“Last fall. I lied. I realized at that party that I didn't want arrogant rich boys like Randall, I wanted you. I saw the way you treated E-Beth and I was totally jealous of her all freshman year. And then you were available and we were getting to talking in class and I wanted to find out what we could be together." Amber exhaled wearily.

“But just when I knew what I wanted to do, you came downstairs holding that beautiful blonde's hand. She's hot, she's got that sexy accent, and she's probably dynamite in bed. So I made up the confession that I was a lesbian because I couldn't admit that I liked you and that way you wouldn't wonder why I stopped dating other guys."

She sighed, and the glow in her eyes seemed to fade. "You have a girlfriend, and I didn't want to be the ‘other woman'. But after Last night, I just couldn't wait any Longer. I had to tell you... show you... how I felt”

“But... but... I don't have a girlfriend!" I looked at her quizzically.

“I'm not taken.”

“You're not?" It was Amber's turn for her eyebrows to jump up. "Then who's the blonde I always see you with?"

“We only MET at that party. I'll admit, we've had sex. But that's it, just sex. She fucks me and then goes home most of the time, doesn't even stick around overnight. She's using me. And for now... well, I haven't really minded that much."

“Men..." Amber grumbled.

I held her face in my hands.

“If I'd known how you felt, I would have gone out with you in a heartbeat. And If you honestly want me, then I want to find out what we can be together."

“Really?” she broke into a wide smile.

"Yeah." I kissed her.

“*FINALLY*!" came the Loud voice from behind me. Amber and I both jerked and turned around. Three heads were poking through the door, comically lined up one on top of the other. Diane was closest to the floor, E-Beth in the middle, and Phyllis the tall one on top.

E-Beth continued, "I've watched you two dancing around each other all freaking year. It's about time you got together.”

As I walked up to my apartment, I was already rehearsing the phone calls I would need to make. Rather than try to turn down Maria or

Nataliya when they came to me for a booty call, I knew I would be better off letting them know during the daytime before their hormones were acting up.

As I gingerly walked up the stairs, my ribs still aching, I was trying to decide if I'd rather they be home and pick up the phone, or out at class already so I could leave a voicemail and postpone the inevitable.

Turned out to be neither. I walked in and a blonde hurricane launched herself at me.

“Nataliya!” Maria's voice called a warning. And then the statuesque big sister thudded against my chest and wrapped her arms around me.

“Oww!" I groaned as pain shot through most of my body. Just hours earlier I'd been in a fight with guys kicking my ribs.

“Oh! Sorry!" Nataliya let go immediately and started touching me tentatively. "Where does it hurt?" Nataliya's mothering instinct was kicking in.

“What are you two doing here?" I asked.

Maria came up from her spot next to Cherys and my sister.

“Cherys told us everything. We had to come for our hero.”

I grimaced as Nataliya gave up on being gentle and bear-hugged me. I explained, “I really didn't do anything but get my butt kicked."