Journalist. Mother. Bunny enthusiast. Pop culture junkie.

Journalist. Mother. Bunny enthusiast. Pop culture junkie.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

The story of us


During my senior year of college, I was massively burnt out.

I had spent three years obsessively studying physics, biology, and chemistry for a pre-med major I gave up at the last minute. I was an editor at my university's newspaper. I had a boyfriend who consumed every waking minute of my free time.

So, by my second semester of senior year, I just didn't give a damn anymore. I was tired.

I skipped classes. I barely turned assignments in on time. Sometimes, I didn't even bother turning them in at all. I hated school and I wanted it to be over.

I was also immensely disappointed with my American Literature class. I expected the reading assignments to include Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allan Poe, and John Steinbeck. Instead, my professor dug up dry, boring novels by no-name authors. It was a complete snoozefest.



One afternoon, I was lounging at my college newspaper house and decided to go to my American Literature class. I had skipped two in a row, and figured it might be good to catch up.

As soon as I got to class, a realization hit me like a ton of bricks. I had a book review presentation that day! Holy shit. I hadn't even read the book I was assigned! And it was some random book from the 1970s that wasn't even well-known. Every student in class had been assigned a different book, so it wasn't like I could quickly ask someone to fill me in either.

With three minutes remaining, I ran down the hallway into the computer lab. I googled the book, finding nothing but a very short summary on Amazon. There wasn't even a customer review on the novel, it was so obscure. Fuck, fuck, fuck!

When I rushed back to class, my mind was racing. Should I pretend to be sick and bail out? But I've already missed so many classes! I'll just have to wing it.


There were three students who had presentations ahead of mine. They each took about ten minutes and afterwards, when it was time for the class to ask the presenter questions, nobody raised their hand. I was relieved. At least I wouldn't have to answer any questions about the book!

Finally, it was my turn.

I got up to the front of the room and cleared my throat. Staring at the class, it hit me that I was wearing pink flannel pajama pants and a glittery shirt that read, "Boys come and go, but diamonds are forever." I wanted to die.

I held up my brand new copy of the book, which I had thankfully dug out of my backpack minutes earlier.

"I have never been more haunted by a book, than I have with this one novel," I lied. "The tragedies the main character, David, faced were astounding, to say the least."

I glanced over at my professor. She nodded encouragingly.

"This story is a lesson on courage, strength, and honesty," I continued. "David went through so, so much. He encountered struggles most of us can't even fathom. He was consumed by the choices he had to make."

My professor pumped her first up in the air.

"Yes!" she exclaimed from the back of the room. "'Consumed by his choices'! That was brilliantly stated, Jennifer. Perfect!"

I smiled weakly.

"Um, I found myself feeling torn inside, trying to come to terms with how he dealt with his struggles and all the important people he faced in his life," I said. "And there were so many people who stood in his way. David really overcame a lot of obstacles."

I had no idea if this was true, or made any sense. My classmates stared at me, oblivious. They hadn't read my book, so as far as they knew, I wasn't just making shit up. I relaxed.



"So, does anyone have any questions?" I asked quickly, starting to walk to my seat.

A good-looking boy in the front row raised his hand. I froze and then walked back up to the front of the room.

"What?" I asked wearily. None of the presenters before me had to answer any questions! What the hell.

"You didn't mention anything about the Vietnam War," the boy said. "I was curious as to why."

I stared at him blankly. Was my book about the Vietnam War? Wait, how did he know this? Did he actually read my book?!

"If you listened to my entire presentation, you would have known that the Vietnam War was exactly what I was talking about," I responded, coolly. "The war was the struggle to which I was referring. Now does anyone else have any more questions?"

I started to walk to my seat.

He raised his hand again.

I glared at him.

"What." I said, frostily.

"I've read passages of this book in the past, and I found the scenes with Michael most interesting," he said. "Didn't you find him a bit abrasive, especially after he saves David's life?"

I closed my eyes. This was not happening. Who the hell was Michael? Amazon didn't mention that shit.

"Abrasive might be a harsh word," I said, condescendingly to him. "If you had read the entire book, you would understand. But I guess you didn't."

The boy looked at me, startled and confused. I smiled patronizingly and walked straight to my seat, without even bothering to ask if there were more questions.

I ended up getting an A on the presentation.


And six years later, Rian would admit that the moment I first glared at him was when he fell in love with me.

45 comments:

Tanvi said...

*awwwwwwwwwwwwww* Jenny, that's the sweetest story over.

∞ © tanvii.com ∞

Konad-licious said...

Oh man, if he can fall in love with you wearing a blingy t-shirt and pajamas pants, then this one is a keeper.

BTW, he obviously likes the smack talk....don't stop.

Unknown said...

Oh my this is such a wonderful story, I can just say awwwwww :)))

Sherin said...

Omg, that is the cutest story ever!!! Love that's how you met!
And well done for winging it during the presentation. I did that once at University too!

The Dainty Dolls House said...

Bless, this is so precious!! I needed warm fuzzies for this shitty rainy day I'm having here!! ;)

Jillian said...

Oh my goodness, I love this story. Not only because you were so balls out with your presentation (I would've skipped it entirely!), but because your glare was what did it for Rian. Very 10 Things I Hate About You, if you ask me.

Anks said...

this made me go all awwwwwww.... and I guess all other girls are having the same reaction :)

Unknown said...

