I didn’t stay to see more than thirty seconds before I ran off. I could faintly hear their comments and their laughter. “Aww, poor Elly-phant.”

His voice was soft, bringing me back to the present, "I’m sorry you had to see that, Elly."

"I am too, but you can’t take back the past.” I shook my head to try to get rid of the memory. It only ever worked temporarily.

Kent shook his head as they came to the little coffee shop on campus. "You going to let me buy your coffee?" He no doubt switched the subject since we were getting close to other people.

"Um, no." I looked down at my feet. "Sorry, sorry I brought that up. I forget that I can't talk to you about everything."

He shook his head. "I just don't remember it at all. It's one of those things that I wished I could remember. Your first time is supposed to be special. At least memorable. Jen never told me exact details. Pretty much like now, she only tells me half of the things she's doing. Sometimes it just doesn't seem to add up or something." It seemed Kent was opening up a little more, getting more comfortable with himself. I was glad to see it. It was a nice change from his self-conscious high school self.

"I..." I shook my head, wondering if I should tell him anything at all about my social life. Of course I should. He’s my friend. I sighed, feeling stupid for even thinking of keeping him isolated from the rest of my life. "So, I'm uh...I'm singing at open mic night tomorrow. I figured I'd invite you and Jen to come see me. You know, if you want to." I shrugged softly as I stepped up to the coffee counter and ordered my chai tea. I paid in cash and then stepped aside so Kent could order. I figured changing the subject would be easier than telling my friend that he needed to get his head out of his ass and pay attention to his feelings. I wasn't very good at it either so I couldn't really fault him.

Kent nodded his head. "I'd like that. I’m sure I can convince Jen to go.”

I doubted it very much, but I nodded politely, anyway. "Good luck with that." I poked his side with my free hand. I shook my finger and winced, "Ouch. You're like a rock these days."

Kent chuckled as he ordered his drink. He lifted up his shirt to show his abs. "Not bad for a dorky kid, huh?" He let the shirt drop. His drink came up, and he took it in hand.

I tried not to stare, so I looked around instead. "Oh god, Kent. You're drawing the wolves’ attention. They're going to come maul you if you do that again." I grinned. "I'd show you my abs but then you'd just be super emasculated."