Bridge to a Distant Star - Carolyn Williford [115]
Michal interrupted, “No, actually, see … I’ve had a few experiences you haven’t had, Stephen.”
He appeared surprised at the novel thought. “Yeah? Like what?”
Though Michal had quickly asserted the existence of privileges, she went momentarily blank. And then the thought struck her. “Well, like you’ve been to zoos, I’m sure?”
“Oh, yeah. In Philadelphia, but also the National Zoo in DC. San Diego’s is super. Columbus, Ohio, has a great one. They’re known for the apes exhibit. So, do they have a good one in Ethiopia?”
Michal grinned. “Actually, I meant that when you’re in Ethiopia, you don’t have to go to a zoo. The animals are all around you.”
“Oh. Cool. Like what’s there?”
“Colobus monkeys. They’re amazing creatures. And I’ve seen ostriches in the wild.”
“Well. I never thought of that. Well … hey, I’d better go. Gotta get unpacked. Mom sent so many snacks with me I brought a whole separate suitcase just for food. Bags of chips, candy bars, cookies, energy bars … you name it.”
“My aunt sent food with me too. But it’s all homemade. Things like brownies. Chocolate chip cookies. Snickerdoodles—I just love those, don’t you?” Stephen abruptly stood up and she joined him. He was almost to the door, had turned his back to her when she added, “Well, it’s back to the grind tomorrow.”
He stopped, his eyes darting around the room. Surveying it for other students—and finding no one else present—he reached out and grabbed Michal to him. Without warning, like the last time, came the urgent kiss.
It took Michal’s breath away. There was the sudden thrill of being in a man’s arms, a tall and very good-looking man’s arms. The intoxicating feel of being wanted in a physically sensual way. The almost giddy sense of being overpowered by someone who was attractive to her.
“I just know God wants us to enjoy this closeness,” he muttered under his breath. “I’ve prayed about it, our intimacy.” And just as abruptly as he’d taken her into his arms, he let her go. “See you later.”
Michal stood there, blinking, realizing how strange she felt. Exposed. For others had come into the lounge by then, witnessing Stephen’s kiss.
Deeply embarrassed, Michal could feel herself blushing profusely. And she fled.
By the time she got back to the suite, most of the students had scattered to get ready for classes the next day. But her own suitemates peered curiously at her.
“How was it?”
“Was Allistair glad to see you?”
Determined to give only the briefest of responses, Michal replied, “It wasn’t Allistair, actually. It was Stephen.”
Disappointed faces and groans all around.
“No. Really, it was good to see Stephen.” Michal closed the door and immediately looked into Beth’s questioning eyes. “Not you, too?”
“Michal. Stephen’s no Allistair.”
“No, he’s not. Maybe he’s … better.” Michal let it go, electing to entice Beth instead. “Aunt Sarah sent chocolate, Beth. Chocolate chip cookies. Brownies. Fudge even.”
Her roommate’s eyes widened considerably. “Get that box over here before I drool all over the place, will you?”
They laughed, Michal hoping the trip to her grandparents had been exactly what Beth needed. She handed Beth the box of treats, feeling the worry she’d carried for her roommate ease away.
It wasn’t long, however, before a new set of worries settled in. Allistair didn’t call. As late afternoon wore away to evening, she ate far too much chocolate in her anxiousness. Fidgeted. Began dropping things. Until Beth, exasperated, finally said, “Okay, spill it. What’s up with you?”
Michal shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know.”
“Oh, yeah, you do. It’s about Allistair, isn’t it?” Michal gave Beth a look of amazement. “Oh good grief. Don’t look so surprised. Doesn’t take a genius to see right through you. You really