The Circle of Friends

II - Someone Special-2

They returned to campus after midnight. Matt remained unsure of his impression on Sarah. He could not interpret her signals. Either acting indifferent on purpose or just not interested, her vibes were anything but encouraging. Matt thought he’d found someone whose company he could enjoy and felt disappointed.

As they pulled up outside her dorm, Matt decided to cut his losses and just let her out by the front door. Sarah glanced at the building, her mind still fighting with itself. She eyed Matt with expectation as he put on the parking brake.

“Well, I had a good time,” he said, trying to sound cheerful. His brown eyes met hers and Matt sighed. “I guess that makes one of us.”

“Matt…” began Sarah.

She closed her eyes and looked away from his anxious expression. This was the moment of truth. If she believed Matt’s sincere interest in her, then this was an opportunity she couldn’t afford to lose.

“Matt, I had a great time,” she admitted, her gaze traveling to a couple as they passed the car. “Can you park for a minute?” she said.

“Sure,” he said, turning the steering wheel.

He located a secluded spot in the parking lot and turned off the engine. Leaning his left arm on the wheel, Matt gave Sarah his full attention.

“Okay, I’m sorry, I guess I’m still in shock,” she told him, rushing her words. “I mean, why on earth you would want to go out with me… well, maybe I don’t want to know. But believe me, I really did enjoy tonight.”

“You were starting to make me wonder there,” said Matt with a chuckle. “Thought I was gonna get my ego bruised again.”

“Well, anyone who’d turn you down is an i***t,” Sarah said. Her reply more candid than she’d intended, she caught her breath and regarded Matt with anxious eyes.

“Thanks,” he said. “So, does this mean we can see each other again?”

“Sure, you can fall asleep in my bed anytime. But only after I’ve had a chance to beat you at Mortal Combat first.”

Matt smiled. “Deal,” he agreed, nodding his head.

Sarah returned his eager grin. When she made no move to exit the vehicle, he reached for her hand. This time she returned his grasp and tilted her chin. Leaning closer, he bent to give Sarah a kiss. Rewarded with a warm and passionate kiss, Matt felt her hand go to his neck, and he embraced her tight. This was a complete reversal of what he had expected ten minutes ago, and it pleased.

Eventually they exited the car and he walked her inside. Concerned Heather might be in their room, Matt resisted the urge to follow Sarah upstairs. He gave her a parting kiss goodnight and told her he looked forward to seeing her again soon.

As she bounded up the stairs to her floor, Sarah realized she was eager to spend another evening with Matt, too.

Heather did not ask where she’d gone Friday night, and Sarah didn’t volunteer any information. She and Matt were just dating right now and she preferred not to get any unsolicited advice from her roommate. Heather had shared Matt’s bed once or twice in the past and might think Sarah was doing the same. While she wasn’t opposed to the concept, Sarah didn’t want Heather to get the wrong idea.

On Sunday, Matt called and asked if she wanted to watch the race. The boys in his dorm had gathered in front of the rec room’s big screen TV, giving their brains a break from studying. Taking Sarah’s request for discretion to heart, he gave no one the impression they were more than just friends. However, he did sit beside her and took every opportunity to give Sarah a playful nudge or a quick touch. When the race ended, Matt escorted Sarah to her dorm, slipping in a couple kisses before saying goodbye.

Sarah had already decided she enjoyed kissing Matt. His expertise in that area was indisputable. She wondered if she’d get to experience more of him once finals ended and they returned home to Greenville.

While stressful for most students, final exams caused Sarah little hardship. Granted the tests were more difficult than high school, but as she’d discovered last semester, it was nothing she couldn’t handle. She had to chuckle at Matt, though. When he called on Wednesday, Matt sounded as if he were struggling with his studies.

By Friday, Matt felt the strain. He and his roommate, Mike, had spent the entire evening hitting the books. Matt’s concentration had begun to wane, but Mike showed no sign of fatigue.

Both brain and brawn, Mike had more than earned a football scholarship with his consistent study habits and perfect grades. He enjoyed reading and doing assignments, which amazed Matt. Even now, Mike bobbed his head to the music on their stereo. He appeared as relaxed as if watching TV and Matt envied his clever roommate.

After staring at his textbook and computer screen for over six hours, he felt tired and depressed. Glancing at the clock, Matt wondered if it was too late to call Sarah. He needed a diversion if he wanted to absorb any more tonight. It was eleven o’clock, but Sarah struck him as a night owl.

He dialed her number, hoping she wouldn’t mind the interruption. He was greeted with a warm and enthusiastic hello.

“Hey, Sarah,” he replied, pleased to hear her voice. “Are you real busy?”

“No. What’s up?”

“Just needed to hear a friendly voice,” he told her, rubbing his eyes. “These books are killing me.”

Sarah chuckled. “Haven’t hit brain fry yet, have you?”

“Darn near close. Just need a break.”

There was a pause. “Well,” began Sarah, “want to come over here for a little while?”

“I’d love to. What about Heather?”

“She’s hitting the books with some friends of hers. Won’t be back for hours.”

“Sounds good to me, then. These numbers are all running together, anyway,” he moaned.

