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the university taking classes toward your master’s degree, and it’s free to you. You have to go on, Louisa.”
    “Free education? Sign me up!” The words rushed out, excitedly.
    “I’d like you to meet with the other professors in the English department; they all know you, and they’re ready to bring you in, there’s just a process. The biggest thing, Louisa, is the next step. You can go on to become a teacher.”
    I felt like I’d just won the lottery.
     
    Dad and I talked about it, and with the ability to continue my education for free, he wasn’t concerned about the lack of a paycheck.
    “This is your home, Lulu. Go get your smarts so you’re ready to move on. Take this opportunity and run like hell with it.”
    In reality, I think he didn’t want me to leave him.
    The next morning, I called the professor. “When do I start?”
    “I’m happy to receive this call, Miss Welk. The last Monday in July, two weeks before classes start. Enjoy a few weeks off. I’ll see you soon.”
     
    When I arrived at the administration office at the university, my badge was waiting. It was official. Ms. Louisa Welk – English Literature Research Assistant . It was exciting!
    I went through orientation and they gave me my schedule. Professor Duncan had a list of works he’d be focusing on for his curriculum this semester and I got busy.
     
    I became the coffee wench for the department and the go-to girl for anything they needed to complete the information they’d be presenting to the students. I loved it. Through my research, I was introduced to more literary works that I was unaware of. Through it all, between my work and my classes for my master’s degree, my dad worried that the amount of time I was putting in kept me from having a social life.
    I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. At this rate I’ll have my master’s by the end of my twelve-month research stint.
     

     
    Jason returned to his hometown with a parade in his honor. Jacksonville was overwhelmed with media and television coverage as the number three draft pick, by the Minnesota Vikings for quarterback, returned to his roots. I was genuinely happy for him. His dream had come true, but I had no desire to see him. He was in town for four days. He called on the third day.
    “Hey, Lu,” he said when I answered. I started not to answer it, but I was curious as to why he felt the need to call.
    “Hello, Jason.”
    “I heard you’re a big deal at the university,” he said. I heard pride in his voice. “I knew you’d go far; you’re so smart.”
    “Congrats to you. Your dream was the NFL and you’ve achieved it. I hope it’s everything you hope it will be.” I’d heard from Rachael that the chaperone was gone and now he had a handler, because he’d become quite the partier.
    “It’s huge already. What about that welcome home?” he laughed. “Hey, have a drink with me? The club at 5 th and Main?”
    “No, thank you.”
    “Still holding grudges, I see.” There was a smile in his voice; I heard it.
    “No. I just think we’re better leaving the past the past. I wish you well, and I hope it’s everything you wanted.” I spoke from my heart, because at one time, I knew his.
    “Are you sure? We were good for a while.”
    “I’m sure, Jason. I’m happy. You have great things ahead of you. Good luck.”
    “Bye, Lu.” And with that, he was gone.

 
     
    Thom

     
     
    1999
     
    A year after I started as a research assistant, I completed the masters program. The professors of the English department made the recommendation for me to teach undergraduate courses. They appreciated my thoroughness and dedication; they pushed hard to make that happen. It was a huge leap for me. I’d be teaching at the university and I was only twenty-three.
     
    “Lulu, you’ve worked so hard; I think you need to take a vacation,” Dad said over dinner one evening. “A real vacation.”
    “Where would I go?” I laughed. I had girlfriends, but