Beast Brothers 2

It’s early when I finally give up trying to rest. I get ready quietly so I don’t disturb Megan, and slip out to go to the library to prep for my first final. It’s an easy class, oral communication, and I breeze through my presentation later that morning, leaving me with several hours to drill for chemistry.

I’d been feeling confident last night, but as I start to review, my nerves take over. There’s so much riding on this one test, and what if there’s something on it that I somehow haven’t covered? What if I mix up some of the formulas or forget a couple of the million things I’ve had to memorize?

I’m not sure of Aidan’s schedule today, but I decide to take a chance and text him: I’m nervous about my final.

I don’t hear from him right away; he may be in the middle of a test himself, but after about twenty minutes his reply buzzes in: You’ve got this. You’re going to do great.

You think so?

Of course. Look at what a great tutor you’ve had.

I smile and feel my nerves lighten a little.

Another text pops up: I have a tip for you.

Yes?

Don't trust atoms. They make up everything.

I reply: Groan, and Aidan sends over a smiley face.

Seriously, you’ve got this.

Okay, thanks.

I get back into studying, and an hour later I hear from Aidan again: What do you do with a sick chemist?

I don’t know. What?

If you can't helium, and you can't curium, then you might as well

barium.

Did you ever think of giving up singing to be a comedian?

I usually only tell jokes in the shower.

Mmm. A vision of Aidan in the shower temporarily pushes the chemical equations from my mind. I allow myself to savor the image for a few moments before I dutifully return to my studies.

Mid-afternoon, Aidan texts again: Have you heard the one about a chemist who was reading a book about helium?

No…

He just couldn't put it down.

His jokes are so lame, and it’s beyond sweet that he’s thinking of me throughout the day. I can’t keep a huge grin from spreading across my face.

Thank you for helping me not to be so nervous, I write.

You’re welcome. I can help you de-stress after the test too. I have special methods for that…

I’ll bet you do.

The smile on my face is joined by reddened cheeks.

Just before the test, I hear from Aidan again. I saved my best for last. Are you ready?

As I’ll ever be.

Where and how frequently do chemistry students have sex?

Hmmmm.

On the table, periodically.

I respond as I make my way into the classroom. That was your best joke, huh?

It sounds like you don’t appreciate my humor.

I actually do appreciate it a lot.

I’m about to do a sound check. Good luck. You’re going to do great. See you later?

Have a good show!

I slide into a desk and take a deep breath. My palms are sweating so I try to focus on the jokes Aidan sent throughout the day, replaying them in my mind like a stress-busting litany.

The test is grueling, but I keep calm by taking deep breaths whenever I start to feel panicky, and I get through it. By the end, I feel pretty good about it. There weren’t any moments where I felt completely lost and had no idea how to solve a problem. There were a few spots when I wasn’t positive I was remembering something correctly, but overall I think I did all right. I do know I couldn’t have worked harder or been more prepared.

When I leave the classroom, I pull out my phone to text Aidan, but before I can compose a message, I run, almost literally, into Megan’s friend Eric. I can tell he wasn’t just passing by; he’s waiting for me. His expression is heavy, and I’m startled to see him.

“Eric? What’s up? Is Megan okay?”