The Circle of Friends

I - An Enlightening Encounter Sarah walked briskly along the sidewalk, desiring to escape the heat almost as much as she wanted to be on time for her next class. The sun now warmed the Georgia air to near summer temperatures. The real culprit was the humidity that accompanied the heat, which could turn a pleasant eighty degrees into an unbearable ninety-five by late afternoon. Today was one of those days. She’d done well her first year at Georgia Tech. If Sarah possessed a gift, then it fell in the area of memorization and intelligence. In other areas, she often forgot to use the brain God had given her. Never one for tact, Sarah tended to speak without thinking, saying the first words that popped into her head. This had gotten her into trouble on more than one occasion. Picking up her pace, Sarah brushed past several students and bounded into the main building. Running into class just as the bell sounded, she slid into the empty seat next to her friend, Sean. He smiled at her, the grin on his face half hidden by his long, brown hair. “Your timing is perfect, man,” he said in a low voice. Sarah took a deep breath and let her shoulders slump. “Yeah, lucky me,” she said, pulling out her notes. The professor began to speak and Sarah sat at attention, focused on the task before her. Sean followed suit, although he seemed more interested in her than today’s lesson. Sarah liked Sean, but only as a friend. He was deep into horror and punk music and never appeared in public without his black trench coat. Dark and brooding, Sean had a rebellious streak in him a mile wide. Despite his distaste for formal education, Sean did apply himself to his work. Sarah saw too much of herself in Sean, though, and it bothered her. When class ended, Sean followed her outside. “Whatcha doing Saturday night, Lady Death?” he said, brushing the long hair from his face. “I’m going to this off campus party with Heather,” said Sarah with resignation. She did not want to attend the party, but Heather had persuaded her to come along. Sarah doubted she would know any of attendees since they were more of her roommate’s crowd, but at least there would be alcohol available. If she could get a couple drinks out of the deal, she might as well go and enjoy herself. “Hanging out with the upscale athletes, huh?” Sean said in a mocking tone. “Broadening my horizons, Sean,” Sarah told him, planting herself in his path. “Perhaps you should do the same sometime.” Sean frowned. “What the hell’s your deal, man?” Sarah sighed and shook her head. “Nothing,” she said, glancing at the parking lot. “I gotta go. Catch you later.” “Sure,” replied Sean. Feeling irritated, Sarah returned to her dorm. His accusation and her acid response annoyed her. She had been to parties with Heather in the past. The athletes knew how to party better than most students and were often better looking than most people at college. Might as well enjoy the view, she reasoned. She had associated with the athletes in high school after her best friend began dating the quarterback. Her friendship with Lori had allowed Sarah to mix with the sports crowd. Athletics were not her strong suit, though. At Heather’s insistence, she had participated in track her senior year, surviving the experience through sheer will power. It still amazed her that Lori worked out more than six hours a day as she prepared for Olympic competition. Thoughts of Lori reminded Sarah that soon her friend would marry that high school quarterback. Jason treated Lori as if she were made of gold, too. They were so suited as life partners that it almost frightened Sarah. Their relationship was beyond her comprehension, as Sarah had never been in love. Envious of her best friend, Sarah hoped that one day she would experience similar feelings. At this point in her life, though, she would settle for just liking herself. Taking the stairs two at a time, Sarah raced to her dorm room. Heather would be present, but she could always resort to her headphones to secure some peace and quiet. Testing the lock before pulling out her keys, Sarah found the door open and burst into the room. When the occupants within jumped, Sarah discovered her roommate was not alone. “God, give me a heart attack!” said Heather. Her attention shifted and she scowled at her computer screen, brushing a stray curl from her forehead. The young man leaning over her shoulder smiled at Sarah, amused by the situation. “Hey, Sarah,” he said, his grin bringing a mischievous twinkle to his eyes. “Hi, Matt,” she replied, closing the door and pausing at Heather’s desk. “What are you doing?” “Heather’s helping me with some research,” said Matt, patting his friend’s back. “Because you’re too damned lazy to do it yourself,” growled Heather, her long fingers running over the keyboard. “No,” he said, giving her a brief hug. “Just taking advantage of your superior intelligence!” “You’re not lazy, just smart,” observed Sarah, setting her books on her desk. Matt appeared pleased with her assessment of the situation. “Whatever,” said Heather with annoyance. Sitting at her computer desk, Sarah listened as Matt and Heather bantered with one another. Even Sarah would have been unable to tolerate Heather’s behavior today. Her roommate dominated every conversation with a sharp tongue and used her tall, imposing frame to her advantage. However, Matt was very patient when it came to dealing with his childhood friend. Sarah always enjoyed Matt’s visits, even if he only stopped to see Heather. Jason’s best friend was the polar opposite of the young quarterback, too. Lori’s future husband was pleasant and good looking, but he was intense and serious. Sarah was more headstrong and vocal than her best friend and had butted heads with Jason on occasion. However, Matt was just so relaxed and easy-going in comparison to Jason. He smiled all the time and mesmerized girls with his charm. Whereas Jason could’ve adorned the cover of GQ magazine, Matt appeared far more real and believable. His wavy brown hair covered the back of his neck and