I'm sorry I had some things on my mind." "Oh, I'm sorry," I said. "I didn't mean to bother you." Before I missed this chance, I blurted out, "If you...have a moment, would you like to sit down in the lounge area? There's not much to do around the ryokan at this hour, so I wouldn't mind talking with another guest for a little while." Surprisingly, Erika responded with, "You know, that's a good idea. Talking with someone would be nice." I gathered that she was eager to connect with someone.. I really hate cold showers.As I waited for the water to heat up, I brushed my teeth. I always considered brushing my teeth in the morning as a ritual and often took quite some time doing it. It was not that I enjoyed brushing the same spot over and over again, it was just that I felt fresher the longer I brush.I glanced up to the wall clock, wondering how much time I'd have before it was time to go. I had put one up here the last time I overslept in my bathtub. That incident costed me a date. .. ', she replied.''Look Tara... ''I know what you are going to say and don't', she replied icily.'You don't', I told her, offended.'I do. And I do understand. And it wasn't a proposition by the way. The Captain would not let you on the ship if you were going out with me''She wouldn't? Why not?'The door to the Navigation Room was flung open and the Captain stood there. She addressed Tara. 'Bearing 300 degrees for two hours.'The Captain was a little rushed in the morning and I was sent on a. The Phi Delta house had _the_ Halloween party,and for them to get in with outstanding costumes was a sure wayto be invited to join. Every guy wanted to join the Phi Deltas."And we've got to be sure we aren't recognized until theunmasking," Eric added needlessly. Getting into the Phi Deltaparty was tough - too tough for most. And of course, that factmade it the true test. Even if you'd been turned down in theirnormal rush, getting into the party was a sure-fire invitation to.