Sandra realized that Allison and Liz were freshmen, while the three larger girls were all sophomores with upper class boyfriends. Mark had implied a relationship with Jessica, her so far elusive roommate whose note had alluded to a planned upcoming party.
“Mark, Jessica has several frozen bags of chicken parts, beef patties, buns and snack food for some party. Do you have any idea who or what it could be for?”
“Jim and I had talked about doing a welcoming party Saturday night – he and I are the grill masters around here,” he replied.
“You’re welcome to be part of it and help as well,” volunteered Madison, relieved that the newcomer was apparently more interested in a party than discussing her, Cassie and Kelli’s size. Liz and Alison had seemed rather reticent and Madison was at a loss about getting them to share their thoughts..
Sandra smiled. “I know a few magic tricks, so you might have some surprises.
“Or we could do Karaoke,” suggested Allison. “I can’t sing but I can fake it in pantomime.”
“So who’s all going to be coming – it seems to me we’re short some guys” remarked Liz.
“If we pass the word about free food we’ll get the guys – we just need to remember that booze is banned on campus. I think about a dozen is a good crowd,” asserted Jim
By this time Sandra had polished off her plate. Realizing that the others had had larger portions than herself she decided to have seconds. She excused herself and returned to the serving line. Mark watched with interest thinking “this girl has great promise and will be a positive influence on Jessica”
Then he noticed something that bothered him. A guy dressed in a biker jacket walked up to Sandra. By focusing his attention across the space in the lightly occupied dining hall Mark was able to pick up on what they were saying
“Hey there sweet stuff, you new on campus?” was the biker’s opening line.
“Well, yes, Actually I just arrived yesterday,” replied Sandra, who was thinking “How do I make it clear to his guy that I’m not interested without being rude?”“
So, you looking to make new friends,” he pressed
“Naturally, in fact I’m with some now, but I’m afraid all the seats are taken,” she answered, thinking “hopefully he takes the hint, I don’t want to hurt feelings.”“
Oh,” the cyclist said glancing at the table. ’You’re too much of a beautiful goldfish to be stuck in that school of whales.’
“Or, “ shot back Sandra, her temper flaring inside and fighting for self-control “and with attitude I guess you’re like Captain Ahab, just looking to lob your harpoon? Well, sorry, that’s not the kind of humor I enjoy, so just go away and let me fill my plate”
“Don’t you mean refill? That’s your second one. Keep that up and you might get as pudgy as them you know.” grinned the biker as Sandra ladled some scrambled eggs onto her platter and added a coffee cake.
“If you’re trying to start a fight using stereotype insults you’d better watch it, You’re living proof about what I’ve heard about bikers.”Sandra shot back
“What’s that?” replied the startled bully, who had expected a more defensive response.
“The most dangerous part of the cycle is the nut connecting the handle bar to the seat.,” she replied, looking at him with a steady gaze, then raising her voice . “Now take your crass bigotry and comments and get lost or I might just stumble with this food and the plate will wind up n your face!!
The biker saw Mark rising out of his seat ad took off. Sandra stood watching him with a satisfied smile. Mark rushed to her side, “is everything all right? Are you OK?”
Sandra smiled. “I’m fine – if you’d like to fill up a root beer while I make a taco and cool down I’ll meet you at the table.”
Her new friends other than Mark hadn’t noticed what was happening and Sandra wasn’t about to share, replying to inquiries by saying simply “creeps like that aren’t worth the time. What I need to know is what I can bring to this party we’re planning.”
As it turned out Mark wasn’t the only witness. About 15 minutes later a uniformed member of campus security force approached the table and indicated he wanted to talk to Sandra.
“What’s the problem officer” asked Mark.
“One of the servers felt a guy was coming n string to this young lady.” He replied. “We’ve had two other reports on his approaching co-eds and he doesn’t appear to be a member of the student body.”
“Well, that explains his lack of class,” Sandra noted, “But I didn’t get his name. He was just, well, crude and rude. “
“We’re told you threatened him,” asserted the officer.
“If he didn’t back off, yes,” answered Sandra. “I know martial arts and can defend myself if necessary. But in a public place his abuse was more vocal than physical. I think he just wanted to see what I’d put up with, which isn’t much..
Mark agreed. “Sandra’s right officer. I was tracking most of the entire exchange and he definitely started it. Everything Sandra said he brought on himself. And when he saw me coming over he took off like a jack rabbit.”
“Thank you,” concluded the officer. “If you hear or see him again let us know. We definitely want to talk to him.”
“Yes sir. Now, can I finish my breakfast before it gets any colder?” asked Sandra.
“Go right ahead.” said the officer as he left.
“Well, that was a bit of excitement,” exclaimed Cassie,
“Yes, but I’ve dealt with worse,” answered Sandra. “I really think we need to focus on what we were planning.”
“You don’t seem upset about this at all,” interjected Allison.
“Yes,” agreed Elizabeth. “Are you really trained in martial arts”
“The Kung Fu approach to Taekwondo specifically. And part of our training is to react naturally rather than letting fear take hold. That poor guy was just another insecure bully trying to resolve his inner misery by controlling others. Sandra sighed Someday maybe he’ll become teachable, but for now he’s not ready.”
“That’s maybe why we’re the ones in college and he’s on the outside?” inquired Tim.
“Exactly,” said Sandra. And since you’ve finally said something maybe you can tell us what you’re going to do for the party. Can you and Michael each invite two more guys?””
“Umm, well, OK. I guess so,” Tim said, not entirely comfortable with a new freshman effectively taking charge. But he knew he hadn’t been a leader so it was his own fault. The others just wondered how well Sandra and Jessica would blend given her assertiveness. Sandra for her part was oblivious to this, already thinking of how to make the party a success and develop some relationships for she, Allison and Liz.
Getting back to her room she channeled her adrenalin idea into writing on her computer about the party. Just before 11:00 she received a phone call from Allison asking if she and Liz cold come over. She suggested they do so around 11:30.
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