“Whatcha stuck on?” she said.

“Math. My favorite subject.”

“Well, math is one of my best subjects. Bring your book. Maybe I can help.”

“Can’t pass up that offer,” said Matt with a grin. “I’ll be right over.”

Closing his phone, he scooped the book off his desk. Turning off his light, Matt rose to his feet and turned to his roommate.

“I’m gonna get some help with this,” he said.

Mike turned around and smiled. Matt had been blessed with a great roommate. Neither intrusive nor distant, his generous, peaceful nature and great sense of humor were what Matt desired in a friend. While not replacing Jason as his best friend, Mike had become a reliable and trustworthy confidant.

“That dark haired girl that was here on Sunday?” he said, tossing the blonde curls from his face. “She’s cool. Cute, too.”

“Yes, she certainly is,” agreed Matt, his voice firm.

Mike laughed. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then,” he called as Matt headed for the door.

When he reached Sarah’s dorm room, he heard music thumping on the other side of the door. It sounded very similar to the tunes Mike had been playing in their room. After his comment regarding Sarah, Matt decided to keep Mike away from her for a while. He didn’t need the competition. Knocking loudly, Matt heard the volume drop. Sarah opened the door, a genuine smile reflected in her eyes.

“Need some detoxing?” she said, gesturing for him to enter.

“Yes,” said Matt, locking the door behind him.

Stepping into her room, he sighed and took a seat on the edge of her bed. Sarah grabbed the book out of his hands and flopped down beside Matt.

“So, what did you need help with?” she asked him, thumbing through his textbook.

“Right now, just help me relax,” Matt implored.

Closing his book, Sarah regarded him with sympathy. Matt appeared stressed, his shoulders heavy from fatigue. The sparkle in his eyes returned as he removed the book from her hands, though. He tossed it on the floor and Sarah heard the book land with a resounding thud.

Matt threw his arms around Sarah and pulled her onto the bed. Sarah let out a joyful cry as they hit the comforter, their feet still touching the floor. Matt drew her close and she found her head lying on his chest. He took a deep breath and sighed, letting his eyes close.

“Much better,” he said. “This is what I needed.”

“Watch out, or you’ll fall asleep again,” Sarah cautioned, looking up at him.

Matt grinned. “And what’s wrong with that?” he said, his eyes still closed.

Sarah rested her head, content to lie still for a moment. She could feel his chest rise and fall as he breathed. Her hand lay across his ribcage and she could feel Matt’s heartbeat through his t-shirt. She began to move her fingertips across his chest, enjoying the feel of his lean body. However, when she strayed too close to his side, Matt jumped.

“Hey! None of that,” he said with a laugh.

“Ticklish are we?” Sarah said, grinning wickedly. She brought her other hand up to his side and this time, Matt really jumped.

“Come on,” he said, pulling away from her fingers.

Encouraged by his ticklish nature, Sarah went after him full force. She had Matt writhing uncontrollably in no time. His delightful laugh bordered on hysteria as he tried to escape. He lunged at her and grabbed Sarah’s wrists. They both laughed as he pushed her against the pillows at the head of the bed. Matt tried in vain to pin her arms over her head, but Sarah was too much of a wiggler. She kept twisting and breaking free from his grasp. In total exasperation, Matt flung his body across hers. In doing so, he felt he’d at last gained control of the situation.

“Give up?” he said, his elbows pressed against hers and his body across her midriff.

“Do you?” she said, almost crying with laughter.

Matt was laughing, too and the fire had returned to his eyes. The whole situation was silly and Matt felt revived. As their laughter subsided, they became aware of their position and the proximity of each other’s body. Still smiling, Matt’s eyes grew intense as he viewed Sarah close, taking in every aspect of her face and beautiful green eyes. Their breathing slowed and Sarah found herself staring at the last boy she thought would ever pursue her.

Sliding his arms off hers, Matt moved in closer to kiss her. Sarah’s response was immediate, and he released her wrists, his hands grasping hers tight. Drawing strength from her eagerness and the heart he felt beating against his chest, Matt continued to kiss Sarah. Lost in a moment of passion, Matt wanted to do far more than just kiss and pulling away required every ounce of self-control.

Having concluded that he liked Sarah, Matt did not want to rush into anything too soon. Sarah regarded him with wide eyes, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Matt’s expression changed from desire to one of genuine joy and surprise. Releasing the breath he’d been holding, he smiled at Sarah. Giving her a final brief kiss, he sat upright before temptation overpowered him.

Sarah retrieved Matt’s book from the floor. Stretching out on her bed, they began going over the chapters one by one. Sarah grabbed a notebook and pen and attempted to explain some of the more complicated equations. At first, Matt was frustrated and proclaimed he would never master calculus. Demonstrating an amazing amount of patience, Sarah continued to go over it with him until he appeared to grasp the material.

Feeling triumphant but unable to absorb any more information, Matt moaned and rolled on his side. The hour was late, but tomorrow was Saturday and he could sleep until noon. Sarah closed his book and reached up to turn on her television. Rolling off the bed, she set everything on the floor and retreated to the bathroom.