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memory from long ago, buried beneath the rubble of hurt and anguish began to claw its way to the surface.
    I bit my lip, my breaths coming out shaky. I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing my insides to settle. They managed to get down to a tremor as I held the towel in place with my chin and scurried to get dressed. Fiddling with the clasp of my bra, I clipped it into place before slipping my panties on. I tried not to let my wet feet touch the sides, but they inevitably did and I had to wiggle to get the damp fabric to sit right. Wrestling to get my sweats on without them touching the steamy tiles at my feet, I heard the shower flick off. I held my breath, hoping she wouldn't hear me.
    Hanging my towel on the hook, I reached for my shirt. I was just slipping my flip-flops on when I heard the other girl fling the curtain back. Man she was fast.
    If I waited a few more seconds, Miss Speedy would probably end up leaving before me, or if we both walked out together, maybe my shower man wouldn't feel confident approaching us. It was the safer option, and so I slowly extracted my brush and began running it through my hair, listening for the girl's departure. It didn't take long.
    I peeked my head out of the stall and watched the tall, blonde girl leaving. It almost looked like Morgan, but her hair was too straight and long to be my friend's. She was also way skinnier than Morgan. Straight as an arrow.
    I cleared my throat, once again hating my timidity. Why was I always such a chicken?
    Taking my time, I left the shower and inched my way to the door. It flew open before I could reach for it. Two girls stepped into the room, chatting like magpies. I moved out of their way and waited until they were in their stalls before creeping out the door.
    I looked up as I stepped into the corridor and actually felt disappointed to see that no guy was lingering in the hallway. Mystery man must have given up, which was a good thing.
    So why did I feel so disappointed? Wouldn't it have been better to meet him and just explain I was already in a committed relationship?
    For all I knew, he only wanted to see me out of curiosity anyway.
    I couldn't help glancing down the corridor both ways. The hallways were much busier now, people rising to get ready for their classes. My chances of picking him out were now zero, but I couldn't help trying anyway.
    “You're not lost already are you, baby?”
    David's hand slid down my back, making me jump. I spun to face him, forcing a laugh that sounded breathy and stupid.
    “No, I'm not lost.” I pointed behind him. “That way, right?”
    He looked over his shoulder. “You got it.”
    I grinned at him, loving that dimple and feeling secure now that he stood before me. Yeah, it was better that shower guy and I never met. It would just complicate everything. I didn't need complications. I was already worried enough about today.
    “So, should I meet you in the cafeteria for breakfast?” I ran my hand down the towel flung over his shoulder.
    “Yeah.” He kissed my lips quickly. “I can only manage a quick bite though. Some of my study group from last year wants to get together this morning to go over our class schedules.”
    “Oh, so you can't walk me to Comparative Lit anymore?”
    He winced. “No, sorry, but you'll be all right, won't you?”
    I swallowed. “Yeah, of course. Uh-huh.” I nodded.
    David's head tipped to the side, his dimple appearing. “Baby, you're gonna be fine.” He kissed my nose. “I'll meet you for lunch ; I've got an hour to spare between classes.”
    “Okay. Where?”
    “You know the big oval library just outside the humanities building?”
    My nose crinkled.
    “I took you there yesterday. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see it. Just use the map I gave you. I'll be waiting for you there.”
    “Okay.”
    “One o'clock.”
    “Got it.”
    He smiled down at me, his eyes lighting with glee. “It’s so good to have you here, Ella.”
    “Yeah, it's good to be