Kaleidoscope

Chapter Forty-Four

Kim rubbed her eyes from the fatigue of studying for finals. The harsh glare of her study lamp had given her a headache, but she still had so much more to do. Just then her phone pinged with a message. She looked down and saw that it was a text from Danny. She caught a second wind and began to read his note. Moments later, a smile crossed her face. He was sorry he had been out of touch. He was away for a while but hoped to be home in a few weeks and had a lot to tell her.

Kim breathed a sigh of relief. When Danny had gone incommunicado, she thought her chances with him were over. Their last encounter hadn't gone as well as it could have. But, he apparently still wanted to see her, and she wondered what more he was going to share with her. She texted back that she was looking forward to seeing him after she got home for the summer. Then she went back to her books, warmth coursing through her body.

Her roommate, Tess, came in moments later to see the chaos Kim's desk was in. She, herself, had chosen the library to study in so they wouldn't be tempted to talk. They were still planning to room together next year and were seriously considering an apartment off campus. Tess had a line on a couple of vacancies which they planned to check out as soon as they had the time.

"Hey, girl, how's it going?" she said when Kim looked up. She knew Kim had been distracted of late and she hadn't mentioned Danny in a while. Tess hoped nothing was wrong. Kim, reading her thoughts, let her know that Danny had just texted.

"What did he have to say?" Tess asked, her curiosity piqued.

"He said he was still away, but coming home soon and he wants to see me. Said he had lots to tell me. I knew there was more he kept in, but I didn't want to pry. I thought I had blown it the last time we saw each other with the way I reacted to some of the things he told me."

"Well, obviously you were wrong. You'd better let me know what's going on after you see him. Don't keep me in suspense. You're going to be home all summer, and a lot can happen. On another note, I saw an ad for a great place looking for two more girls to share. It would cut down on our rent if there were four of us. They wanted to know if we could meet them this afternoon. Do you have any free time?'

"Yeah, I've just about exhausted my brain, and I need a break. What time do they want us?"

"They said anytime after one. I'll give them a call and tell them we'll be there. This could be just what we're looking for."

With that, the girls went off to the Student Union for lunch, excited about getting their own digs. It might mean staying all summer or paying their share of the rent for a few months. Kim was hoping she would be spending more time with Danny but would do what she had to. She was pretty sure her parents would help out if she needed them. And besides, they would want her home for a bit anyway.

They met up with some friends and spent time just relaxing and laughing—a big release from the intensity of studying. Finally, it was time to go over to the apartment. It was within walking distance of campus which made a car unnecessary. It was in a prime location.

They rang the bell, and a girl opened the door and introduced herself as Amy. She welcomed them in. Her roommate, Bella, came in and they all sat down, opposite each other. Kim felt like she was in an interview. In some ways, it was—the girls feeling each other out. Amy and Bella were going into their Junior years, and two of their roommates had just graduated. They were looking to fill the empty bedrooms again.

"Can we take a look?" Kim asked.

"Of course," Amy said and gave the girls a tour. Kim and Tess stole glances at each other, thrilled with the accommodations. The conversation flowed smoothly, and they all agreed it was a perfect fit. Kim and Tess left with copies of the lease to sign and get back to them.

"I like those girls," Tess said as soon as they got outside. "I think we're going to get along well."

"I think so, too, "said Kim. "Now we just have to work out the rent for the summer. Are you planning to stay for a while?"

"I've signed up for a summer course, so this makes perfect sense for me to stay."

"I think Amy mentioned she wanted to stay through the summer also so that might work out well for you. I'll have to talk to my parents about the rent, but this looks like a perfect place for us. Let's do it."

Kim and Tess went back to the books, pleased with their arrangements for next year. If Kim had a chance to see Danny over the summer while she was home, maybe she could find out more about his life and where, and why, he had gone. He was still an enigma—but one she couldn't help herself from pursuing.