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Welp, that self-talk went sideways. Can I be any more boring? Well done. If I could have face-palmed myself, I so would have.
“Ugh, tell me about it,” Dillan said, making a face. “I never understood why teachers always assign so much homework. You’d think if they taught us well enough, we wouldn’t have to practice on our own. At least graduation is right around the corner.”
He’s so cute.
Okay, chill. You’ve got this.
“Are you thinking about college?”
He nodded with a soft smile that practically made me swoon. “Going for pre-med actually.”
“Wow! Really?” Okay, that was anything but eloquent, but at least I said something.
“Yeah. Still not sure what kind of medicine I want to go into. I just know I want to be some kind of doctor.”
“That’s amazing.” Dillan looked at me expectantly, so I dared to ask the question that had immediately popped into my head: “Is there a special reason for this? I mean, you don’t have to tell me why you want to be a doctor if you think it’s none of my business, but I…”
“Lizzie.” Dillan cut me off as I caught my breath. “It’s all good. I don’t mind telling you my secret.” He locked eyes with me. At that moment, Dillan could have told me he was the reincarnation of Doctor Frankenstein and that his goal was to create a monster out of body parts, and I would have enthusiastically assisted him.
He moved a little closer and lowered his voice. “I, ahem, saw that movie with Robin Williams, Patch Adams. The film is about a very unconventional man who really wants to be a doctor so he can help other people.” Dillan paused and looked at me as if to make sure I was still listening. “Ever since I saw it, I’ve known that I want that too. I mean, to help people. Even if they’re poor and may not be able to pay their hospital bills. It’s not just the rich who have the right to medical treatment.”
Dillan’s cheeks had caught a little color, as if he was embarrassed by his little speech.
My cheeks were red because I had fallen in love with him—irrevocably and forever, right there and then.
“Dillan, this is… wonderful…” I ground out, not knowing the actor or the movie he was talking about. First thing tomorrow, I would see what Robin Williams movies I could stream. “…and admirable. I’m absolutely certain you’ll be the best…” best looking, I wanted to say, but changed my choice of words just in time, “…best doctor anyone could wish for.”
His blue eyes lit up. “What about you?”
He’s so hot. And so down to earth!
“What are you going for?” He repeated his question when I didn’t answer right away.
Oh, was I just daydreaming? Girl, get a grip!
I fidgeted a little. I’d never really loved school or the idea of higher education. The one thing I loved to do was dance. I wanted nothing more than to be a dancer, and even though a performing arts or dance school would be amazing, my family couldn’t afford it.
“College isn’t really my thing.” I shrugged casually.
I expected judgment, since that was usually what I got when I told people I wouldn’t be going to college. But instead, he only nodded understandingly.
“That’s cool. So, do you know what you want to do?”
He’s really interested.
“You know, I always wondered about that. Why are adults so obsessed with us figuring out what we want to ‘do’ with our lives? We’re eighteen, for God’s sake. And yet, we’re supposed to make this big decision about the rest of our lives. I know plenty of adults who’ve got no damn clue what they want out of life. Not to mention, working isn’t everything.” I realized a little too late that I was rambling and cut myself off. “Sorry…clearly, it’s a touchy subject.”
Dillan laughed, gently rubbing my shoulder. I felt so comfortable and somehow natural next to him. “I mean, you’re not wrong,” he admitted. “All of it does seem really stupid. I know I’m lucky since I have some idea of what I want. But you’re right: having teenagers decide what career will shape their entire life isn’t very smart.”
It felt good not to be teased for my rant or receive the standard eyeroll I usually got from the adults in my life, and even some classmates. “You’re the first person I’ve ever said that to who didn’t tell me I’m being dramatic.”
“Because you’re not.” He leaned in closer, and my heartbeat increased.
His eyes are so pretty. Those lashes! And his lips!
“And here’s a tip,” he said.
“Yeah?”
