the bride away.”

“Oh, yes, I remember when you skipped your classes to attend her father’s funeral. That was about six years ago.”

“Yes. Len’s death was tough on everyone. It’s a shame that he can’t be a part of the happiest day in his daughter’s life.”

“Yes, it is a shame but I’m sure she’ll take comfort in knowing that he will be there in spirit.”

“He will be in our thoughts.”

“By the way, the Stanford Chamber Chorale is performing at the Memorial Church on Saturday. Are you interested in going?”

“Thanks, Marianna, but I already have plans.”

“Oh.” She smiled to hide her disappointment. Were the plans with another woman? Even if they were, it really wasn’t any of her business. As far as he was concerned, they were colleagues who sometimes got together for a friendly chat. She would have liked it if they were more than that but without any encouragement or interest on his part, there wasn’t anything she could do. So, for as long as he wanted, they would remain friendly colleagues. “Well, there will be other performances.”

He picked up his glass of Dragon Fruit Limeade. “Here’s to another year of university.”

She smiled and raised hers. “Here’s to another year of university.”

Source: Edutopia