AT THE REFRESHMENT TABLE

Brigid's sorority finishes their routine and walks off the dance floor towards the refreshment table.

As they walk past Erika, Brigid bumps Erika's shoulder causing Erika to spill punch all over her tunic shirt.

A flash of anger streaks across Erika's face.

BRIGID

“Oh, I'm so sorry.”

          Her tone is anything but sorry. Brigid walks away with a smirk. Gennard gives Brigid a confused look.

ERIKA

“This shirt is white!”

GENNARD

“It's ok, let me help.”

          He quickly hands her some napkins and she dabs the shirt frantically.

ERIKA

“This is not working.”

          Erika's face flushes with upset as she tries to dry her shirt. She shoots a look of contempt in Brigid's direction.

The DJ calls out from the booth.

DJ (O.S.)

“Last dance of the night ladies and gents. I'm DJ Sick Smash, and this goes out to Haiti.”

          A wild hip hop song with a heavy bass beat starts to pump through the speakers. The crowd gets rowdy with dancing and laughter.

Gennard gently takes hold of Erika's arms. She stops, and sighs with exasperation.

GENNARD

“Don't worry. Your shirt isn't that wet and no one can see the spot in these lights. Come dance the last dance with me.”

          She blushes and cracks a weak smile as he takes her hands and starts dancing her toward the middle of the floor.

As they pass Brigid, holding hands, her smug smile fades into an angry scowl. She rolls her eyes and storms toward the exit. Her sorority sisters scramble to follow her.

Erika and Gennard lose themselves in the music, dancing, laughing, and looking at each other as if they are the only two people in the room.

<< OUTSIDE - STAMP STUDENT UNION -- NIGHT >>

Gennard and Erika walk out of the Union along with lots of other students going off in different directions. A few more girls come up to Erika for her information, which she stops to give them, then they continue walking.

GENNARD

“You're kinda popular huh?”

          Erika smiles.

ERIKA

“It's crazy. I just started doing hair. I only did Taneisha's so far, but she must've told everyone. At least fifteen girls asked me for appointments tonight.”

GENNARD

“You should hire Taneisha as your one-woman PR firm.”

ERIKA

“I should.”

          They laugh.

<< NORTH CAMPUS -- MOMENTS LATER >>

Erika and Gennard walk down a more secluded sidewalk. Only a few party stragglers walk by in the distance.

ERIKA

“I'm happy I actually left my dorm for once. I have so much studying to do for the Praxis exam... I've been so stressed out.”

GENNARD

“The teacher's exam? I thought you didn't have to take the Praxis until Junior year?”

ERIKA

“No. I have to pass it and get certified before I do my required student teaching. It's a nightmare. The math can be anything from third grade to college calculus and I keep missing the same six points from a passing score on the practice exams.”

GENNARD

“I was wondering why you haven't been sticking around after Mass lately. Thought you didn't wanna be down with the C.O.C. anymore.”

          He bumps her playfully with his shoulder and she cracks a smile.

ERIKA

“No, no. I've just been working, buried in these requirements. I love volunteering at College Park Academy; those kids are so bright, but I swear I might have to change my major. I thought having the teaching certification was a good idea to fall back on, but since the No Child Left Behind changes, these requirements are outrageous.”

GENNARD

“It's only the beginning of Sophomore year, you gotta pace yourself before you burn out.”

          She raises an eyebrow at him.

ERIKA

“Says Mr. Dean's list.”

          She giggles as he shakes his head humbly.

GENNARD

“I'm just glad you took a night out to clear your head.”

          Before Erika can respond, he gently slips his hand into hers and takes hold. She smiles at him, then looks away shyly. They walk in silence holding hands.

<< OUTSIDE - CENTREVILLE HALL >>

A few feet from the Centreville hall steps, Gennard stops to face Erika. They are still holding hands tightly, both of them barely making eye contact.

GENNARD

“Do you still have the group roster?”

          He looks at her and they lock eyes.

ERIKA

“Yeah.”

GENNARD

“My email and number haven't changed. We have a study group that meets in McKeldin, in the old part of the library on Sunday nights. There are two KNES majors in the group.”

ERIKA

“Ok.”

GENNARD

“Just call me. College is crazy. You shouldn't try to deal alone.”

ERIKA

“Thanks.”

          Erika gives him a small smile. He smiles back, which makes her blush. She starts to turn around, but he's still holding her hand.

ERIKA

“May I have my hand back please.”

          She grins. He grins even wider, with a sly smile.

GENNARD

“No. Absolutely not.”

          She laughs, smiling ear to ear. He pulls her by the hand into himself very close and leans in to kiss her, but she turns her head smiling.

GENNARD

“Oh, shut down.”

          He puts his head down in mock defeat. She laughs and gives him a quick hug and peck on the cheek, then she scurries off toward the stairs. He calls after her.

GENNARD

“Hope I see you at Mass Erika.”

ERIKA

“Good night Gennard.”