Passions Unleashed

By Donna Kelli

Having won scholarships to different colleges, with miles and hours between them, Lori Hunter and Julie Conners continue trying to enjoy their relationship. However, with passions unleashed by others surrounding them, they struggle to keep their love for each other.

from Passions Unleashed...

With her long-awaited prize so imminent, Jodi Nelson's knees felt weak. Her heart beat faster as she cautiously climbed on the bed with Lori. "Oh my God, I'm so close to you ." Slowly she put her hand up and, with trembling fingers, lightly touched Lori's left arm. Her heart skipped a few beats as she dared to let her fingers slide up and down along silky, bare skin. The sensation of Lori's skin made her feel shaky all over.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 17, 2009
• ISBN: 9781467870856

Donna Kelli

Donna Kelli resides in Virginia with her cherished partner. She enjoys writing novels, family visits, traveling, spontaneous adventures, dancing, games, sports, and woodworking. Donna hopes that her novels appeal to all women; maybe even helping to inspire young women to be more at ease with themselves and bringing wonderful memories to others.

Book preview

© 2009 Donna Kelli. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 6/15/2009

ISBN: 978-1-4389-8436-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4678-7085-6 (ebk)

Printed in the United States of America

Bloomington, Indiana

Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

About The Author

Also by the Author

Dedicated to K & D who have

brought me great love and joy,

and also to my partner, the Love of my Life.

Acknowledgements 

My greatest fortune in life has been to love and be loved in return by my very special family and by my incredible partner. She has been there for me through the writing of this book and its two predecessors, Hidden Feelings and Unbidden Desires. The saga of Julie Conners and Lori Hunter continues here in book #3,

Passions Unleashed.

Thanks to Valarie Waterson, editor and friend…for getting me started, so long ago.

A special thanks to Ruta Skujins, my editor, for sticking with me during busy times in her life. Her correction, suggestions, and humor have made this a better story.

My beta reader, Nicki Wachner, was the greatest! I enjoyed our many conversations and her humor and interesting observations made the rewriting more enjoyable.

Some very dear friends helped guide this sequel. Russie Tighe, Dr. Boots, and Teresa Perry offered helpful encouragement all along the way. Our countless discussions and re-reading of the story was invaluable to me.

Many thanks go to my technical advisors, Reg Taylor at CCI Graphics, Roberta Stokes, Professor emeritus at Miami Dade College, Sarah Kocek, volleyball player extraordinaire, and my Florida friends in education who kept me on track with the latest legal and sport information.

A special thanks to all the readers who took the time to contact me with your comments, compliments, and happy expectations for another sequel.

Chapter 1 

Lori Hunter decided she liked this car’s split-bench seat. Since there was no traffic on the lonely road, she unfastened her seat belt and lifted up the armrest. She scooted across the seat to sit closer to Julie as they drove toward State University. Lori buckled the middle belt and leaned back against the seat, musing about the past. After resolving several complicated problems, such as each giving up a boyfriend, they were now a definite couple.

She remembered falling in love with Julie at summer camp more than a year ago. Camp Foxmore had been the best place she’d ever visited. It had a beautiful lake, huge shady oak trees, all kinds of sports activities…and Julie.

She’d never met anyone like Julie. Her girlfriend loved ballet and was not really into sports. However, Julie had always tried her best and Lori had loved playing with her or against her in any camp activity. The two of them had just finished working as assistant counselors for several weeks this summer, at the camp. It was August of 1986 and they had left camp earlier than usual this summer because both were starting college.

Lori had to be on her campus this afternoon. Attending different colleges at least six hours apart, loomed ahead of them. Running her fingers through the loose curls of her short black hair, she tried not to worry about the long separation they faced.

Lori put her arm around Julie’s shoulders and admired her profile. She had a petite, upturned nose, pouty pink lips, and a nice chin. Her shoulder-length blonde hair and blue eyes complimented her graceful figure and elegant neck.

Lori said, Hey, Miss Conners, you look pretty cute behind the wheel.

Grinning, Julie replied, Why thanks, Miss Hunter, but if you move any closer, you’ll be in my lap.