Ahhh that is classic! I love it-how sweet yet frustrating and nerve wracking omg! xox

Shannon said...

Love at first glare. Hahaha.

Awesome "how we met" story. :)

Unknown said...

Haha while reading I thought you were going to made up an history about the novel, some people are so rude to ask questions after class presentation you should have killed him after that but is really sweet.
Have an amazing week Jenn

Shybiker said...

Whew... remind me never to back you into a corner. You're fierce.

Josie said...

... That's the best story I've ever heard.
xo Josie

Tights Lover said...

Hahaha! I like the twist at the end of your story :). The whole time I was reading it I was like "Wow, I would've killed this kid."

I guess it's a good thing that you didn't!

Melanie said...

That is the cutest story I've ever heard...Like seriously that could be the start of a great sitcom or the start of a rom-com...Aww...=)

Ergo - Blog

A Very Sweet Blog said...

HAHAHAHA! Jen, i couldn't help but laugh, laugh, laugh. Girl you are a trip! HAHAHAHA I could just picture you and your facial expression when he had all of those questions. LOL Men do the funniest things! This was awesome and you two will always remember this. HAHAHAHAHA LOVED IT!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Alex Byer said...

This is the greatest story I've ever heard. You sass pot.

FASHION TALES said...

What a great story ... I feel as if I can just imagine you saying all of this, lol. Hope you have a wonderful week dear. xo/Madison

Arielle-HumblePieVintage said...

haha Did he know you didn't read it and he was messing with you or was he genuinely interested in the book? Either way, that's cute. :)

The Grande Dame said...

Ha! That's a brilliant story. Nice one.

Amber Lucas A Mused Blog said...

Aaaww!! I love stories like this! Boy irritates shit out of girl, girl is annoyed, boy falls in love.

I LOVE those!!

So cute Jen!! I love that it was your glare that got his heart in a pitter patter!

Anonymous said...

Hello. And Bye.

Midwest Muse said...

Oh my. This story was amazing! I had no idea where it was going, but I loved it. This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Couture Carrie said...

Awesome story, darling, and so beautifully told!

Big virtual hug from Duck Key :)

xoxox,
CC

Jade | The Jade Aesthetic said...

Omg this is the dream!!! You got an A by winging it AND like the nicest love story!

Barry said...

Dude, best post ever! I heart you. xx

David Macaulay said...

aw sweet and touching - were you trying to be a doktor or the like? :)

Meri said...

haha, that is awesome! meant to be :)

Blond Duck said...

Fiesty! You had gumption!

Cafe Fashionista said...

Oh. My. Gosh. Jennifer, this is like a story out of a movie - I'm in love with it. Why, oh why, have I yet to experience love like this? :(

Oh to Be a Muse said...

That is a fantastic love story. I was wondering where it was going, and I'm happy to hear how it ended. That's a great story of us.

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Best. Story. Ever!
And you know what? I dreaded that whole question and answer segment after giving oral presentations. That always terrified me as much as the presentation itself.

ravenlocks said...

LMFAO!

That is sooo funny. It's also cute that he tried to keep a conversation going.

It's funny because some guys really do like the chase of a girl with major attitude.

Very cute story, Jen. Love stories are the best.

PS. Have a safe & amazing Thanksgiving!

xoxo Azu

c said...

great story!

<3

yiqin; said...

lovely <3

Maddie said...

Oh my so very well written! The story really compelled me! Such a sweet amd nice story, and what a great/funny way to actually gain an A in that subject! :D

callmemaddie.blogspot.com

Jenny / Rocknrollerr said...

lovely <3


X Jenny
Rocknrollerr.com

Nikosmommy said...

Three cheers for impressing boys while pulling an amazing presentation out of your ass at the last second!!! I think that I would have Peed my pants because of my nerves.....
Have a great weekend missy!

Unknown said...

This is SUCH a great story!! So sweet. You also have a great writing style :)
http://shopaholiconashoestring.wordpress.com/

A BRIT GREEK said...

Oh, that it such a sweet ending to the mega cute story, awwwwwww!

I found someone for your Hollywood stories... remember the actress from Betwitched??? I'm sure you'll do your own twist.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2237493/Tell-book-reveals-details-Bewitched-star-Elizabeth-Montgomerys-life.html

x.o.x.o

AVY said...

So cute, those are the moments that build an entire life. And some people never get to experience them.

/Avy

http://mymotherfuckedmickjagger.blogspot.com

Jamie Fleetwood said...

I have goosebumps after reading that story! So well written and fantastic! Sounds like something that would happen to me. I'm a senior and so burnt out!

Audrey Allure said...

Haha that is awesome. Best "how we met" story ever.

ROXTHEFOX said...

Jennifer, you are a hoot! You need to get your own column, or better yet, your own book. Although I love your posts based on historical facts on fashion and things of interesting variety, it is your more personal posts that I absolutely admire. It's odd, but I felt a slight bit of anxiety when you were talking about having to present on a book that you haven't read, because I've been in a similar situation, although I certainly didn't land an A. This post totally deserves a word I absolutely loathe: awwwwwwwwww. Aren't you glad you went to class that day? Your and Rian's story is on a movie level.

love jenny xoxo said...

awesome story, sounds like something straight out of a rom com or sitcom! so awesome this stuff happens in real life!

XOXO

Elisse said...

Best story of us I have read! You had my heart strings pulled!