Specialized Hardrock Comp rear v-brake

Gosh I'm stumped! I hate dealing with brakes normally but I seriously can't figure this situation out! I have never been so stumped by a rear v-brake. I inherited this bike from a professor friend that was moving. She's lovely. I rode her around a bit in our parking lot today when I put tires on, pedals, etc. She came to me in pieces and was free so I am not complaining. I've done everything I can think of to put the bike back together. he read brake doesn't stay tight and the actual brake line seems to be too "long", so when I pull the lever, it's pulls but then just stays there. I can take pictures if you think it will help but is there something I am missing here?

Nevermind. It was a cable problem! I figured it out and just took it into the shop. It's something I just am not comfy doing.