Free A Glimpse of the Dream by L. A. Fiore Page B

call.”
    “We’ll miss you. What will you do about eating?”
    “One of the dining halls is staying open for the students, mostly foreign, who aren’t going home. They’re even making turkey and all the trimmings.”
    “Well, at least there’s that. How are you?”
    “I’m good. I really love it here and, once I get my grade up, I’ll be even better.”
    There was silence on the line for a beat before she said, “I know how much you want to come home, but you’re taking responsibility for your schooling, and, as much as I hate to say it, that is the right priority at this point in your life.”
    “I hope Kane feels the same.”
    “He’ll be upset, Teagan, but he’ll understand.”
    “Happy Thanksgiving, Mrs. Marks.”
    “Happy Thanksgiving to you. Don’t work too hard and make sure you take a break and eat some turkey on Thursday.”
    “I will.”
    I dreaded making the next call. My hope was that Kane would come to Boston, and we could have a dining hall–style Thanksgiving together and then spend the rest of the weekend in my room. There was no point in delaying the inevitable. I settled back on my bed and called him.
    “Hey, Tea. What time’s your flight?” My heart twisted in my chest; he sounded so excited. I didn’t immediately answer. “You’re not coming home.”
    “I’m sorry. I want to come home, but I got a D on my midterm. I have to attend the study sessions over the break or I’m going to fail. Is there any chance you can come here?”
    “Mrs. Marks has been preparing for your return for weeks. You know how she is about the holidays.”
    “Please don’t make me feel worse than I already do.”
    Frustration and a little contrition came across the line. “I’m sorry, it’s been seven weeks since I’ve seen you. I’m going crazy.”
    “I am too, but Christmas is right around the corner, and I’ll be home for a month. I was thinking of inviting my friend Simon home for part of it. Do you think Mrs. Marks would be okay with that?”
    Silence.
    “Simon’s gay, so whatever you’re thinking, please don’t. He knows all about you.”
    “I’m sure she’ll be fine with him coming here.”
    “Are you?”
    “He’s your friend.”
    “Kane, what are you thinking?”
    “Nothing.”
    “Please, I’ve known you since you were eleven, so stop bullshitting me.”
    “I’m jealous. Is that what you want to hear? I’m jealous. The fact that your friend is gay is of no importance. He gets to see you when I don’t.”
    “In under three months, that’s going to change.”
    “I know, but I can’t help it. I’ve only ever been completely truthful with you, so why deny what I’m feeling,” he added.
    “That’s fair.”
    “I’ll let Mrs. Marks know it will only be five for Thanksgiving this year.”
    “I already spoke to Mrs. Marks. Five, you mean four?”
    “No. Doreen, Mrs. T’s grandniece, is joining us. I told you about her.”
    Now I hated it even more that I wasn’t going home.
    “Tea?”
    “I’m jealous of Doreen.”
    “Why?”
    “For the same reason you’re jealous of Simon. Is she pretty?”
    Silence.
    “I’ll take that as a yes.”
    “Tea, you’re being silly.”
    “Is she gay?”
    “Not that I’m aware of.”
    Definitely wished I were going home.
    “You sure you can’t come here?” I asked. It may have sounded more like a plea.
    “I already promised I’d show Doreen around—the happening spots. I thought we’d be doing that together.”
    So not only was Doreen going to be there, she was going to be spending quality alone time with my fiancé. I felt ill, but I couldn’t change my mind; I had to get my grade up, and if I went home now, it would be obvious to Kane that I was only going home because I was jealous. I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction.
    “Miss you, Tea.”
    And even drowning in jealousy, I couldn’t deny that I missed him too. “Miss you.”

    Thanksgiving came and went. I had called home and spoken to everyone on the