Chapter 22

I drove us to the campus and we unloaded the car into our rooms. Unsurprisingly, they were the same ones we had during orientation.

Our roommates had not arrived so we didn’t unpack but just left our cases in the rooms at neutral points in each room. I didn’t care which bed was mine and didn’t think Alice cared either. We left for the other things that we could do. We were early enough to avoid long lines for anything. We received our class schedules and meal tickets and went through some other queues for additional items. We were finished and now were able to enjoy our time and unpack though we wanted our roommates to arrive before choosing a bed.

It was almost lunchtime and our roommates still hadn’t arrived.

It was time for lunch and we went by Alice’s room to see that Marilyn hadn’t made an appearance yet. We went on to the cafeteria and got our meals. We sat down to eat with a larger, unknown group that was overwhelmingly male.

One of the guys said to Alice, “I’m Jim Ames. You are?”

“I’m Alice Meadows with Jerry. We’re together.” We were sitting side by side and she leaned to me.

He looked over at me. “You’re a lucky guy, Jerry.”

“I agree. Alice is great.”

Jim then talked to us both. He seemed to be a good guy. We met Steve and Asa who were across from the three of us. It was a nice meal as Alice and I made new friends. I realized that Alice, though she made it clear she was with me, was the attraction. After all, it was a bunch of guys. We finished eating and carried our trays for cleanup.

We headed for Alice’s room to determine what might be happening. Marilyn was just getting in. Alice said, “Hello, Marilyn. It’s good to see you.”

Marilyn looked up and smiled. “You two are together? It’s good to see you again.”

“Yes, we’re very together. We’ve been seeing a lot of each other.” She smiled. “Marilyn, which bed would you like?”

“Oh, I don’t really care. That one will work.” She pointed at the one on the left. Alice smiled and nodded. We sat down on Alice’s bed. “I guess you know that Joe and I aren’t together.” We both nodded. “I think he has a new girl which is fine by me. I want to find a guy here who doesn’t know me and won’t consider my past history in determining my future.”

Alice grinned. “Just hang with us. Jerry can handle two pretty girls on his arms and there are plenty of guys who are looking, too. Just be picky about your choices, Marilyn. There are a lot of guys out here from who to choose.”

“Yes, I’m going to be more careful. I watched the two of you and thought about my swim suit and actions with Joe. I’ve decided to be different. I’m not jumping into sex quickly with guys this time. I’m not bad looking and am too smart to have sex with someone when it doesn’t really mean anything.” She looked at me. “Jerry, watching you with Alice taught me that I needed to think about relationships. I will from now on.” She smiled ruefully. “My wicked weasel suit did not make the trip here.”

Alice said, “Roomie, that’s a good step. I hope you brought one or two other suits. There is a pool and I’ve grown addicted to swimming regularly with Jerry.”

“You’ve spent a lot of time at his house then?”

“Yes. He’s also spent a lot of time at the farm where there is a swimming hole.”

“Oh!”

I said, “I need to check on my room and get moved in.”

“Okay, Jerry. You go there and work. There’s a few things to do here. Call me when you’re finished or it’s supper time.”

“Okay, Alice. See you later.”

Marilyn said, “Alice, why is he going without you?”

“Joe is his roommate and should be there. Also, Joe has a new girl friend who might be there.”

“Alice, let’s go with Jerry. I have to act civilized and friendly. Joe and I are over. I learned about what I wanted and who I didn’t want. Let’s make this an easier time for the future.”

Alice looked at me and I shrugged. She said, “Okay, let’s all go then.” The three of us left for my room.

We arrived to find Joe and Barbara had just entered the room in front of us. I said, “Hi, Joe. Hi, Barbara. Joe, have you picked a bed?”

He shrugged and then said, “I guess the one to the left. It doesn’t really matter. Hi, Alice. It’s good to see you. Marilyn, I hope you’re doing well.”

“Thank you for asking, Joe. I am. Hello, Barbara. It’s good to see you.”

I thought to myself that this is going well, so far. I hoped peace would continue. Barbara helped Joe while Alice helped me to unpack. It didn’t take very long for us to get my things put away. Once done, we headed out to walk. Marilyn went with us. Alice and I were holding hands.

Marilyn was walking with us. She said, “You two have progressed in your relationship. Are you thinking of marriage?”

Alice said, “Yes. No sooner than after the end of this academic year. We’re in no hurry and enjoy each other and what we have right now.” Alice grinned. “Jerry is going to be playing football this year though he’s turned down the scholarship as well as living in the athletic dorm. I’m going to cheer for him when he plays.”

I said, “We should go by the athletic offices. I ought to check the schedule.”

Marilyn asked, “May I continue to hang with the two of you?”

Alice answered. “Sure. We enjoy having you with us. You might meet some nice guy while with us.” Marilyn looked happy and a little relieved.

After a bit, she said, “Meeting up with Joe was no problem. I found I had little emotion over him other than being glad he found someone. I will find someone but just need a larger universe from which to chose.”

She went with Alice and me to the athletic offices. I looked for a practice schedule or general schedule. I didn’t see anything but did see Coach Wilkins. “Hello, Coach. I’m looking for a schedule for practice and games.”

He smiled. After all, I was between two beautiful ladies. “It’s posted with copies at the athletic dorm. I need to make a note of your email. I will send you an email if there are any notifications in the future.”