a childhood friend

You look and utter a gasp. “Kendra? Is that you?”

Kendra Ivers — your first real crush from junior high! And she’s sitting there in the room! You haven’t seen her since her family moved away in the 9th grade, but you could never forget her.

“Connor? Oh my gosh! I can’t believe it!” Kendra is on her feet in seconds and comes over and gives you a warm embrace.

“What are you doing here?” you ask, mystified.

“Well, in terms of the school, this is where I’m attending,” she says. “As for this —“ she gestures to the boxes that are piled in the room, “This is the result of someone not knowing what they’re doing. I was all moved in and unpacked, when my roommate and I got a notice, reassigning us here. It’s a good thing my folks have already left, cuz Dad would flip if he knew I was in a co-ed dorm — let alone one that shares a bathroom with a guy! But he’d probably be ok, if he knew it was you.”

You are still confused about all of this. “So you and your roommate got assigned here? Who is your roommate?”

“Her name is Sarah Rhodes. We met during Freshman Orientation and hit it off. We decided to room together. I don’t think her folks would be too keen about this arrangement, either. Her dad seems more tightly wound than mine.”

Kendra sits on the edge of the bed and looks at you. “I still can’t believe it’s you! It’s been what — four years? You look great.”

“You look fantastic,” you say, and you totally mean it. You really had the hots for her when you were 14, but seeing what the past four years have done to her body makes you extremely appreciative of the result. “You know, I had the biggest crush on you before you moved away.”

Kendra blushes. “I know... and I had one on you, too, but I was too shy to say anything, and you were always such a gentleman — that’s why my parents liked you so much.”

It isn’t that you were a gentleman — you were too shy and socially awkward around girls at that age to do anything, but you are glad to hear that the crush was reciprocal. Maybe this will all work out for the best, after all. You can get reacquainted with Kendra, see where your mutual attraction takes you, and actually get a real girlfriend!

Just then, the door to the room swings open, and you see a pile of boxes covering a shapely pair of feminine legs. The boxes get set down, and you get your first look at Sarah. She is blonde, wearing a grubby T-shirt and jean shorts, and is short of breath.

Kendra jumps to her feet to introduce you to Sarah and scolds her for carrying those boxes by herself.

“I’m sorry,” she says, wiping the sweat from her flushed face. “Everything’s so screwed up today! I thought we were all settled, and then this happens, and I didn’t get my meds at lunch like I typically do, and it’s all piling up.”

You feel a bit of guilt because of the meds issue, and you ask, “Is that a problem? Do you want me to track them down for you or something?”

Sarah looks at you appreciatively and smiles. Her eyes take in more than your face, and you get the sense she is seeing you for the first time. “That’s sweet, but it’s ok. I really don’t need the medicine anyway. My parents are just a little overprotective. I really prefer to go without them anyway; it just takes me a bit to adjust.”

Her eyes do not leave your body as she speaks, and you glance at Kendra, wondering if she notices. She doesn’t, because she is busy unpacking boxes. “I’m sure Connor would be willing to help move the rest of our stuff if we ask him nicely,” she says over her shoulder.

“Of course,” you answer. “Just tell me what you need. I’m all yours.”

Sarah’s face continues to flush, and you begin to suspect that it’s not just from exertion. “I like the sound of that,” she purrs. “I’ll be sure to pay you appropriately for your services.”

Again, glancing at Kendra, you uncomfortably stand and say, “Not a problem. I’m glad to help.” With that, you dash out the door, wondering just what you might have gotten yourself into.