“I could. But I don’t really want to be in a bar.”

“I could. But I don’t really want to be in a bar.”

“Okay, whatever, Mary Beth. We’ll see you later” Ellen said as she took your hand in hers, interlace your fingers.

The staid, Christian girl’s shoulders fell slightly, and a slightly change of expression of disappointment spread across her face. As Ellen turned and led you by the hand to the exit, you sighed relived that you’d not have to spend the evening defending Ellen’s virtue. The blonde girl turned her face, and gave you a bright winning smile.

“I knew she wouldn’t want to go to the bar with us” she said smugly.

It was then that Mary Beth called for you to wait, that she’d like to come along and promised not to be judgmental. After asking the girl behind the desk if she could check her Bible and textbooks, she handed the book to her and skipped over to you and Ellen, her face brightly smiling.

“Thank you for letting me come with you” she said her voice slightly giddy.

As the three of you walked out the doorway and onto the sidewalk, Mary Beth positioned herself on your left, opposite Ellen, who was still holding your hand. You hoped that somehow you’d be able to lose her at the bar. She’d definitely put a damper on things.

“You were right Ellen, I don’t have too many friends here just Abby and Katie. I’m not really sure if Widley is the right place for me. But my mom really insisted that I go here. We really don’t get along too well, but I wanted to make her happy, so I agreed, even though it wasn’t a Christian school. My mother and I don’t agree on much. She’s an alum. And after having been here for a year, I can see why she went here.”

Ellen glanced at you, knowing this was not how either of you wanted to spend the evening. Turning her head, she smiled and then said, “Well, you should really try to broaden your horizons Mary Beth. Do things you wouldn’t normally do. Talk to people you wouldn’t talk to. Just be careful, you’ll always be the same person at your core you know?”

“Maybe.” Mary Beth said non-committaly. Ellen's high heeled sandals clacking on the pavement as she walked alongside you.

‘Have you ever had a drink of alcohol in your entire life?” Ellen asked. Mary Beth shook her head.

Ellen stopped, tugging on your hand slightly. You had walked to the edge of campus, and crossing the street would take you into town.. Letting go of your hand, Ellen stood in front of the religious girl. “Tonight you try new things, alright? Or else, I’d like you to go back to the dorm, ok?”

Mary Beth’s face was stoic, serious. She fingered the small gold cross hanging at her throat. Her dark brown eyes peered into Ellen’s blue eyes as if trying to gauge her sincerity. A few minutes passed, with you hoping desperately that Ellen’s challenge would put Mary Beth off, and she’d leave you to spend the evening alone with the sexy, blond coed.