Would that be bad?

No, except that there’s a black car about to pass me, so you’d better behave.

Lori looked back and said, Nice car …a shiny new Mercedes. The car sped up beside them and held its position as the short woman driver seemed to stare at them.

Julie looked out and said, Oh, no, she can see how close we are, Lori.

POW! Something sounded like a loud gunshot and the black car swerved toward them. BANG! The front right fender of the Mercedes crashed into Julie’s side of the car and she screamed. Lori automatically held Julie even tighter around her shoulders and put her right foot up on the dash to brace herself.

Julie had both hands on the wheel and her foot pressed hard on the brake to slow their car down, hoping the Mercedes would slide past them. Steering hard left against the other car, she tried her best to stay on the pavement. However, when her right front tire went off the pavement onto the soft, sandy shoulder, her dad’s Buick lurched several feet to the right. Her back tire caught in the sand, too, and Julie screamed again as their car skidded sideways and slammed violently against the guardrail. Julie was practically standing on the brake pedal now, with one foot on top of the other.

Jeez! said Lori, still trying to brace herself and hold Julie away from the steering wheel, as the car bumped and scraped along its passenger side. They were being sandwiched in between the Mercedes and the guardrail, and it sounded like a train wreck. Their car dragged along violently until the black one loudly ground on past them. The battered Buick came to a screeching stop near the end of the hundred foot long rail while the other car veered off the road to the right, just in front of them. It barely missed the end of the guardrail and skidded headlong into the weeds between several large trees.

Julie looked terrified as she fumbled to put the gearshift in park.

Julie, are you okay? said Lori, checking her lover’s beautiful face for any scratch marks or blood.

Yes, I …think so, she replied, crying and trembling violently.

Lori turned her a little, took her in both arms, and held her tightly.

Julie blurted, My dad’s car! It’s all banged up on both sides.

Yeah, but you’re not hurt, right? Lori undid both seat belts and pulled her closer.

Julie turned more toward Lori and, sobbing harder, put her head on her shoulder. They stayed like that for a few precious seconds.

Between softer sobs Julie said, I don’t seem to hurt anywhere, but how about you?

I’m fine, said Lori, glancing toward the path the Mercedes had taken.

Still teary-eyed, Julie looked toward the woods, too, and asked, Do you think that woman is hurt? I don’t think she hit any trees. Then she said, My dad is going to kill me.

No, he won’t. He’ll be glad, just like I am, that you weren’t hurt. Look, Julie, here comes that lady. She’s limping a little, but she seems fine.

Julie leaned away from Lori. She does seem okay, but I know she saw us hugging just now.

It was a natural thing for us to do, Julie. Come on …let’s see if the doors on your side work. This side is tight up against the rail.

Neither door would open, nor would three of the electric windows. Only Lori’s window went down and then Julie finally turned off the ignition.

The woman walked around to the backside of the guardrail calling, Are you girls all right? Are you hurt?

No, we’re okay so far, said Lori as she climbed out the passenger window. After she’d helped Julie climb out the same window and step down on the guardrail, she asked, Are you okay, Ma’am?

Yes, other than I was scared half to death. I’m so sorry I hit you. I don’t know what happened. I heard a loud noise and then I lost control of my car. Are you sure you’re both okay?

We seem to be fine, said Lori. I think you had a blowout.

Oh, she sighed, I’ve never had one before. That was scary, especially since it’s a brand new car. By the way, my name is Helene Warner.

I’m glad you’re okay, too, Mrs. Warner. This is Julie and I’m Lori.

Feeling weak in the knees from the traumatic event, Julie couldn’t believe that the woman wasn’t hurt either. As she stared at her, Julie guessed the svelte, attractive woman was about forty-five. Her short, well-styled, ash-blonde hair was mussed slightly, but her beautiful blue suit was immaculate. She had intelligent, warm gray eyes that took in everything. Julie smiled, glad that the woman’s face wasn’t injured, because it was evident that Mrs. Warner had been quite beautiful when she was younger. While wearing expensive-looking high- heel shoes, she was about 5’5", Julie’s height. Julie saw that one heel was broken off, and Mrs. Warner held it tucked in her left hand. Julie also noticed the huge diamonds on the interesting lady’s ring finger.

