Some of the students took the whole period and others finished in less time. Nora and Cheryl were the last two to hand in their tests.

In between classes and during her planning hour, Jorden graded tests. She had gotten through a quarter of them by the end of the afternoon. She wanted to complete them before Alex arrived next Wednesday. He would be with her through the weekend. She couldn’t wait to see him.

After a marathon weekend of grading papers, Jorden was happy with the results. A few didn’t do well—but she expected some low scores. At least she finished them before Alex would arrive. She stopped by Jim Stone’s classroom first thing Monday morning.

“How’d your students do?” Jordan asked.

“I only got half graded and those students did fairly well. I can’t believe you’re done.”

“I have a lot going on this week and needed to get them finished,” she replied.

“No problem. I’ll get mine done by next week,” Jim said with a smile.

Finally, Wednesday arrived. Jorden got home from school at four and began doing some last minute cleaning.

“Jorden, why don’t you try and relax? This apartment is cleaner than it has ever been.” Madison laughed as she scolded Jorden.

“I need something to keep me busy,” Jorden said as she wiped the countertop one more time. “I thought he’d be here by now.”

“I’m leaving for Macon Friday afternoon, so you’ll have the apartment to yourselves for the weekend.”

“Thank you, Madison. I appreciate it.”

“So—is Alex going to be on the couch or in your room?”

“My room. This time my mother isn’t here!”

“Remember to be careful,” Madison reminded her.

Jorden saw a red Mustang pull in and stopped listening to her roommate. “He’s here.”

“I’m on my way to the mall. See you later.” Madison slipped out.

Light on his feet, Alex swept his duffle bag over his shoulder, skipped past the curb and headed to the apartment’s entrance.

Jorden had the door open when Alex reached the top step. He couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“What is it?” Jorden asked.

“You. I can’t believe how beautiful you are!” He lifted Jorden and twirled her around. “I feel intoxicated,” Alex murmured as he carried her into the living room.

She held on and whispered, “We’re safe.” Perfect timing—her period had ended yesterday.

The words were magical. Swiftly, he carried Jorden to her bedroom. Time was suspended. Exhausted, Jorden relished their closeness before she fell asleep.

Jorden woke up with hunger pains. She hadn’t eaten anything since lunch. It was too late to go out, so she got up and made a couple roast beef sandwiches. She was opening the refrigerator to grab the mayonnaise when she felt two arms wrap around her.

“Thank you. That was beautiful.”