Kyla suddenly shows up with three mugs of coffee. “The joe is actually decent.” She passes out cups. “Hey, Carmen, do you know who my roommate is?” She wonders from behind the mug. “Ha, yeah. It’s Spencer Carlin. By the way, I got that good word put in for you…” Carmen trails off. “Thanks. If there’s anything I can do to remunerate let me know.” Kyla throws a ten dollar word on the table. “If you mean pay me back then meet me by the lake at seven.” The bell rings interrupting Kyla’s reply.

Ashley leaves them to flirt. Her first class is Algebra, where she sleeps with her eyes half open. Second is French where she kicks back and listens to the teacher prattle on about the basics. Third is Creative Writing, they start with a short story. And last off is Chemistry. Ashley loves science. She gets seated behind a blonde girl with beautiful hair. Ashley gets lost in the golden river. “Ms. Davies,” Ashley looks up. “What was the question?” “Perhaps Ms. Carlin can inform you seeing as she seems to be holding your attention.” Ashley pleads with the girl through her eyes. “Which gases does the sun burn for its energy?” “Hydrogen and Helium…” She says this directly to Ms. Carlin having forgotten about the teacher at the sound of her voice. “Correct. Next time pay attention.” She looks into the Carlin girl’s deep blue eyes. “Thanks for that. Name’s Ashley.” She whispers when the teacher is gone. “Any time.” The girl turns around again, her hair swishing past Ashley’s face in a golden wave.

At lunch Carmen and Kyla are chatting about theater as Ashley scans the lunch room for Ms. Carlin. “Who are you looking for?” Kyla asks startling her. “No one. I’m just looking.” Ashley says. “What’s her name? Is she hot? If she is I might know her.” Carmen talks through her sandwich. “Why do you assume I like her?” Ashley is defensive. “If you didn’t you’d go find her.” Kyla says. “Her last name is Carlin. She’s in my Chemistry class.” Ashley mumbles. They both give her a look. “What?” “Weren’t you at breakfast? She’s my roommate and her first name is Spencer. Didn’t you listen?” Kyla scolds her. “Spencer…” She likes the way that feels coming out of her mouth. Carmen whispers something to Kyla. “Should we tell her?” “No, let her suffer a bit first.” Kyla giggles.