“Ah,” the newcomer said. “This is the sexy Alex Elliots I’ve heard so much about.”

            “That depends…what have you heard?” Everyone laughed at the San Diegan’s joke as she sat down and ordered herself a tall black coffee.

            “This is Jenny, Alex,” said Dana. “She’s a writer, like you.”

            The girl called Jenny laughed, flashing her blue eyes. “I don’t know if Miss Birch would agree with you there, Dana.”

            “Oh my God, her teacher is Satan,” Alice explained.

            “Yeah, are you sure you want to keep attending this class?” asked Bette.

            “She’s right,” Tina said. “Classes aren’t for everyone.”

            Dana interjected, “Well maybe if the school is already considering dropping her…Alex could probably replace Miss Birch.”

            “Wouldn’t you need teaching credentials?” Bette inquired.

            “I have my teaching credentials, actually. That was my secondary major.”

            “You never told me that.”

            “It never came up, I guess.”

            There was a small, awkward pause, where Bette and Alex subtly glared at each other. “Tell them what your first major was, Alex,” Dana said.

            “Psychology, actually. But I was training dolphins at Sea World while I was in San Diego.” Everyone shared ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’, laughing for a time afterward.

            “Wait,” Jenny said, bringing the gathered to a silence. “Let me get this strait: you are a lesbian writer who can play guitar, train dolphins and has her teaching credentials?”

            “That’s not all, actually. But I’d never want to brag.” The group laughed again. Alex eased back into her chair, exhaling deeply. See? This isn’t so hard. They like you. Even Bette is…well Bette’s being Bette, but you can’t help that. Dana was right —you’ll fit right in. And Jenny’s a writer too, so you two will probably get along great as roommates.

            “No, tell them all about you!” Dana said, smiling.

            “Well, I write songs and stories. I play guitar. I was on the swim team and I did gymnastics in high school, and you guys already know my majors. In college I was also on the volleyball team, and I was qualified to become a lifeguard. Fresh out of college, I joined the Police Academy, and completed the course in six months before going to San Diego for four months. So technically…I’m a lesbian writer who can play guitar, train dolphins, has her teaching credentials, could be a therapist, graduated from the Police Academy, is qualified to be a lifeguard, could play volleyball professionally, and can walk on her hands for 100 yards.” Everyone was silent for a solid two seconds before they burst out laughing. Alex smiled. The experience was flattering, but she hated to be the topic of discussion, so she readily changed it. “So will someone enlighten me on who the couples are?”