She was one of those girls who was in several of my classes, but for some reason I never talked to. I finally decided to do so. She had always seemed like one of those people who would be interesting to talk to, and indeed she was. She told me her name was Elise, and that she was an art major. While nursing majors are nice and all, it was nice to meet someone studying something else. I didn’t waste time getting down to the big question.
“So, what are you planning for spring break?” “Oh, not much,” she replied. “I’ve got to study for my midterms.” “Yeah, I know,” I replied, assuming I already knew everything, “I’m just trying to get through this week, too.” She gave me a hard look that seemed to say “Shut up and listen for one second.” “Actually, I have midterms after spring break, so I’m going to be spending my break studying,” she replied with a mock enthusiasm that can only be described as endearing. Once again, I had failed miserably in my attempt to control the conversation. “Wow, that sucks,” I replied, and I really meant it.
“What about you?” I was more than a little surprised by her question. I can’t remember the last time someone asked me about me, and I certainly didn’t need any more of an excuse to talk about myself. “Well,” I replied, “I’m pretty much going to just chill out and do nothing. It’ll be nice for a change, and I’m pretty sure I’ve earned it.” I knew immediately that she could see right through me to my self-aggrandized core; women are scary like that. But, all she had to show for it was a smile; I think to show that she pitied me. And, while I slink away and make a note to work on my self-centeredness, that will be enough.
I'm really interested in the form you gave the dialogue (sequential rather than lineated). Was that a choice for space or style or both?
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