Message From Viola Mari by Sabrina Devonshire Page A

activities requiring a lot of force. Just go easy and it’ll go where it’s supposed to.” He steadied my arm and kept me from swinging too hard. The ball slowly rolled toward the hole and disappeared out of site. He gave my upper arms a tight squeeze. “That’s the ticket.”
    Fortunately, Justin’s tips helped tremendously. My game continued to improve as we played the course and for once, I finished without causing property damage or bodily injury. There was a first time for everything.

Chapter Eleven
    “Okay, wait a minute. Your plot is people getting swallowed by meteorite craters? This is just too weird,” said Steve.
    Agitated, I reached into my pocket and toyed with the NRG rock. “No, not exactly,” I said.
    “Then what exactly is happening to these people?” asked Amanda.
    Not sure how to respond, I tumbled the rock over a few more times in my hand. All at once, the rock clung to my fingers and I pressed them through the now soft and permeable rock. “Oh my God,” I said without thinking.
    “Is something wrong?” asked Justin.
    I could barely breathe, let alone talk. How could I tell them my fingers had just passed right through what was seconds ago a solid object.
    “Um, oh, sorry, I just recalled a task I forgot to do at work. No problem, I’ll just take care of it after class.”
    Justin’s brow creased with irritation. “Very well, now can we get back to the manuscript? You never answered her question.”
    “I haven’t decided whether the craters actually consume people or whether the structures are actually some kind of passages. I mean, I haven’t decided which way I want to write it.”
    “Both seem pretty lame to me,” said Steve.
    “And that is supposed to be constructive criticism?” asked Jennifer. Her narrowing eyes looked like they could slice him in two.
    “Well, her plot doesn’t work for me, okay?” said Steve. Then he wrinkled his nose and looked at Jennifer. “And what is that nasty stuff you’re wearing anyway? Don’t you know some people are allergic?”
    Her perfume had never smelled stronger. Her fury seemed to intensify its aroma.
    “Well, your writing doesn’t work for me either. And at least I bathe.” Jennifer crossed her legs and twirled her red-painted toes in his direction.
    What is going on? Oh, no…She doesn’t have a crush on him, does she?
    Justin waved his arms like a referee calling for a time out. “Okay, its break time. Let’s lighten up or I’m going to have to put you two in the corner.”
    “I think they should get a room.” Amanda crossed her arms in front of her chest. “That should redirect all that sexual energy. What is it with this classroom? It’s like the air in here’s an aphrodisiac or something.”
    “Shut up, will you!” shouted Jennifer. Her pale face turned a mottled fuchsia and she looked on the verge of tears. I had to act fast before mascara rivers ran down her face.
    “Hey, let’s go outside and get some air.” I grasped her arm, urging her from her seat.
    We walked along the sidewalk outside the building, our path shaded by rows of eucalyptus trees. “Jennifer, what’s the matter?”
    “I hate that guy, that’s all.” She crossed her arms over her bountiful chest and pouted.
    “Why? Did he say something to you earlier?”
    “He sent me an email asking me if I wanted to get a cup of coffee after class. I barely know him so, of course, I told him no.”
    “No wonder he’s all bent out of shape—he’s got the hots for you and you rejected him. I think he’s kind of cute, even though he does always hate my writing. What’s your issue with him?”
    “Oh, Marissa, I’m so confused. The weird thing is, I like him so much that, well, I hate him. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’ve dated lots of guys. And I’ve never felt like this before.”
    It’s good to know I’m not the only woman who’s experienced relationship-related insanity. “Normally, I would have said you’re nuts, although