While Julie and Mrs. Warner chatted, Lori climbed back in the passenger window and started the Buick. Turning the wheel even more to the left, she tried inching the car forward.

Julie held her ears as the car scraped along for a few feet and then broke free of the rail. When Lori stopped and climbed back out, they looked the car over. It was badly damaged from front to back on both sides.

"My dad is going to kill me."

No, said Mrs. Warner. I have my cell phone. When I stop shaking, I’ll call him and tell him how you saved his car from being a total wreck. And, I’ll make sure the expenses to fix it are fully covered.

Thanks, said Julie, wondering who this very classy woman was. That would be great.

Julie saw Lori grin, and she watched fondly as a deep dimple appeared and then disappeared. She could tell that Lori liked the woman in spite of the accident.

And, said Mrs. Warner, noticing how intensely Julie watched Lori, I’ll make sure your dad has a rental car the whole time, beginning today. You can’t drive this disaster along the highway.

Lori smiled even more at that and Julie fell in love with her again, for about the fortieth time. For a moment, Julie slid back to their time at summer camp and especially their nighttime experiences in the little rowboat.

What is his phone number?

Lori reached in through the open passenger window to get a notepad and a pen from the glove box. She handed them to Julie. While Julie wrote down the information for Mrs. Warner, Lori walked through the weeds to Mrs. Warner’s car. The right front tire was flat but the crunched fender did not touch it. The keys were still in the ignition and she started the engine.

Julie and Mrs. Warner followed and watched as the back wheels slowly spun in a sandy spot when Lori tried to back it up. Where is everyone when you need them? Lori asked, putting down the window.

I know, said Julie. Not one car has passed by.

You’re right, said Mrs. Warner, in a perturbed voice. Frowning, she said, Well, let me call for two wreckers.

A few minutes later Mrs. Warner said, Bad news. It will take an hour for him to arrive and worse yet, they only have one wrecker in this area.

Sighing, Lori looked at her watch and realized their delay could last for hours. She thought for a minute, turned off the ignition, got out, then walked back out to the Conners’ Buick, and tried the trunk. Luckily, it opened. She found a sturdy rope with a large hook at each end. Next, she walked around to the front of the car, bent down and looked underneath at its chassis.

Mrs. Warner moved to stand by Julie and asked, Is she always like this, just taking over and trying to solve problems?

Yes, that would be Lori, said Julie, flushing with a warm, pleasant feeling much like pride of ownership.

Mrs. Warner and Julie followed as Lori walked through the weeds, knelt down, and looked under the Mercedes. She reached under the back of it and hooked the rope to the frame. Then she walked back to their car, climbed in the window, and chugged it off the road’s shoulder and through the weeds until it was close behind the Mercedes. Both women moaned in sympathy as Lori got down on her back, reached way under the front of the Buick, and attached the other hook.

Lori got up, gathered a lot of loose brush, and stuffed it under the back wheels of the Mercedes. She brushed herself off and asked, Mrs. Warner, would you please get in your car and slowly, gently drive backwards as I try to pull you out?

Lori started towing the big car backwards and, within ten minutes, the Buick and the Mercedes were back on the shoulder of the paved road. She turned on the Buick’s hazard lights and got out.

Well, here’s the reason for your blowout, said Lori, checking the flat tire. There was a six inch, jagged piece of angular metal protruding from the rubber.

Wow, said Julie bending down to see it.

That’s ugly, said Mrs. Warner, looking over her shoulder.

Ever change a tire before? asked Lori as she retrieved the jack from the trunk of the Mercedes.

Both women shook their heads and shared a look of reluctance to do it.

Hm-m, then I guess you’ll just have to cheer me on. If I can do it, we’ll at least save some time.

Julie was impressed that Lori knew what to do and nodded in agreement.

Mrs. Warner said, She’s quite something.

