Episode XXXIV

Finally, success! After days of trying to "accidentally" bump into Dennis, there he was, eating lunch all alone in the cafeteria. He was hunched over some books, flipping through them like crazy.

Marcia walked over to his table and set her tray down. "Do you mind if I sit down?"

"Well, I am kind of busy at the moment."

"Then you could use a break." Marcia flashed her sweetest smile as she sat down. "What are you working on so intently?"

"Government final. For some stupid reason, Dr. Pettigrew decided now was a good time to take a few days off and left me in charge of creating his final exams. As if I don't have my own work to do." Dennis looked up at Marcia for the first time.

"You're right. That doesn't seem fair at all. Anything I can do to help?"

"Not unless you can create a test and finish my web design project by the end of the day."

"Well, I did take government last semester. Seems like I could help with that aspect of things." Marcia took a bite of her fruit salad. "What are you working on?"

"Dr. Pettigrew called me yesterday to make sure I put in a question about the Supreme Court nomination process. Now I'm trying to determine which question to take out to make room for it. There are only 100 spots on the Scantron he uses." Dennis passed the pages across the table.

For the next forty-five minutes, the two sat locked in conversation, debating the merits of several of the questions on the test. Finally, they determined that there were too many on the amendment process and that one of those could easily go to make room for the new question.

Dennis smiled as he began to gather up his papers. "That was a huge help. I might get my project finished on time after all. I don't know how I can thank you."

Marcia put her hand over one of his, stopping his progress toward leaving. "You could take me to dinner tomorrow night. I'd really like that."

"That's right. Todd mentioned he broke up with you." At the puzzled look on Marcia face, Dennis continued. "He lives a couple doors down from me in the dorms. Mentioned it at the time." Marcia pulled her hand back, and Dennis continued. "Look, I'm flattered, but I already have a girlfriend. This wouldn't be right at all."

Marcia stood quickly and grabbed her tray. "Look, it was just a thought." She turned her back and marched toward the nearest garbage can.

Of all the nerve, bringing Todd up. She had done her very best to forget about him after he stupidly broke up with her. And here Carry was getting in the way of her plans. How was she supposed to befriend Dennis if he was loyal to his girlfriend? Maybe I'll have to start spreading rumors. But about which one? How about both. Then I can be the one friend Dennis has left.

*****

Dennis carefully finished packing up his notes and headed for the door. He was rather pleased with himself. Surely he deserved an Oscar for his performance at the table. Marcia's thoughts had been broadcasting loud and clear the entire time. She seemed intent on keeping her eye on him so he'd be out of the way. For what? That was the big question.

Mentioning Todd had been mean. He knew it. But he wanted to see what her reaction would be. Clearly from her thoughts, she hadn't forgotten about him, no matter what she might have claimed to herself a second later.

Angry thoughts transmitted so much louder than normal thoughts. Based on what Marcia was thinking as she walked away, this was going to get very ugly soon. He hustled back to his dorm room to call Carry and warn her. Between preparing Dr. Pettigrew's finals, studying for his own, trying to stop the gang violence in the area, figuring out "Darth Onion’s" identity, and now dodging rumors, he was going to be very busy for the next couple weeks.