Chapter 3

It was a quiet emotionally warm meal. As we were finishing, Marilyn and Joe walked in and got in line. They joined us.

Marilyn looked at Alice. “Did you spend the afternoon with Jerry?”

Alice responded, “Yes, we walked the campus. Tomorrow morning, he’s going to take me to Sunday school and church. We’ll then eat lunch before heading home.”

Marilyn said, “I’m leaving in the morning. Joe agreed to ride back with me. We don’t live too far away from each other.”

Both of our heads popped up. I think Alice was more surprised. I had noticed that they were holding hands again when they entered the building.

We finished eating and told Marilyn and Joe that we should see them later. We disposed of our trays and went to Alice’s dorm’s common room. We sat together on a couch. We didn’t make a big production of it but we were holding hands again.

We sat in a comfortable silence. I said, “Alice, do you have a car here?”

She grinned. “I don’t have a car anywhere.”

“Then would you like to ride back to your place with me? It would save someone having to drive over here to pick you up. Your home is even on my way.”

She smiled. “My parents would appreciate that. I would, too. I was going to be packed and waiting since Dad has duties at our church tomorrow and couldn’t get someone to cover for him.”

“Yeah, the dorms are supposed to be closed by one. Why don’t you call now?”I

She nodded and pulled her phone. She dialed by selecting an icon on its face. She said, “Hi, Mom. I have a ride home tomorrow. No, it’s not Marilyn. It’s a guy, Jerry Short. He lives beyond us and we’ll leave after church and lunch here.” She smiled. ‘No, church was his idea. After all, I need to find a church here for when school starts. He’s Methodist like us. He’s a nice guy. Marilyn went after his roommate so it’s worked out quite well. Mom, that’s all I’m going to say. We’re sitting together in the common room of the dorm. You and Dad will meet him tomorrow when he brings me home. Okay. We’ll be there tomorrow afternoon. I love you and Dad. Bye.”

She put her phone away. “That’s done. Thank you for the offer.”

I smiled, “It means I get to spend more time with you and help out a little. That’s good. Spending more time with you sounds really good. Alice, would you give me your number?” She nodded. I pulled my phone out and keyed it in as she gave it to me.

I put it on the face of my phone with a caption of “My Girl.” Alice saw that and smiled. “Don’t you remember my name, Jerry?”

“Easily, Alice. I just wanted to try a claim at least to me.”

“If you’re going to do that, you should kiss me.”

She was smiling. I pulled her to me and kissed her softly and lingeringly. She responded back and the kiss became more passionate. We finally ended the kiss. We were now looking at each other though saying nothing. After a few long moments, she made to move and I didn’t stop her. She sat next to me again though was cuddled in tightly. We stayed like that for a long, comfortable while.

I was surprised though happily surprised. She added my number to her phone’s list putting me on its face with the title, “My Guy.” It was getting late. I saw Joe heading for the exit door. I said, “I’m in no hurry, Alice, but it is late.” I smiled down at her and saw that she was smiling, too.

She asked, “Will you meet me for breakfast, Jerry?”

“I will be glad to do that.” We untangled and stood. She walked me to the outside door and gave me a soft kiss. I left heading for my dorm and room.

I got there. Joe asked, “Are we okay?”

“I’m not sure what about.”

“Marilyn and I are together.”

“That’s okay, I guess. Alice and I are, too, though probably not to the same extent. We’re meeting for breakfast and then will go to church together.”

“That’s okay for you. I’m packing in the morning and we will leave soon after we eat breakfast if not before. Neither of us are big breakfast eaters.

“Jerry, I may stay at her house for a day or two. Her parents would permit that.”

“Wow! Now, that is unexpected. Alice isn’t on that program. However, I will meet her parents when I drive her home tomorrow.”

“Okay, let’s get some sleep.”

“Suits. I’m meeting Alice for breakfast.”

We slept through the night. I woke up, showered and shaved, and then dressed to go to Sunday school and church. I left the dorm heading for the cafeteria with Alice’s dorm on the way. Joe was up and packing. Alice was just leaving the front of her dorm as I came up. We walked to the cafeteria together holding hands. We didn’t say anything, just smiled at each other.

We got our food and sat down. I took Alice’s hand again and said, “Let’s pray.” She nodded and I asked God to bless the food, our worship time later, and the trip home. We smiled at each other and began to eat.

After a few bites and sipping her coffee, Alice said, “Are you aware of Marilyn and Joe and what they’re doing?”

“I don’t have any specific information but suspect they are active from tidbits Joe dropped.”

“They are active. She was changing the sheets when I walked in. After we return, we’ll have to work something out. I don’t want a surprise when I enter the room.”

‘You could suggest the old sock on the door warning.”

“What’s that?”

“When you don’t want to be disturbed by your roommate, you put a sock on the door knob to be left alone.”

“Oh!”

“Yes. It prevents you seeing your roommate with someone when they’re horizontal and juxtaposed.” Alice blushed slightly.

We finished our meals in silence. We started out and Alice said, “I need a minute to finish packing and will meet you with my case.”

“That works. I need to close my case and carry it down. I’ll meet you right out here.”

I left her at the front of the girls’ dorm and went to my room. Joe was leaving. I quickly finished packing and started out.

He said, “Jerry, are we going to be okay?”

“Probably. I don’t really approve of what you and Marilyn are doing but neither of you is my responsibility. Do be aware of other people in what you do.”

He said, “I will talk to her as we head home. She wasn’t a virgin when we started.” He blushed slightly. “I guess things worked out differently than you had thought.”

“Yes. However, I’m not unhappy about being with Alice. Be careful with Marilyn. I have to wonder about my earlier conversation with her and her actions while we were in high school and now. There is a disconnect of some kind. You need to be a bit cautious before you get too emotionally involved.

“Will you be working on Monday?”

“Yeah, Jerry, if Mister Barnes will keep me on. I’m not sure since he wasn’t happy about this week and will be less so about the football practice. Let’s plan to talk over our lunch break.