After Julie finished her phone conversation with her dad, Mrs. Warner explained everything to him, all over again, in detail. Julie got back on the phone again and when he was finally convinced that neither she nor Lori was hurt, Julie hung up.

As they watched Lori changing the tire, Mrs. Warner asked, Where were you headed, Julie?

I’m dropping her off at State University. Lori has a volleyball scholarship there. The players have to move into their dorms early to start practice.

Oh, and you?

I’ll be driving back home and attending The Fine Arts Academy. My classes start in a week and a half.

Also on scholarship?

Yes, luckily.

That’s wonderful. What is Lori’s major?

Physical Education, with a minor in Psychology.

After a few minutes of silence, Mrs. Warner said, So you won’t be going to school together. That has to be hard.

Julie looked down and managed, Yes, it will be. She knows about us. I know she knows.

They got quiet and watched as Lori tightened the final lug nut and lowered the car the last little bit.

Mrs. Warner gave the Mercedes a quick test drive, U-turned, came back, U-turned again, and parked safely on the shoulder of the road. She said, Well, I’m impressed. Come on …get in. Let’s wait in here.

Lori, perspiring a bit said, Ah-h, the air conditioning feels good.

Yeah, said Julie. I wonder if my dad’s still works.

It did when I started the car, Julie. Don’t worry, it looks like a total wreck, but the sides can be fixed.

Thank goodness, said Julie, at least this car is mostly dusty and only dented on one side.

Right, said Mrs. Warner, and now, thanks to you, Lori, I feel I can drive it. After I reach my destination, I’ll worry about its appearance. Meanwhile, when we get farther up the road, we’ll get you that rental car.

Thanks, said both girls as two cars finally passed them by.

Girls, how about we get your stuff loaded into my car?

Mrs. Warner opened her trunk and said, I’m having your dad’s car towed back to the garage he told me about near your home.

Wow, that’s far, said Julie.

Oh well, said Mrs. Warner, it’s better this way. Then he can check on it more easily.

Right, said Julie revealing a beautiful smile, with his favorite mechanic. Thanks, Mrs. Warner.

It’s the least I can do since I’ve ruined your whole day.

No, not ruined, said Lori with a little grin, just delayed.

Is there anyone you should call, Lori?

Yes, if you don’t mind …my dad and my coach.

The wrecker driver checked the Mercedes and agreed that it would be okay to drive. He made a U-turn with the Conners’ Buick in tow, and headed back toward Grove City. The girls rode off in the opposite direction with Mrs. Warner to the next town.

After they had selected a car at the rental agency and re-packed, Mrs. Warner handed Lori and Julie one of her business cards and said, If you young ladies ever need anything, just call. You are both very sweet and I’m so glad you weren’t hurt. Thanks Julie, for keeping your dad’s car from crashing into that rail and then spinning out at me. That could have been deadly.

Julie blushed and said, You’re welcome.

And thanks for all your help, Lori.

Thanks, yourself, Ma’am, grinned Lori as Julie stood beside her.

No, I’m serious. I’m used to office conditions where committees meet but never seem to get much done. It’s a welcome change for me to see someone who sees a problem, thinks of a solution, and then follows it through.

Never one to accept compliments easily, Lori blushed a little, looked down, and said, You’re welcome.

Bye, said Julie. Drive safely.

Mrs. Warner drove off waving. Julie looked at her card and asked, Lori, did you look at her card?

No, why?

Do you know who she is, Mrs. Warner, I mean?

No, who?

She’s Mrs. Helene Warner …of Warner, Warner, and Smith. They have businesses all around the world.

How about that, said Lori, looking affectionately at the young woman she loved. "No wonder she’s got the newest car and a cell phone."

Julie said, I liked that she didn’t seem stuck up at all.

Me, too. C’mon, Miss Conners, we still have a long drive. As Lori opened her car door and got in, she sighed and made a face.

What?

"Without that wonderful bench seat, I’m going to spend a lot of my time just sitting way over here, looking at your beautiful profile."

