Crissa's Mate

Chapter Fifty-Five

Against Crissa's requests for David not to go out with her to purchase the dinner, David insisted they travel to the Chinese restaurant together and to dine there.

"I just don't care if he finds me, Crissa," he said perusing the menu and responding to her fear of Dekker. "I won't live both my lives in hiding now."

Crissa was silent as she tried to focus on the food instead of the dire news confirmed by Brad.

"I know, but I just don't want you to ever become involved with him, David. We both know he's crazy and only wants you for his selfish tests. And his fame."

"What ever it is, I can handle myself with him."

"Alright, I don't deny that."

As they placed their order with a cordial girl barely out of junior high school, David reached across the able and took one of Crissa's hands in his.

"Look, we have a whole month," he said. "I have to get back to work and some kind of normal life. You've got your classes and . . . let's just focus on our relationship, now, Crissa. It's the only great thing that holds me together. I love you so much . . . and appreciate all that you're doing for me here."

Crissa looked into David's eyes. She could see in the dim light a single tear as it rolled down his cheek.

"It's OK," she answered. "We'll both be strong through this. I love you, too. The time I'm with you is so important to me. And except for watching out for Professor Dekker right now, I know we can get back to some happiness in our lives. And share our love each day."

An instant smile came over David's face as he squeezed her hand in agreement.

They had ordered their food and were in the middle of Crissa giving her impressions of her studies, the professors, and dorm life when her phone rang again.

"Oh God,  if this is my mother . . ." she said angrily, pulling the device from her bag.

"Wait . . . It's Trisha," she whispered. "I better take this."

"Don't worry," David said, taking a sip of the beer that was just brought out to him'

"Trish?  Hey there. What's up?"

Her roommate sounded uncharacteristically concerned and was keeping her voice low.

"Sorry to bug you, girlfriend, but there's this . . . girl who just showed up at our room. A little while ago. Says she knows you well. She asked if she could take a shower and stay here a while. Until you get back."

"Julie?"

"Yeah, that's her name. Kind of a cute Asian girl?"

"Oh my God, David," Crissa whispered, covering the phone. Julie's at the college!"

David put his beer down and just waited to hear more.

"Trisha?"

"OK. We can talk . . . She's still in the shower. Looks like's she's on the run from somewhere. Her backpack's full of clothes and stuff."

"Jesus . . ."

"Why?  What's up with this girl, Crissa?"

"It's complicated . . . So did she seem . . ."

"No. She's pretty sweet actually. Just really tired . . . and very smelly . . . I mean the girl was dirty. Like she'd been camping  or something. I couldn't turn her out, Crissa. Being she's your friend and all."