Kelly is finally leaving the bookstore.

In the parking lot is Amil Shaheed, that guy she slapped a while ago for flirting with her. She shouldn’t have been so hard on him at the time, but it was better in the long run. Plus, apparently, he already has his own fans, like Debbie Richards, who worships his radio broadcasts.

The car came in handy, as she bought several books, and there are also the bags from the supermarket. She’s very tired and does not feel like walking or cycling. She’s glad as well that Lauri is no longer in possession of Dale’s ride.

By the way, Lauri must have made it to the dorm now, it’s not good to leave her alone with Dale for too long, and who knows if Sarah is already around, so Kelly steps on the gas pedal.

When she arrives, Sarah is there, phew! Although it’s as if she wasn’t, since she’s too absorbed in her video games.

Meanwhile, Lauri works out in front of the stereo and Dale dances next to her. Or with her? 🤔 Thing is, everyone there seems to be having so much fun.

As Kelly gets closer, it is obvious to her that Dale and Lauri are not dancing together, each is on their own, but still, she doesn’t like this sudden familiarity.

As soon as he sees her walking towards him, Dale stops dancing.
Dale: Hey, babe, it’s good to have you back.
The look Lauri gives Kelly seems to say, “too bad, we were having such a good time”. Or is it just Kelly’s imagination?

Whatever the case, she immediately proceeds to delimit her territory.

Kelly: I’m glad to be back too, just an hour away and I missed you already.
Dale: I missed you too.
Lauri: …

This time Sarah didn’t yell ‘get a room’, because she was too busy playing her game.
Kelly: Well, you all go ahead with what you were doing, I’m going to freshen up a bit.

But the charm of the moment was broken, and Lauri no longer feels like working out, so she goes to the kitchen to get something to drink.

Dale follows her.
Dale: Hey, Lauri, how’s your training going?
Lauri: Well, it’s not really showing yet, but if I work hard enough, hopefully I might be in shape for graduation.

Dale: If you want some advice, training at home will not give you the same result as if you go to a gym and get the guidance of a trainer.
Lauri: True, but to be honest, gyms are not my thing, plus, I don’t know anyone there, so…
Dale: Oh, I could go with you and train you, at least while you adapt.
Lauri: Really?
Dale: Yes.
The idea of training with Dale, even if only for a few days, is very tempting for Lauri, but…

Lauri: Sounds great, but from the way Kelly looked at me when she came in, I don’t think she’d like the idea.
Dale: Yeah, well, Kelly is kind of… territorial, but we wouldn’t be doing anything wrong, it’s just training.
Lauri: I don’t know, I think it’s better if we keep working out each on our own, but thanks for the offer anyway, it’s very sweet of you.
Dale: Anytime! And if you change your mind just let me know.

No doubt Dale’s offer to train her at the gym doesn’t mean anything, other than he’s an excellent friend, but still, this is a little big win for Lauri.
Lauri: This is huge, I have to tell Sarah what happened, see what she thinks.

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