Chapter 2 

June North walked along the path to State University’s main office. It was a beautiful, sunny Tuesday morning and she felt happy. She was now a graduate assistant in physical education working on her master’s degree in guidance and counseling. She thought about her schedule and the requirements of the fellowship. In addition to her own classes in guidance, she would be assisting Head Coach, Blair Olsen, with the women’s volleyball team and helping her teach an activities class. June knew she would have a very busy semester but she looked forward to it.

She entered the office and went behind the counter, realizing no one would question her use of the registrar’s computer. Scanning down the screen of freshmen women entering the P.E. program, June spotted Lori Hunter’s name and felt a shiver of anticipation.

Yes, she murmured under her breath, feeling almost giddy. June remembered how much fun she’d had interning at Lori’s high school only months ago and how very attractive the young athlete was. Lori was now 5’9" and taller than June by a few inches. She had an incredibly lithe body and striking good looks.

June’s own honey-brown eyes twinkled and then got a far-away look when she thought about Lori’s beautiful face. The girl had the most incredible, light hazel-green eyes June had ever seen. If it wasn’t for the long, thick black lashes covering them, a person could just stare for a while and get lost in them. Unfortunately, June had never had long enough to do just that. Smiling, she pictured Lori’s alluring lips and her short, shiny black hair that fell in soft curls.

June twirled a finger in the soft curls of her own hair. She recalled the fun times she’d had with Lori in lifesaving class. The high school senior had felt wonderful in her arms when June taught her to break, escape, and survive the front stranglehold. The memory of hugging her, chest to chest and cheek to cheek in the water, brought definite sensations to June’s body. Forbidden sensations, she knew, since Lori would be her student once again.

Her reverie stopped short as her eyes settled on two specific dorm room assignments: Jodi Nelson, senior, room number one. Lori Hunter, freshman, room number two. That means Jodi will be right next door and sharing Lori’s bathroom. Over my dead body, because Jodi strains the rules to the limit!

June thought back to last year. Jodi, who was then a junior, had been a line judge for the various high school tournaments. As part of her officiating class at State University, Jodi had been at many of the final matches and had hung around Lori constantly.

Lori had not seemed to respond to the aggressive girl’s compliments or even her attempts to take her out on a date. However, June knew how persistent and persuasive Jodi Nelson could be. The six-foot tall volleyball player had managed to have brief affairs with three young co-eds at State in her junior year alone and left a trail of broken hearts behind her. Fortunately, none of the three had been on the women’s volleyball team or it could have affected State’s winning season. June printed out the sheet and walked down the hall to the housing office. She came out smiling. A new sheet now read, Lori Hunter and roommate, room number six. That would put her down the hall and next to two different seniors, Tracy Bryan and Mary Lou James.

Feeling better, June headed to the gym to see what her first task of the morning would be. The volleyball players arrived today and she would be helping them get settled in their dorm rooms.

During the long walk to the gym, her thoughts returned to Jodi Nelson. June was a full year ahead of Jodi and already good at counseling others. Many young women sought her out for advice. One of Jodi’s conquests had come to talk to June near the end of the semester and then brought the other two with her. They had not appreciated being dumped, and they’d had lots to say. June had consoled them and prevented parental complaints in the university office. However, she knew Jodi still resented her for getting involved at all.

Coach Blair Olsen watched June enter her office. Not one for much idle conversation, the tall, handsome woman with short, wavy, salt-and-pepper hair said, Hey June, I need you to go to the airport and pick up a freshman, Lucinda Tillman, at noon. Then, when you get back, help her, and anyone else you see, get settled in and introduced around. I’ll be back and forth doing the same. Make sure everyone gets to eat and that they’re aware of our meeting in the gym tonight at 8:00 p.m. Remind them about the trip tomorrow, too, okay?

Okay, no problem. After a pause, June said, Uh, Coach, I put Lori Hunter and her roommate down by Tracy instead of next to Jodi.

You did?

Yes. You see, I was present several times when Jodi attempted to ask her out during the final high school tournaments.

Really?

Yes, and Jodi seemed smitten with Lori. She was very persistent. I don’t want Lori to end up like the other girls.

Ah, said Olsen. So do you think it will become a problem? I mean, with people being smitten with Hunter?

