Bridge to a Distant Star - Carolyn Williford [95]
Instantly curious, Michal raised an eyebrow. Like Michal, Beth had precious little money to spend on extravagances. Candy bars certainly weren’t expensive, but just the day before Beth was complaining she was completely broke—except for the exact amount of gas money to ride with another student to her grandparents’ home over spring break.
For Beth to claim a secret source was equally suspicious. She had the same circle of friends as Michal: suitemates and classmates. Michal knew them all—at least, she assumed so. And like Michal, Beth had steadfastly avoided any relationships with guys, stating emphatically she didn’t have time. And besides, both agreed guys were too immature, too simplistic, too much like … well, boys.
“Secret source? A guy maybe?” Michal probed, as she polished off the last of the chocolate, licking her fingers.
Beth shook her head and then lay down on the bed; she was taking such tiny bites she still had half of hers left. Pulling herself up onto one elbow, Beth gave Michal a hard stare. “You’re one to talk. What’s this about Allistair? And Stephen Jones?”
Michal sat at her desk. She spread out books and notebooks, situating them in the order needed to tackle assignments.
“You’re stalling, Michal. Spill it.”
Michal grinned at her, shyly. “Well … turns out Stephen’s not such a nerd after all. He’s really nice, actually. And without that awful hat, he’s pretty good-looking, too.”
Beth gave her a look of astonishment as she wadded up the wrapper and tossed it toward the trash can. “No way.”
“Seriously. He’s got nice blond hair.”
“But he scowls all the time, Michal. And he’s such a … such a hunchback. Honestly, the way he skulks around the campus. Gives me the creeps.”
“I know you won’t believe this.”
“What?”
“Stephen is more spiritually mature than Allistair.”
Beth laughed, scoffing. “Now you’re really losing it. Allistair’s what? President of the student body?” She scrunched her pillow, molding it just the way she liked.
Intently chewing on a nail, Michal merely nodded.
“And he’s on the best ministry team?”
Michal popped the finger out of her mouth, studying the nail’s ragged edge. “Told me they’re off to Georgia and North Carolina over spring break. He’s in the quartet. I’m pretty sure he preaches, too.”
“I know he does ’cause he’s taking Homiletics. All the guys in there are required to preach at least five times.”
“How on earth would you know that?”
“’Cause I tried to sign up.”
“For Homiletics?” Michal’s mouth dropped open. “No. You never told me that. Girls aren’t allowed, are they?”
“Apparently not. They wouldn’t let me in, anyway.” Beth yawned. “I’m getting sleepy. Hurry and tell me about your date with Allistair before I fall asleep.”
“Not gonna be any date.” Michal opened her notebook for New Testament, ruffled through the pages. “I’m really wondering if Allistair’s a fake, Beth. You wouldn’t believe what he said about today’s chapel speaker.” She noted Beth’s eyes were closed, her mouth slightly open. “Beth?”
When there was no answer, Michal sighed, concerned that Beth wasn’t studying for the exam. She chewed on the nail again—Michal reverted to the childish habit whenever feeling anxious—and studied until it was time for dinner. Noting Beth was still sound asleep, Michal tiptoed out the door, meeting her suitemates in the lounge.
Samantha gave Michal a look. “Beth not going with us?”
“She’s sleeping. I think she’s sick again.”
No one commented, but the quick glances indicated the four of them had discussed Beth earlier.
Eager to change the mood, Ruth gave Michal a friendly shove. “So are you going to tell us now about Allistair?”
“Yup.” But she stubbornly remained silent.
“Well?” from Ruth.
Samantha gave Michal a playful smack on the arm. “Michal.”
She glanced around, checking out who might overhear their conversation. “Let’s wait until we’re seated in the dining hall, okay? I don’t want anyone else to know about this.”
Jenny shook her head in amazement. “Anyone else on this campus—well, maybe not Beth—but anyone else would just