“Something, huh? It’s like this most weeknights. I do get peace on the weekends when my roommates are out on dates. Hold on, I’ll close off the kitchen.” Jorden slid the pocket door out of the wall.

“Much better. How are you doing?” Madison asked.

“Busy.”

“What kind of answer is that? Come on, be honest with me,” Madison pressed.

“I’m missing Alex!” Jorden declared. She could imagine Madison standing there with the phone in one hand and the other one on her hip.

“Have dinner with us Friday night. Luke has a study group at seven, so we’ll have time to catch up.”

“You bet!” Jorden’s mood instantly improved; Madison was a great sounding board. “I’ll come around five.”

Jorden was true to her word; she arrived on time. Luke was full of questions about Alex, the one topic Jorden loved to talk about. After dinner, Luke grabbed his backpack and was off to his study group.

“Delicious dinner,” Jorden commented after Luke left. “It’s great to get out of that apartment.”

“Anytime. How about a walk?” Madison suggested.

“I’m up for it.” Jorden reached for her sweater. The evening air was cooler since it was the first of November.

“Can’t believe Halloween is over. Did you get many kids?” Madison asked, opening the front door.

“None, our apartment complex isn’t much of a kid’s place. Of course, we did have a pumpkin party. Did you get many?”

“Almost sixty. Luke kept count. He’s so funny.” Madison broke out in a huge smile. Tall and willowy, she kicked the leaves as she swept her long, shiny black hair behind her ear.

Jorden watched her friend with envy. “You look happy.”

“I am. Having Luke back means everything to me. I don’t know what I’d do without him.” Madison looked directly at Jorden. “Now, tell me what’s happening with Alex. Has he heard anything about R&R?”

“December is out. It’s impossible. Maybe January or February, but nothing’s definite yet,” Jorden replied.

“He’ll get it. It just takes time. I’m so glad Luke is back from this awful war.”

“I wish Alex were back.” Jorden swallowed hard, hesitating before she spoke. “I need to ask a favor?”

“Name it.”

“If Alex gets R&R, I’ll need birth control pills. You know, doctors won’t prescribe them to single women. I can’t go through the worry of this past summer. Those were the longest months.”

“You’ve got it. My doctor just gave me a prescription for a year’s supply. A couple months’ worth should work for you.”

“Great!” Jorden sighed in relief.

“Now you’re getting smart. Have you said anything to Alex?”

“I’ll wait until we know if he gets R&R. I’m not sure how he’ll react.” Jorden skipped forward to miss a pothole.