After watching Josh on TV the next morning, Sabrina found herself at the UCLA Admissions office. Josh was the sole reason for her moving to LA and while she didn’t regret that decision, she needed something else to give her life here purpose. She decided the best thing for her was to register for classes that were comparable to the ones she would’ve taken in Italy: Art History and Italian Renaissance.
Sabrina spent the rest of the day learning her way around campus and buying books. It was almost 6 when she finally left campus, but she felt exhilarated. This was finally something she could do for herself and herself alone. There was an energy about the campus that awakened the same thirst for knowledge that attracted her to the study abroad program in the first place. This was definitely the best decision she’d made in a long time.
Sabrina went straight from campus to LAX to pick up Josh. He was the last one off the plane. He looked exhausted, but brightened at the sight of her. He scooped her up in his arms and kissed her head. “You are the best part of my day.” “That’s because you’re madly in love with me.” They kissed, interlaced their fingers and headed for the parking lot.
When they got to Sabrina’s apartment, there was hot Chinese food waiting for them on the doorstep. Mr. Wong’s was fast, good and cheap. They sat on the couch together eating with chopsticks out of their white cartons when Josh noticed the books and papers from UCLA. “What’s this Bri?” “I enrolled this morning. I want…I need something to fill my time when you’re not here.” “I know I’ve been canceling a lot lately, and I’m sorry. I talked to David about taking the week off. How would you like to go to Mexico?” “I’d love to Josh, but I start classes this week.” “Skip. Put off class until next week.” “I’ve put off enough for you already.” Her tone was stronger than she’d meant. “Look, I’m sorry, but I just can’t…” “Forget it. I understand.” Josh stood and picked up his bag. “Josh…” “I’ve got to go. I promised my parents I’d stay at home tonight. I’ll call you tomorrow.” “Josh please…” Josh left, shutting the door in her face.
Sabrina sat back down on the couch, feeling defeated and terribly worried. They’d had fights before, but this was the first time they parted without saying ‘I love you’.
Josh was upset as he drove home. He loved Sabrina and hoped they’d be back to normal tomorrow. It frustrated him that Sabrina got so upset at his canceling dates, but then she shot him down cold for wanting to take her on vacation. What did she want from him? He wondered if she even knew the answer to that question.
Josh was having a frustrating day. He and Sabrina had talked a few things over the phone since their fight, but everything was still so tense that… “Josh, you’re not focusing.” David Foster’s voice came through his headphones. “Let’s try it again. Take it from the fourth bar.” Josh nodded. He loved Sabrina a lot and knew she’d sacrificed a lot to move to LA, more than she probably realized. He almost wished he’d never even brought up Mexico. Her refusal hurt him, even though he understood intellectually that Sabrina couldn’t miss class… “All right, get out of that booth.”
Josh removed his headphones and joined David outside. “What is wrong with you today?” “I know, I’m sorry I’m so off David.” “What’s going on with you, is it Sabrina?” Josh filled him in on their fight and the tension of the past few days. “So you haven’t even seen each other in four days?” Josh nodded. “Get out of here. Find Bri and tell her you love her. You’re no good to me like this.” Josh smiled. “Thanks David.” “You’re welcome. Just be prepared to work tomorrow. The Grobanites are counting on us to release a great album by spring. We owe them that much for their support.” Josh agreed, grabbed his jacket and headed for UCLA.
Sabrina felt wonderful as she left her third and final class of the day. Starting classes today had briefly taken her mind off of Josh. They had talked after their fight, but it was incredibly strained. He’d been really hurt by her refusal to go to Mexico with him. Josh said he understood, but she could tell the hurt was blocking everything else. Was this the beginning of the end of their relationship?
Sabrina pushed open the doors of the art school and stepped out into pouring rain. ‘Well, at least I’m not wearing a white shirt’ she thought. She hurried towards her car, but stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Josh. He was standing under an umbrella, holding a bouquet of yellow roses. “Josh, what are you doing here?” “I had to see you. These last couple of days have been hell.” “For me too.” “I know. My car is right over there. Can we talk about this?” Sabrina nodded. Once inside, Josh gave Sabrina a sweater to wrap around her shoulders. They talked everything out, being honest about their feelings. They decided to compromise and rent a cabin in two weeks. “I’m really glad we had this talk Josh.” He ran his hand through her hair. “Me too. I love you too much to lose you, Bri.” He pulled her close and they kissed, long and deep. Sabrina felt the same rush of excitement then as she did when they kissed for the first time.
They went back to Sabrina’s apartment and cooked dinner together. They
stole looks and kisses while the rain pattered against the windows.
