Upside Down

Unexpected Encounter

Valentine's day was fast approaching. Mac was sitting in the Art class that he T.A.'s in trying to work on his Expo piece. However, everyone was talking about where they'd hope to go and with who for that special dinner date. Mac just wanted to work peacefully, but sometimes that seems like a pipe dream. Especially with girls who are no longer constantly watched over by their fathers. A second later, Mac was brought out of his concentration by one of the freshmen girls asking him a question.

"Mac, do you have a date for Valentine's Day?" The girl leaned on the table as she asked.

The class has all come to call him Mac now because of Professor Garcia. He would call him Mac instead of Phillip, so everyone just started to call him by his nickname. At first it bothered him, but after a month, he's gotten used to it. No point in fighting the students when the Professor got to call him the name.

"Not this year." Mac has also come to learn they pester more if he only gives them one-word answers.

"Really?" The girl smiled before looking back to her friends and then continued. "Are you interested in anyone?"

Tony popped up first in Mac's mind. Ever since the night he spent at Mac's house and the following morning they have been texting each other all the time. Sometimes it's random things about how their days are going, sometimes it's photos, and sometimes it's a little flirty. Mac knew that his new friend was just that way and didn't read anymore into it. So, he shook his head at the thought of liking him before turning back to answering the girl.

"No, I'm too busy with school and my Expo piece." Mac wanted to get back to his work.

"Oh, that's so sad." The girl looked back at her friend group again. "Well, if you find yourself free that day, I know of a girl that would love to join you for dinner."

"What?" Mac wanted to pretend like he didn't hear what she said, but the girl smiled and wandered back over to her table.

Mac felt that was his queue to leave. He wanted to work on his Expo piece, but being stared at by girls who think he might become interested in them wasn't in his plans for the day. Instead, he packs up his stuff and walks over to Tom.

"Hey, I need to get some more art supplies. Do you mind if I head out early?" Mac asked hoping it was fine.

Professor Garcia didn't even looked up from his phone. "Yeah, that's fine. See you next week."

Mac paused for a moment. "Are you okay?"

Tom took a deep breath. "Yeah... Just worried about my sister. She's past her due date and we're getting worried."

"Oh..." Mac smiled. "I understand, but being late is better than being early. Everything will be okay."

"Thanks..." Tom smiled again before waving Mac off.

Mac wandered to his car. After putting everything where it needed to be, he climbed in and drove off. He debated whether or not to go home first, but ultimately decided to head towards Target to get his supplies. A part of him knew that he wouldn't want to go out again if he got home.

After about 15 minutes, Mac pulled into the parking lot and a spot as close as he could. He wasn't exactly sure what he needed, but he never really did. He just loved looking through the options and getting what felt right. Anything he couldn't find here or weren't available he would just order online from a specialty store.

Walking through the aisles, Mac pulled certain items off to look at before either choosing to put it back or put it in his basket. After a little while Mac got all that he needed and decided to head over to the electronics department to see if there were any new games that peek his interest.