"Catching Feelings (Part 2 to One Night Stand)"

"Beth the Blonde"

As Nat & Krystal lead Summer into the room, Summer looked around. There was a circle made of chairs. About half of the seats were taken. There were people from just about every walk of life all around the room. Young women, young men, older women & older men. There was a seat sectioned off, Summer guessed it was for the group leader. Nat was helping himself to the fruit infused water at the snacks table. Krystal chose a few seats for the 3 of them. Summer removed her coat & scarf & sat next to Krystal. Nat brought a couple other cups of water for Krystal & Summer & joined them.

Nat: You see that blonde by the window?
Summer: Yeah, what about?
Nat: You might wanna steer clear of her.
Summer: Why?

The group leader sat in her sectioned off seat & everyone who was standing found their seats. The blonde that Nat was referring to sat next to the group leader across from Summer's viewpoint.

Krystal: Shh, we're about to start.
Group leader: Hi everyone, welcome back to SOS. I'm seeing a few new faces since our last meeting. So after my introduction, I'd like for you all to introduce yourselves.

There was a new guy from Boston who's wife was in the Marine Corps, there was another woman who's partner was on the same tour as Jay was. And then there was Summer. Summer was never shy when it came to crowds. She had a likable personality & since she was a child had never met a stranger because of how friendly she was. As she spoke the blonde was still smiling & she couldn't figure out just why Nat suggested for her to stay away from her. She kept talking, but continued pondering on Nat's words.

The group leader encouraged the members to stay busy & positive & to encourage each other while their loved ones were deployed. There were a few tears shed as member after member shared their heartaches in vulnerability. Summer felt vulnerable herself & wanted to share her thoughts & how she felt, but didn't since today was her first meeting. It was encouraging enough to see that she wasn't the only one going through this.

The meeting came to a close, the group leader wrapped it up with some closing words & an announcement for the next meeting. Nat, Krystal & Summer made their way out.

Krystal: So, what'd you think?
Summer: It was great. I really liked...

Just then, the blonde approached Summer with a hug. Summer, Nat & Krystal were all surprised.

Beth: Hi, I'm Beth. Sorry if my hug caught you off guard. I'm a hugger. Thanks for joining our meeting today. I'm the social chair & help organize the meetings. I have a few questions for you if you don't mind.

Summer looked over at Nat. He was waving his hand over his throat to hint towards not talking to Beth. Krystal was a bit less dramatic.

Krystal: Take your time, we'll be right outside on the steps.
Summer: Ok.
Beth: Great. I'll need you fill out this form. And you don't have to finish right away. You can always bring it to our next meeting. By the way, who are you married to? Or who are you dating?
Summer: Jay Woods.

Beth's friendly smile turned into a straight face as she was typing things down into her iPad. She slowly lifted her face.

Beth: You're dating Jay Woods?
Summer: Yeah...

Beth started to scoff & it was as if a switch went off in her personality. She rushed Summer through another couple of questions & just left without a word. Summer was puzzled.

Later on at dinner, Summer shared with her friends what had happened with .

Nat: I told you to steer clear of her. That bitch is crazy.
Summer: Is she really?
Krystal: No. Nat's just being a little dramatic.
Nat: No, I'm not.
Krystal: Once upon a time, Jay & Beth went to school together. According to Jay, Beth was obsessed with him. He never liked her back. The year he met you, he told Beth he was seeing someone since he actually had a real excuse to turn her down. She's been bitter ever since.
Nat: I heard she's been waiting to meet the girl who had Jay's heart. That would be you... And that time was today.
Summer: But it's been years.
Krystal: True, but Beth is Beth.
Nat: Yeah, Beth is crazy.
Summer: Isn't she with someone else though?
Nat: Yup. She's married & has a couple kids.
Summer: Really? But she's not over Jay?

Krystal & Nat shrugged.