The next chapter: You have beer in your purse?

(May 15, 2001)

Karla and Matt did not meet up after the fire until the Senior Pub Crawl on May 15. The first bar on the list was Viva Zapata, a dimly lit cantina better known for its sangria than its Mexican fare. Karla ended up seated near Matt, and promptly confessed to having 2 bottles of Canadian beer in her purse. There was a very good reason for this: she had planned to visit a friend who was low on cocktails before the pub crawl. The beer did spark a lively conversation between our two protaganists, and it would be safe to say that said beer was consumed on the premises of Viva Zapata.

Alas, despite the lively conversation, Karla was soon to depart with her friend into the New Haven evening, perhaps never to be seen again. Though Matt urged her to stay a bit longer she left...

Only to run into Matt at least 3 more times, at different venues (was it fate, or was it an incredibly well-planned pub crawl? You be the judge)...

In the end, Karla was invited to be Matt's date for the Senior Ball. The two eked out precious time between Last Day and Commencement ceremonies, parents visiting, packing, and general upheaval. Karla went to Matt's home in Maryland, just outside Washington D.C. and spent a few more days with the dashing redhead (exploring the nation's capital, and visiting Ocean City, MD). Their time together was glorious, but touched with sadness, asMatt was destined to leave within days for a two year stint in the Peace Corps!