Oh, I uh, I hope not, but maybe. She’s a good player …no, a great player and she has a terrific personality.

Anything else? asked the wise, older coach, remembering how June had gone on and on about Lori at scholarship awarding time.

Uh, no, but do you mind?

Mind what?

Do you mind that I switched her room?

No, I don’t mind that. Just let Tracy know that Lori has been moved, and why. She’s taking Sonia Garcia’s place temporarily. Sonia is our new resident assistant and her plane has been delayed. It’s a real pain not to have the R.A. arriving until the middle of the night.

They sat in the office going over each girl’s class schedules and some immediate chores for June. The phone rang and Olsen answered it. When she hung up, she said, That was Hunter. She’s driving in with a friend who needs to spend the night. They were involved in a traffic accident, but they’re okay.

Olsen watched as June froze and got a worried look on her face.

They’ll just be late, Olsen assured her, maybe around 6:00 p.m. How about keeping an eye on the parking lot for them and in the meantime, see about arranging for a cot, okay?

Sure, said June, looking off in the distance.

I’ll need you to meet Pauline Lyon at the airport at 7:30 tonight. Do you remember what she looks like? She’s an attractive gal, with short, jet black hair, a deep tan, and light blue eyes.

After several seconds had passed June nodded and said, Uh huh.

Olsen patiently watched June as she popped back into awareness.

I mean yes, of course Coach. I remember her. June got up and, with a quick wave, left the office saying, I’ll take care of everything and check in later to see what else you need, Coach. Bye.

While looking out the window, Olsen said aloud, Lori Hunter …hm-m, I wonder what she’s got that attracts both Jodi and June.

June walked out of the gym with mixed feelings. Lori would be on campus soon and that was great, but Coach had given her such an unusual look. She wondered how long the coach’s calm grey eyes had been staring at her. Did Olsen have a suspicion that she was, well, that she had feelings for the girl, too? Oh Lord, I know I’ll never get my real wish, but hopefully I’ll at least get to have a great year and lots of fun with Lori.

Just before 6:00 p.m., as they arrived on the huge campus, Julie took in the sight before her. She drove slowly to absorb the atmosphere. With beautiful oak trees everywhere, it reminded her of being at Camp Foxmore. She and Lori had spent two summers there and had enjoyed various activities, hiking, horseback riding, and swimming. Most important to her, they’d fallen in love there.

In a state of absolute reverie, she felt like getting out and walking the campus. This place says, ‘I am ancient, I hold knowledge, so come, and enjoy, said Julie. I love the brick walls and the vines growing all over them.

Lori directed her and they drove by the Student Union, other buildings and the huge gym. She pointed out the attractive two-story dorm, where the women volleyball players’ rooms were on the second floor. They easily found a place to park close to the building because hardly anyone was on campus this early in the year.

They were unloading Lori’s luggage and Julie recognized Miss North as she hurried to the car.

Hi, Lori. Glad you made it safely.

Hi, Miss North.

You can call me Coach, now, everyone will.

Oh…well …that will be hard, but okay.

Are you both really all right?

Yes, we’re fine. Do you remember Julie Conners? She’s my…uh, my…best friend.

Hi, Julie. Now I remember. You were a cheerleader and you dated that blond wrestler, Mike, but I never realized you were close friends with Lori.

Julie said, Nice to see you again, Miss…uh, Coach.

Well, welcome to State. Let’s get all this stuff up to Lori’s room and then we’ll go to the cafeteria and get some supper. You haven’t eaten yet, have you?

No, said Lori, and we’re starved.

Good, said June. I want to hear all about your mishap. Was anyone hurt? Are you sure you’re both okay?

They answered her questions as they followed her up the stairs.

Who’s my roommate? asked Lori.

Rita Lawson. She’s a freshman, too, from out west.

When they arrived at the second floor, a tall young woman with short brown hair opened her door quickly and stepped out, startling Julie.

Hi, Lori. I’ve been looking out the window, waiting for you, but why are you so late?

Oh, hi, Jodi. Well, we had a fender-bender, but no injuries.

