The weeks crept by, and I became a sophomore. I could only hope Angela had the same luck. Calls to Guy, Matthew, and Mickey helped the loneliness—but not much.

Finally, one day, I was ready—ready to apply for membership. Picking up the phone, I dialed their number.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Matthew, it's Dustin. I—I think I'm ready."

"Wonderful!" Matthew said. "We'll be right over."

"Well, guys," Matthew said, taking a side glance at Guy and Mickey when they came over, "what do you think?"

"I think we're looking at the newest member of Oresha-Hoh-Var," Guy replied, grinning.

"Me, too," Mickey added, slapping me on the back. "Congratulations."

As we exchanged hugs, I realized—maybe I should stop by Tri-Fruhm and let Angela know.

"Oh, do you want to tell Angela?" Mickey asked, reading my mind. "Go ahead—we'll wait for you."

As they headed back to the house, I looked toward Tri-Fruhm. Slowly, I made my way to the entrance and tentatively rang the doorbell.

"I'll get it," I heard someone say—it sounded like Jessie, but I wasn't sure.

When the door opened, there stood Jessie. "Oh, hi, Dustin," she said.

"Is—is Angela here?" I asked.

"She's out back with Monica, Sarah, and DJ," Jessie replied. "Come on—I'll take you there."

Walking to the back of the house, I was impressed—there was a grill with tables, and even a swimming pool. "Angela, look what the cat brought in," Jessie said, smiling

"Dustin!" Angela squealed and gave me a big hug. As her lips met mine, we started an intense make-out session.

When we finally released, I smiled. "Guess what," I whispered.

"What?" Angela asked, still high from my surprise.

"You're looking at the newest member of Oresha-Hoh-Var," I announced, grinning.

Angela squealed again, and leaped into my arms. "I knew you'd get in," she laughed, giving me a big hug. "So, how does it feel?"

"I no longer feel like I'm missing something, if you know what I mean," I replied, smiling. "The only thing I miss is—you."

"Well, you know where I am," Angela laughed. "At least now it won't seem so far."