possessed a life of its own, which only added to his s*x appeal. His tall, lean frame suited the young receiver. Obviously, the opposite s*x found him attractive, as girls often accompanied Matt. His affinity for the female body had garnered him quite a reputation around campus, too. Sarah had always considered him cute but never pursued it beyond that thought. “Print that,” exclaimed Matt, catching Sarah’s attention. Matt gave Heather a quick kiss on the cheek and then stretched his lanky frame. When he realized Sarah was watching, he smiled and leaned against Heather’s desk. “Hey, you two going to the party Saturday night? Be tons of guys there,” said Matt, giving Heather a suggestive nudge. “Oh, I’ll be there,” she said. Matt turned to Sarah. She took a deep breath and shrugged. “I guess,” she said. “Come on,” challenged Matt. “I thought you loved to party.” “Party, yes,” she said, her eyes falling on Heather. “But there’s some things I’d rather avoid.” Matt regarded her thoughtfully. A question from Heather distracted him, and his attention shifted. He exclaimed with joy as she handed him a stack of papers fresh from her printer. “Thanks, Heather, you’re a buddy,” he said, patting her on the back. He smiled at Sarah before departing. “See you Saturday night!” Sarah nodded, envious of Matt’s sunny disposition. Perhaps her life wouldn’t feel so hollow if she viewed the world in a similar fashion. Matt was like a breath of fresh air. One Sarah desperately needed! Saturday night, Heather left Sarah little choice. Whether she wanted to go to the party or not, Heather pretty much forced her out the door at nine. Her roommate promised a good time tonight and even drove them to the party. Sarah tried to remain close to Heather. When it became obvious her roommate’s goal was to pick up boys, she wandered off alone. She didn’t know very many people, though, and had a difficult time integrating. She chatted with Matt for a few minutes, pleased to find at least one familiar face. Otherwise, she wandered aimlessly from group to group. During her first semester at Georgia Tech, Sarah had followed Heather’s example and dated many boys. The opportunity for noncommittal s*x had arisen quiet often, although none were worthy partners. By the second semester, Sarah had dispensed with dating all together. None of the encounters held meaning and she was tired of wasting her time. Around midnight, Sarah decided to return to dorms. The party was still going strong, but many were now engaged in physical activity. Several boys had already hit on her this evening, but she felt no inclination to become involved. A computer game would provide better company. She searched downstairs for Heather but could not locate her roommate. The last time she’d seen her friend, Heather had been unabashedly flirting with a junior. She had also been quite drunk. Hoping to find Heather still on her feet but fearing her ride incapacitated, Sarah ascended the staircase. Halfway up the steps, she ran into Matt. Numerous other people occupied the staircase and Sarah found her path obstructed. Matt hesitated, a half empty beer bottle in his hand. “Have you seen Heather?” she said. “I think she’s upstairs,” Matt replied. “Why?” “I’m ready to go and she’s my ride.” “Oh,” said Matt, glancing upstairs. “I think she’s indisposed right now.” “Great,” exclaimed Sarah. “Guess I’ll just walk home then.” Matt frowned, his eyes full of concern. “It’s after midnight, Sarah. And it’s a long ways.” “Doesn’t look like I have a choice,” she replied, retreating down the staircase. Following her to the main floor, Matt caught Sarah by the elbow. “Hang on. I’ll walk you back to your dorm,” he said, setting his bottle by the door. They stepped outside into the fresh air. The group on the porch appeared occupied, and no one noticed them leaving the party. Matt followed her down the sidewalk, and they began the long walk to campus. Sarah inhaled deep breaths, trying to clear her lungs. The air was no cooler outside than it had been in the house, but it wasn’t full of smoke or warm bodies. She didn’t mind crowds, but tonight the close proximity of so many people had bothered her. Now out in the open air, Sarah felt better than she had all night. “You sure you don’t mind walking me back?” she said Matt. Usually the last one left standing at a party, Matt never went home early. “No, I don’t,” he assured her with a grin. “Besides, it’s dangerous for you to walk back by yourself.” “I know self defense,” Sarah boasted, throwing back her shoulders. Matt laughed at her boldness. “I bet you do!” They discussed school and their best friend’s upcoming wedding. Matt was the Best Man and Sarah the Maid of Honor. They began speculating how elaborate the ceremony and reception would be, and how many guests would attend the event. Lori told her the guest list had grown to three hundred people, and Sarah had gagged. She doubted she could get fifty people to show up for her wedding. At least the couple would clean up in the gift department, she thought. “I’m happy for them,” she told Matt, trying not to sound envious. “Jason and Lori were made for each other.” “I agree,” said Matt. He glanced sideways at Sarah and grinned. “Yeah, makes me ill, too.” “I just don’t see how two people could be that genuinely happy,” exclaimed Sarah. “All they have to do is look at each other and they’re all mushy. I’ve never been in a relationship like that.” Matt nodded in agreement. “I haven’t either.” “You aren’t with anyone right now, are you?” she said. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Matt shook his head. “Haven’t been for quite a while.” “Really? You?” “Got bored with the whole scene, I guess,” he said. “Why?” said Sarah, curious. She’d never seen Matt in a serious relationship, but he was always with one girl or another. Heather called him the ultimate playboy. He met her eyes, contemplating his answer. “’Cuz one morning I woke up in bed next to this girl, and I didn’t even know her name,” he said. “That kinda bothered me, so I decided to cool my jets for awhile.”