Leon banged on Marlissa’s door on the way to his room. “Hurry up, woman, I got a praise report.” “Me too,” Marlissa announced, stepping into the apartment. Leon shook his head. “Hold on, neither one of us stayed here last night?” Leon asked excitedly. “Apparently not.” Marlissa dropped her purse on the couch. The friends stood grinning at each other, waiting for what they hoped was good news. “Since I am the oldest, I will go first,” Leon decided, and didn’t allow time for Marlissa to disagree. “Consider yourself notified: in thirty days I’m going home to mama!” he bellowed while shaking his key ring. Marlissa screamed and hugged Leon, then the two performed a praise victory dance complete with speaking in tongues. “I am so happy for the two of you.” She listened to him explain about Starla wanting to find some answers to her past. “I’ll be praying for her.” “Now, why are you looking so serene at seven o’clock in the morning?” Leon folded his arms and leaned against the wall.
