Getting Together

Harry's initial suggestion that things start at 9 seemed more than a little silly now. It was as black as midnight out of doors, even though the clock read 7 P.M. The sound of the rain was everywhere. By now, the remaining few barely even noticed it anymore. We trickled out of rooms and up to that corner apartment on the third floor that belonged to Harry Pardon. Among the high achievers of Bean Hall, he was the highest, and his room reflected it; unlike Molly and Joan, he didn't need to share, but had more space than both of them put together anyway. It made for a natural hosting space.

Six people clustered outside the door. I adjusted the silvery dress I'd chosen. Per Molly's instructions, it was shorter than I would've picked for a night in if the choice was up to me, but a part of me did enjoy the chance to show off a little. The gym had been my only way to cope with the stress of my assignments, and I was feeling great about my legs and my butt for the first time in my life. As a final touch, Molly had put up my hair in a high ponytail, and applied eyeshadow and winged eyeliner. Maybe it was immodest, but I was feeling great about how I looked tonight. And that was really something, given what lay beyond the door.

There was only one thing that could ruin matters, but I was trying to come to terms with it. Aside from me and my friends, there was Jack, on time for the first in his life. He had two others behind him. The first was Lea, one of Molly's classmates, a sprightly girl with a mix of blue and green hair. Tonight she was wearing a white romper with blue speckles.

“Couldn't change out of your pee-jays, Lea?” sniped Jack.

Lea literally didn't look his way. I could learn a thing or two from her, I thought. “Evening, girls,” she sighed.

“Hey!” said Joan.

A second passed, and then Molly smiled, almost out of obligation. I made a note to try to suss out what was going on there.

The third and final new arrival was Paul, looking, as always, embarrassed to be there. I was surprised. I hadn't thought about him for the last few days, but now that I did, I realized I would've expected him to be out with the rest of the escapees. The heavy set young man had dressed like I wished I could have, in a hoodie and sweatpants. His hair was a mess. “Hey,” he said.

“Hey,” said Joan, inexplicably in love. I would never understand her.