Matt changed gears and drove forward, returning to the driveway. “Come on, I’ll give you a tour.” Matt helped Jorden out. “Watch your step.” He held onto her arm and guided her up the walkway. They entered the foyer while Matt flipped on the light. He led Jorden into a small living room which was sparsely furnished and then into the dining room. There was a large oval table and chairs but little else. “And now, our most used room, the kitchen.”

Jorden noticed it was a mess but the appliances looked new. The area seemed three times the size of her apartment’s kitchen. She could handle this amount of space. Looking around, she tried to spot a bathroom.

Matt seemed to read her thoughts. “I bet you’re looking for the bathroom. It’s this way.”

Jorden followed Matt down the hallway. “I see it. Thanks,” Jorden said as she darted into the room. Her eyes gazed around. It was pretty bad. Towels lay on the floor and clothes halfway out of the hamper. The sink had smears of toothpaste plastered to its edges. Still, Jorden used the facility. She ended up sitting on the closed toilet seat, wondering what she was doing here. She knew she had too much to drink. A loud knock sounded on the door.

“Are you okay? I need to use the bathroom.”

“I’m fine. I’ll be out in a minute.” Jorden got up, washed her hands and put a cool wash cloth on her face. She didn’t know who it belonged to—and at this point, she didn’t care.

The rest of the night was a blur. Jorden tried to block it out. Only the images and sensations were real. Jorden’s eyes fluttered open early, around four. Matt lay next to her. She turned on her side and noticed the outline of their clothes on the floor. He stirred while opening his eyes. Jorden’s guilt came through in her voice. “This can’t be happening again.”

“You’re right. We both had too much to drink. I’ll take the blame. Let’s get you home,” Matt offered.

“Let’s,” Jorden agreed in a softer tone, realizing it wasn’t all his fault.

Chapter 54: April 1970

Chapter 54

April 1970

The end of April brought changes for the roommates in Apartment 206. Darby and Emma Lynn decided not to renew their teaching contracts with the Muscogee County School District. Instead, they decided to leave Columbus, Georgia and move westward. At the beginning of July her roommates would drive to Colorado and look for teaching positions. Emma Lynn often danced around the apartment chanting, “Colorado Springs here we come!” Her spirits lifted after she put her relationship with Kyle in the past; at least, she appeared to make a good attempt.