Chapter 11: The Completion of My Masters Degree and the End of Me and Mary Kate.

For the remainder of the academic year, I focused on my thesis. I spent a lot of time in the computer center, running my data analysis on the IBM mainframe. To finish on time, I spent many Friday nights and weekends running my data modules. I wanted to ensure that my data samples were completely reliable. My algorithm follows all statistical analysis theorems. I made certain that my research was comprehensive. In May, I finished my thesis, defended it, and earned my Masters Degree in Computer Science and Statistical Studies. I graduated with honors because the institution accepted my work was worthy of it.

Mary Kate was not around much during the first week of April. When we did go out, she wasn’t as warm and excited about us as she had been. I wasn’t sure, but I believed that by May, “we” would be done. Something had changed, and I was unsure what it was.

We went to the bar one night to celebrate the end of the semester with our pals. At the conclusion of the evening, I walked Mary Kate out to her car. Now seemed like a good time to ask her where we stood.

“Mary Kate, I realize we’re not as close as we once were. Is there an explanation for this? Is there something I did or said that upset you? I asked.

I saw her face take on that deer-caught-in the headlight look.

“Look, I’ve heard some nasty things about you from your undergraduate days. The report claims you are abusive to women. You humiliated one girl by having her hauled up by police and questioned about a campus murder.”

“So you believe the rumors, I guess. How long have we been going together, and have I ever done anything to embarrass or injure you?” I replied. “Where did you learn about my supposed abusive tendencies?”

She could not look me in the eye or answer me.

“Goodbye, Mary Kate; and have a good life.” Following our conversation, I turned and walked away, writing her out of my life.

In the last few weeks of the semester, I did not return to the bar with the group. Instead, I withdrew within myself and reverted to being an intellectual hermit. When I did go out I always went out by myself. During my last several weeks on campus, I avoided speaking with others and made myself appear unapproachable.

Following graduation, I was offered a position as a teacher at the college. I declined and opted to make a new start somewhere else.