Something else

It was a tough decision, but I think I have an idea of how I can help this woman out. "Hey, listen," I said, focusing on the ring and her mental state, "I think things are going to start looking up for you, so keep your chin up and keep pressing forward." I squeezed my toes as I felt the ring flare up for me. Apparently making her feel more positive about things was a bit more of a change than I thought.

"You know what, you're right," the woman said, a glint starting behind her eyes. "I mean, I'm young, but got a job. I can put myself through college. I can do this!"

"Yeah, that's it!" I said, gently rubbing my finger with the ring. "Oh, I guess I should introduce myself. I'm Maria O'Connor."

"Nice to meet you, Maria," the woman said, energy flowing back into her voice. "My name's Lexi. Lexi Dawson." She extended a hand out to me, which I shook back. She smiled warmly at me and I smiled back, knowing that I helped her out. "And, may I just say, you look amazing tonight. Trying to impress someone?"

"Oh, yeah, sorta," I just kinda said, not really thinking about hiding anything from this literal stranger who I just approached.

"Is he cute?" Lexi asked.

I turned back around to where my table was. Danna and Vanessa were still eating, as was Summer. I could see Regina returning to the table with a plate of food as well. "Yeah, she's very cute," I said, talking about none of them in particular, but rather addressing all of them. I turned back around to Lexi.

"Oh?" Lexi's voice piqued. "You're gay?" Her stance changed and she twirled her hair a little in her finger, which only failed because of her messed up hair. She didn't seem upset, but more intrigued. There it was. That was the ring at work. Figures the girl who I just happen to come across was also a lesbian.

After a bit of internal conflict, I nodded at her. "Yeah, I'm gay." I didn't personally want to admit it, but every time I look at the four girls waiting for me at the table, my heart skips a beat. Yeah. I'm a lesbian. No doubts. Lexi's eyes lit up a little, but then it died down when she remembered that I just said that I was trying to impress someone else. I looked back at my polycule, who seemed to be wondering where I was, then back to Lexi. I would have to ask Regina about this later, but for now... "Can I get your number?"

"Huh?" Lexi asked, completely caught off-guard by my question. Her face turned a lovely shade of red as her mind began to process.

"Well, so we can keep in touch," I said. I took out my phone, opened up my contacts page, and handed it to her. Lexi, once her brain began to catch up, put in her number and saved it. "You just keep you chin up and keep at it! Things will get better!"

"Yeah, I will," Lexi said with an energetic vigor. She smiled at me as I saw the life in her eyes return. "Thank you so much, Maria."

"Aw, don't mention it," I said as I picked up my tray. "I gotta go! I'll text you!" I waved her goodbye as I finally made my way back to my table.

"Ah, there you are," Summer said, already halfway finished with her plate. "I was afraid I'd have to go and find you."

"What were you doing?" Vanessa asked between bites of a burger.

I leaned over and kissed her cheek before turning and giving Danna one as well. "Oh, just ran into someone. That's all."

"Well," Regina said with a little knowing smirk, "Let the dinner part of the dinner date begin." With that, she began to eat at her plate. Regina was not exactly subtle with her food choices. Tacos, oranges, papayas, peaches, and even oysters. No idea how she got the latter one.

For now though, I was hungry and ready to dig in. After all, it was just dinner at a dining hall on campus. Things were going to go smoothly... right?