Page 36 of White Room Virgin

When I said goodbye to Daniela on Sunday, she took my cell phone and typed in her number with a smile. “Maybe another time.”

“You don’t have to do that,” I mumbled ashamedly.

“But I’d love to see you again,” she said, sounding completely sincere. “So, call me!”

I went home with my head hanging low.

17

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Jonah

“How did it go?” Martin asked with a broad grin as I entered the kitchen.

I turned bright red. I knew for sure that it wasn’t the alcohol. It had been the hand of God. It had saved me from making a big mistake. As punishment for venturing so far, I was humiliated that same night with the most embarrassing moment of my life.

“Oh dear, that bad?” He laughed. “Do you at least have her number?”

All I could manage was an embarrassed nod.

“Well, it’s all good then. Don’t worry about it.”

“I should go to confession.”

Martin patted me on the shoulder with enthusiasm. “One day you’ll laugh about it.”

“Please, don’t tell Lu about it.”

“About what? That it didn’t go as you’d hoped? That’s not so bad.”

“Still,” I mumbled, retreating to my room like a beaten dog.

I tried unsuccessfully to devote myself to my studies, but the day passed without me achieving anything worthwhile.

And when I finally lay in bed, the carousel of thoughts got going. I spent half the night awake, pondering over what had happened. It wasn’t until the early morning that I realized I hadn’t been guilty of anything with Daniela—only my behavior had been dishonorable, and I felt ashamed of that.

You’re taking yourself way too seriously.

After hours of brooding, I finally found the sleep I longed for. When I woke up on Monday afternoon, I felt better. The alcohol had worn off, and my head no longer felt like a ticking timebomb. I was even looking forward to going to university and seeing Simon again.

“I missed you at church,” he said when we met up between lectures. “Where were you?”

“I was celebrating my birthday,” I explained. “I’m sorry. I thought I could get around it, but they just dragged me along. I would have called you otherwise.”

“No problem. I was out of town on Saturday night anyway. But happy birthday.”

“Thank you.”

“And overslept again this morning?” he remarked anxiously. “Is your crazy roommate giving you sleepless nights?”

“No … why would he?” I replied and kept walking.

My shock subsided over the course of the week and the thought of calling Daniela no longer seemed so far-fetched. When I got home on Thursday, I was determined to get in touch with her. A single failure shouldn’t discourage me.

I told myself, “Only those who dare win,” and went into the kitchen with renewed confidence to get something to drink. To my surprise, Lucien was sitting at the kitchen table, his forehead resting on one hand, smoking. The beer and ashtray were right in front of him, while the magazines were on the other side of the table.

“What are you doing?” I asked, grabbing some juice from the fridge.

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