DISCLAIMER- I DO NOT OWN CALVIN & HOBBES OR ANY BAND, SONG, PLACES, OBJECT, OR MOVIE MENTIONED IN ANY OF MY CHAPTERS IS ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM AND I MAKE NO MONEY PUTTING THEM IN MY STORIES!

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Italicized Print – Narration and to set up the Scene.

(Text in Brackets) – What is going through the characters mind, or what it is they're seeing or feeling.

"Text in Quotes" – Characters Speaking to one another.

CHAPTER 14 – Aftermath

Two weeks have gone by now, and Susie still felt the sting of being apart from Calvin. Yeah, she met new people, and got to see new places, and even try new food. She especially liked to visit Manayunk and stroll the streets as well as look at the shops and try the many restaurants & bakeries that were there. However, she always imaged what Calvin would say.

It was a sunny day around 3:00pm. The week of Labor Day Holiday. Susie just sat in her dorm for the moment, reading her book; when all of a sudden her roommate Gretchen burst in and to ask her an impromptu question, "Hey Susie! A bunch of us are going to the campus Starbucks for some Latte's, are you in?"

Susie smiled softly and replied, "Thanks, but I'm going to just stay here and decompress for a while. Classes start next week and I just want some alone time before the hustle and bustle begins; you understand?"

Gretchen smiled and made one last request, "Ok, want us to bring you something back?" Susie and smiled and shook her head no. "Ok, I'll be back in an hour…see ya!"

As soon as she left, Susie began to look at all the photos on her push pin board. To say the least, they were selective with who was in the photographs with her. Pictures of Mom & Dad when she was younger. Friends from various sports, clubs, and especially lacrosse. Susie again was thankful that the sport she loved to play earned her a partial scholarship. At least this way, her parents were not hit up for the entire cost of the Ivy League school. They only had to pay for living expenses. Still, that was not as bad as the tuition…but right up there in cost. However, there were a few pictures that stood out from the rest.

Some had her and Calvin as kids playing with Hobbes & Mr. Bun. There were some with them in the snow, but the one that stood out the most…was their prom picture. The other photos captured brief moments in time of torment and agitation, but this picture…captured a moment of happiness and pure bliss. Susie would look at this picture and remember the good time they had…even if a brawl ensued. She also looked at pictures of them on the beach and at the lake from vacation with each other's parents.

Susie just thought to herself, "I hope you miss me as much as I'm missing you right now."

Just as Susie finished that thought, there was a knock on her door. "Who is it?" She called out from her desk.

The voice answered her back muffled and obnoxious like, "Uh yes…Hello, I think I found a pair of your panties in the wash room when I was doing my laundry today. I just wanted to return them you."

Susie, knowing that some guys here pledge fraternities, and she was wondering what they had to do to get in. She decided to play along for the most part, "I think you must be mistaken, all my undergarments are here and accounted for." Just then, a thought popped into her head, "What makes you think their mine anyway?" She said with mild disgust in her voice.

The gentlemen caller then answered her question in the most blunt way possible, "Because I already checked all the other dorms that housed girls in this building, and you are the last…besides, these panties are XXXL and have your name written in Sharpie marker on it…Susie."

At that moment, Susie was appalled, "Are you on crack! I am a size 8 at the most. Get lost creep. Go pull your prank elsewhere." Then, something occurred to her, "How does he know my name? Better get the tools for self-defense my Dad gave me before I left."

That didn't stop him from persisting, "I really think you should take a look at them. I don't think they were even cleaned with bleach. I mean these panties are yellow with brown and red stains all over. You really should have better cleaning habits along with hygiene. I know it sucks being morbidly obese, but a rag on a stick could fix that you know."

Susie was now in a fit of rage, she got her pepper spray out and rushed the door. "This sick pervert is going to get it." Just as she opened the door, the sight before her caused her great disbelief. The initial shock alone made her jaw drop, her hands shake, and her eyes tear up.

"Surprised to see me?" There, standing in front of her dorm room, was Calvin holding flowers, and not gross underwear.

For the moment, Susie thought her eyes were playing tricks on her. She did a double take, and then pulled him into a passionate kiss. No sooner as she broke the kiss…she slapped him across the face.

"Ouch, what was that for?" Calvin stood there rubbing his cheek. The smile from Susie's face went straight to a stern scowl, "Why can't you just knock on the door like a normal person? Why did you have to get me all riled up like that? I thought you were some crazed pervert or some frat boy pledging a fraternity by pulling a prank on me."

Calvin just flashed his devilish smile and said, "What fun would that be? Besides…you know you love it!" As he pulled her close and began to kiss her forehead. Susie again, began to laugh a little, as that was his way of being playful and letting her know he cared for her.

Just then, Susie realized that he was not in California at the Art Institute, "hey, how come you're here and not at your college? Classes start next week!"

Calvin then broke the news to Susie as best he could. "Well, I was all set to go, when I realized something you said."

Looking puzzled she asks, "What was that?"

Calvin looking serious. Whenever he had a serious look on his face, she knew he was being honest and genuine, "You said there was nothing more expensive then regret. And you're right. I would have regretted going that far out west and being away from you, and parting with all those beautiful blonds (Calvin just winked at Susie to let her know he was Joking. She still made a face that said, really). So, I ended up going to my 3rd choice for college…Temple University in lovely Philadelphia PA. Which just happens to be a 5 minute Train ride to Drexel & UPENN's campus on the R-line!"

Susie again was flabbergasted. She had no idea about this, "But…what about the art institute? That is the #1 school for cartoonist…and what was your 2nd choice?" She said wondering why he went to the 3rd choice instead of the 2nd.

Calvin going back to his serious look again, "My 2nd choice was Florida State. It's not hard to get into, but since they lost the #1 party school status, I chose Temple...like their ad said. They have a great arts program, plus my Dad is happy that I can study pre-law here. He said that looks good in case I want to get a law degree in copyright infringement. So I can kill 2 birds with one stone…or 3 since I get to see you now!"

Susie was bursting with joy, she leaned up and gave him a big kiss. "Oh Calvin, this is great. Now we can spend time together, and I can help you through your homework!"

Calvin smiling devilish again, "I was hoping you'd do my homework for me?"

Susie just gave him a devilish grin of her own and said, "No, but there's something I want to do with you right now!" Susie then kicked the door closed and pulled Calvin onto her bed. Calvin as usual, had to make it awkward, "For crying out loud Susie, if we're going to get busy, you have to put a tie on the door! I read that in 101 Campus Hacks & Communications around Dorms!"

And so the young couple spent their college's years growing closer together. More so, making up for the time lost during those awkward Middle School years. Susie ended up graduating with a degree in Business Management for the Wharton School of Business. She was one of the top 5 in her class.

For Calvin, he completed his duel major in both Art Design with Multi-media & Pre-law at Temple. He even got his Comic Strip picked up in small newspaper. He can even do it remotely while plans to get his law degree in copyright infringement. For some reason, he felt he would need it in his line of work.

Lastly, once the both graduated their respective colleges…Calvin and Susie got engage. Calvin ended up proposing to her in front of the LOVE statue in Philadelphia.

But…that's another story!

Author's Note:

Thank you all for the many Favorites, Follows, & Reviews. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. However, the message I am sending you is the truth…THERE IS NOTHING MORE EXPENSIVE THAN REGRET! Because Time is a valuable commodity you can't get back, and it should not be wasted. Also, for a great story about love & regret. That is leaps and bounds better than this short story I wrote, please consider reading Peter S. Beagle, "THE LAST UNICORN". It was my inspiration for this.