It was quite a night. Jorden and Matt strung two long laurels of popcorn which they placed impressively over the lower limbs of the tree. Many smaller strands were placed above theirs, emphasizing the number of people who had added their contribution to the tree. Matt was the first to leave around midnight.

Jorden walked him out to the hall. “Thanks for coming.”

“My pleasure,” Matt replied. “How about seeing Easy Rider tomorrow night? I haven’t seen it since it was released.”

Jorden didn’t hesitate. “I’d love to.”

“Good. Pick you up around seven.”

Jorden waved as Matt disappeared down the stairs.

***

The next morning, Jorden looked up as Emma Lynn dragged herself upstairs after the night of partying.

“Where have you been?” Darby teased while she sipped a mug of coffee. Jorden stood in the kitchen pouring milk over her cereal.

“Nowhere—and everywhere,” Emma Lynn sighed.

“What’s up with you?” Sometimes Darby acted like an anxious mother hen, probing to find out more. “Are you okay?”

“I’m great. Never better. Do I look different?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Darby looked directly at Emma Lynn, awaiting an answer. The three roommates had become close; each watched out for the other.

“Nothing.”

“Nothing, my foot! I can see it in your eyes. Do you know what you’re doing? You hardly know Kyle.” Darby looked worried. “Now sit down and tell us what happened.”

Jorden forgot about her cereal and concentrated on the conversation as she stepped into the living room.

“I don’t know—only last night was heavenly. Maybe I’m getting in too deep, but I don’t care. Besides, you haven’t known Nate long, and you’re getting married in a few weeks.” Emma Lynn tapped her fingers on the couch, circling the ribbing on the upholstery. “How can you be an expert on timing?”

“I’m not. That’s true, but it’s different with us. Nate has already served his time in Vietnam. After two tours, he doesn’t seem worried about going back. Kyle, on the other hand, is probably worried about going over there,” Darby replied, trying to make her point.

“So! What does that have to do with how long you’ve known Nate?” Emma Lynn’s fingers stopped. She scowled at Darby.

“I can’t explain it; the deep feelings Nate and I have for each other.”

“And I don’t have the same feelings?” Emma Lynn protested.

“I didn’t mean to imply you didn’t. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.” Darby said with a compelling voice.

“Let’s have a truce,” Jorden exclaimed, sitting across from Emma Lynn and Darby. “Neither of you is making sense.”

Both roommates glared at Jorden as if she had no right to talk. Emma Lynn got up and retreated to Kyle’s apartment. Darby got up and went to her bedroom.