Julie wasn’t surprised at how Lori minimized their frightening experience. She was getting used to it, but she wasn’t used to not being introduced. She saw that Coach North gave only a brief nod toward Jodi. The young coach then walked down the hall and knocked on door number six, but no one answered.

Those women haven’t arrived yet, said Jodi, moving down the hall with them. Ignoring Jodi completely, June opened the door with Lori’s new key. When Lori followed June into the room, Julie noticed that Jodi stopped in her tracks, frowning deeply.

Jodi asked, Is this your room, Lori? But, I thought … never mind. I’ll be right back.

Cursing under her breath, Jodi stormed back in her room and closed the door. She pounded numbers on the phone and tapped her foot, waiting.

Germaine? I thought you were going to put Lori Hunter in room two, by me! Jodi raked her fingers through her hair.

You did? Are you sure? But, she’s scheduled down the hall in room six! How can that be? Who could’ve… Suddenly her shoulders sagged and she knew the answer. A meddling person named June North had come upon the scene. Damn her!

And there’s no way you can change it now? Dammit to hell! Okay, Germaine. Thanks for trying. Bye.

Jodi returned to Lori’s room with her fists and her teeth still clenched. She stood in the doorway, just glaring from one person to the other, as they got Lori settled. She watched June closely and thought she detected a little smirk.

So-o, Jodi, asked Lori, cheerfully, how does it feel to be a senior?

Uh, good, Lori, Jodi managed. It feels good. She looked closely at Julie’s face for the first time and realized that she was more than beautiful. You didn’t introduce me to your friend. Jodi managed a forced smile. She looked Julie up and down critically, and said, Hi, I’m Jodi.

Hello, I’m Julie, nice to meet you, said the very pretty, young blonde, politely.

June finished putting Lori’s hanging bag in the closet and asked, Is that it? Can we go eat?

Yes, said Lori, I am really hungry. Would you like to come with us, Jodi?

Jodi almost accepted, but she said, No thanks, I’m not hungry. I’ll see you later at the meeting in the gym. Save me a seat.

After watching them leave, Jodi went in her room and slammed the door. She grabbed a sneaker from the floor and threw it at the wall. The only picture frame hanging there crashed down on the desk. Jodi stared at the cracked glass on her MVP award from her sophomore year. With a guttural growl and scowling horribly, she hurled the other sneaker at the wall even harder.

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After dinner, June left for the airport. Lori and Julie went back to the dorm and sat on Lori’s bed. As they were chatting, Tracy Bryan came in the open door with a clipboard and Lori stood up.

Oh, hi, said Tracy, looking confused. I’m just checking arrivals.

Hi, Tracy, remember me? I’m Lori Hunter.

Sure, Jodi and I visited your high school, only…

Only…what? asked Lori, getting a sick feeling in her stomach that she was not wanted here.

Well, I thought you and Jodi were …were …uh…

Oh, we’re going to meet her later in the gym. You’re going, too, aren’t you?

Sure, everyone has to go, said Tracy, with a big frown. Are you sure you’re in the right room?

Lori’s stomach did a chill, flip-flop thing, as she calmly answered, Well, I believe so. Here’s my print-out receipt.

When Tracy saw the paper, she smiled and said, Yes, I believe you will be my next door neighbor. Welcome! She put her hand on Lori’s shoulder and said, "It’s really great to see you again Lori, and I’ll love having you here."

Uh, who were you expecting? asked Lori.

Someone named Pauline, but I’ll just change the room numbers and this sheet should be up to date. I’m helping out because the resident assistant isn’t here yet.

Because of Tracy’s continuing smile, Lori got over the sick feeling and began to feel wanted and welcome.

Tracy, this is Julie Conners, my best friend. She drove me here and she needs to spend the night. Is that okay?

Sure. Hi, Julie. Are they bringing you a cot?

Hi. Yes, Coach North said somebody would.

Well, it’ll be fun to have you. Things are looking up. Are you ready to hike to the gym? It’s a pretty walk.

Both girls nodded.

"Let’s go get my roomie, Mary Lou. She’s next