Illusions of Love by Cynthia Freeman Read Free Book Online Page B

calculus because he really is a great teacher.”
    Martin thought for a long moment.
    “Maybe you’re right, though I still get the feeling that Wheeler doesn’t like me. Maybe if I could lick these damn differentials I wouldn’t have to worry. But I just know I’m going to fail.”
    Dominic saw the fear in Martin’s eyes.
    “You know what’s happening to you, Martin? You have a malady common to almost all freshmen. It’s the first time you’ve been pushed into a cold, hard world, where you don’t get everything you want just by asking. You’ve allowed Wheeler to intimidate
     
    you so that you can’t even think. “
    “You’re absolutely right,” Martin said.
    “I’m trying so hard to prove that I can make it that I can’t concentrate. Math was always my easiest subject, but this damn thing has got me licked.”
    “It’s rough. But look, let’s take this page. There’s a formula to it.
    Here, let me show you. ” Dominic proceeded to show Martin how to work out the equations. It was all so basic that Martin almost laughed.
    “Boy, it’s so simple when you do it.”
    “That’s just my point,” Dominic said.
    “Get Wheeler out of your head and you’ll sail right through. Now let me show you again.” Dominic began with another problem.
    It was beginning to sink in.
    “You know, I think I’m beginning to get it,” Martin said.
    “Great. Look, if you get into any trouble I’ll be glad to help.”
    “Gee, thanks a lot. I just might take you up on that offer. Can I have your phone number?”
    Dominic was a local scholarship boy who lived off campus with his parents. He’d invited Martin over several times, but to date Martin hadn’t come. Now he wrote Dominic’s number carefully in his notebook.
    “I’ll try working some problems on my own, but if I get stuck I really will give you a call.”
    Martin went back to his room. The suite was empty. He wondered if his roommates ever studied. He opened the math book and tried again. For a while he was able to answer some problems, but then he got stuck and his fear returned. It was relieved a little by a call from his parents, who were looking forward to the holidays and his visit home.
    They would never believe their brilliant son was in danger of failing.
    Skipping dinner, he worked until seven-thirty, at which time he wanted to tear the book to pieces. Finally he picked it up and threw it against the wall. There was no doubt about it he was going to flunk.
    He flung himself on the bed for a while and stared disconsolately at
    the ceiling. Then he remembered he had Dominic’s number and decided to call.
    “Hello?” the voice at the other end said.
    “Is this the Gatti residence?”
    “Yes.”
    “I wonder if I could speak to Dominic, please.”
    “I’ll call him to the phone.”
    Martin waited.
    “Hello?”
    For a moment Martin felt embarrassed. He wasn’t used to asking for help.
    “This is Martin Roth,” he said awkwardly.
    “Yeah? What can I do for you?”
    “Listen you could do me a big favour. Could you explain once more how to do these equations? Wait a minute, I have the book right here.”
    Before Martin turned the page, Dominic said, “Look, why don’t you come over?”
    “You mean it?”
    “Sure. If you feel like it. It’s a lot easier if we can sit down together.”
    “I wouldn’t be interrupting, would I?”
    “No, not at all. Besides, it won’t take more than half an hour. It’s pretty simple when you catch on.”
    Again, Martin had the feeling that he was imposing, but he was desperate.
    “When can I come?”
    “If you leave now you’ll get here by eight-thirty.”
    “You bet … and, Dominic, thanks a lot.”
    “Nothing to it, friend.” Dominic gave him the address.
    The Gattis lived in nearby Hamden in a two-storey brick house, one of many such dwellings along a narrow street. At one time the neighbourhood had been upper-middle class, but the population had shifted and Martin guessed that it was