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became unusually aggressive.
“She’s like those wanna-be’s in high school. You know, the ones
that always hung around Hol to catch her leftovers? She’s using
her, but Holly doesn’t see it.”
    “She’ll figure it out, Kate. She always
does.”
    “This time, it seems different, Noh. The
parties here are huge, and the boys aren’t boys anymore, but men.
It’s all about the moment, the thrill of the hunt. You know Hol’s
catch-and-release program?” I smirked and shook my head. Kate
always termed Holly’s dating habits as a conservation program
through the national parks service. “Well, it won’t work here.
She’s going to end up getting hurt.” Kate’s normally quiet voice
rose and rang off the walls in frustration. I patted her
shoulder.
    “How are your classes?” I asked, changing the
subject as I popped in a DVD.
    She lit up. “They’re great … chemistry is
unbelievable; I’m learning so much, and I have the most incredible
professor for world civilization.” As Kate spoke, her enthusiasm
grew and I smiled. Love of knowledge was her gift, as Edna would
say. The movie played on, and we changed into our pajamas. Kate
made popcorn, and I told her about the classes at the community
college.
    “Did you get your hair cut?” Kate asked.
    “Nope.” I focused on the TV.
    “There’s something different about you. I
can’t quite put my finger on it, but you look … I don’t know …
better.”
    “Well thanks, I think.” I grinned; Kate grew
flustered.
    “You know what I mean, you always looked
great but—”
    A loud rap at the door made us both jump.
Kate and I shot up and popcorn flew everywhere; my stomach flipped
as we headed to the small entryway.
    “Who is it?” Kate aggressively whispered.
    “Lemmee in,” came a garbled reply. A hand
slapped the front of the door making us both jump again.
    “Holly?”
    “Lemmme innnn…. You sure are a cutie.” Holly
mumbled through a fit of giggles from the other side of the door. I
stood behind Kate as she turned the knob. Standing there in the
doorframe, draped over incredibly broad shoulders, was a very
inebriated Holly.
    “I am sorry to bother you ladies, but your
friend was about to get herself into a situation I couldn’t allow.
I thought the best course of action was to deliver her safely
home,” Gavin quietly explained. Holly leaned into him; her eyes
alight with excitement and alcohol. She tried to kiss him, but he
turned his head. Her hand sloppily found his face, trying to wrap
her arm around his neck. He firmly held her arm to her side.
    “Come ooooon gorgeous,” she whined. “I’ve
been lookin’ for you aaaaaaaall week.”
    Gavin dragged Holly unceremoniously to the
bed and plopped her down. Turning immediately, he marched back
toward the door. My heart lurched. Gavin was with Holly. Her black
mini skirt and bright blue blouse was stunning. I painfully
blushed. Kate and I were in matching hot pink pajamas, and my hair
was pulled back in a high ponytail. We both looked ten.
    Kate’s face almost lit the room red when
Gavin took my hand and led me to the hallway. My pulse picked up
its pace. I rested against the wall needing a little support; the
door clicked shut behind him. Visions of Holly raced through my
mind. They looked great together, even if she were a few sheets to
the wind, as Edna would say. Gavin sighed.
    “I wasn’t at that party, Nora. I happened to
see Holly and knew she was your friend.” His voice was low and
sincere; his eyes searched mine.
    “That’s okay, you don’t owe me any
explanation,” I mumbled. It wasn’t any of my business where he
went. I mean … I didn’t have a claim on him or anything.
Frustration flamed through me. My brow creased as I tried to
process why that was … I always felt random emotions, alive and
brilliant in strength, when I was around Gavin.
    “I hadn’t planned on being here at all, but I
knew you were coming to campus,” he tried to explain.
    “Are you following