Natalia,
Visiting parents for the weekend.
Will be back for evening class on Monday.
-Camelia
I reread the note one more time before tossing it in the trashcan. Things between Camelia and I have cooled considerably, we mostly communicate via post-it note or the message board on our door. We haven't talked everything out after the slight fall out about the old gang, we just moved past it. Thankfully the spring semester brought condensed classes, more work, and less time to actually socialize. Between my hours at work, class, and studying in the library I've hardly seen Camelia. The same goes for her extra ASL classes and more parts in the school productions.
As I placed my books on the kitchen counter I wondered the first thing I'd do during my roommate free weekend. I turned the radio on and decided my first action would be spontaneous dance party. As Swedish house Mafia blared through the radio I danced like no one was watching. Twirling throughout the living room and into the dining I grabbed a bowl and filled it with water for my ramen noodles belting out the chorus
"Don't you worry, don't you worry child, see heavens got a plan for you". Rhythmically punching the time on the microwave I do my best rave jump to the beat as I twirl around and screech at the surprising figure standing before me.
"JESUS CHRI-" stopping just short of taking the Lords name in vain I clutch my chest for the pending heart attack I assume is coming. "Art, what the hell are you doing here?"
"I'm watching your sweet dance moves to bad music."
"Glad to know I amuse you but how did you get in?
"You didn't lock your door, again." I've become familiar with the annoyance in his voice over this issue. I've forgotten a total of two times, over the past three months, and Art has given me lectures on safety in the city each time.
"This isn't the suburbs or the country Talia! You can't leave your doors unlocked and a pie in the window to cool off while you go grocery shopping."
"It's not the suburbs but apparently it's the fifties."
Art glares at my sarcastic retorts every time, then I would make a Girls scout promise to lock the door. He went so far as to making me recite the Girl Scout code, which I didn't know. I forgave him for playing the graduation pomp and circumstance during the "ceremony" in my living room and he forgave me for not actually knowing the Girl Scout code.
Many moments like these led us to being close friends quickly, I barely remember the awkward time from before our friendship. Back when I thought he could have been interested in me, when I would get lost in his eyes, and my heart would skip when he talked, and the jolt of electricity that would go through me when we touched. Thank goodness that's all over, this friendship is definitely more comfortable. It's safe, we can have fun and we'll always be there for another, because we're friends.
"Earth to Luke Armstrong!" Arts voice beckoned me out of my thoughts.
"Who is Luke Armstrong?" puzzled at his reference
"You know the astronaut."
"How are you in college right now?"
"Good looks? He retorted while gracefully falling onto the sofa
"They do get you far."
"Don't discount my charming attitude and serviceable wit."
"Ah, yes and your sharp tongue and wide vocabulary."
"All tools I'll need in my writing endeavor."
"That and Google." I added as I sloped next to him.
"So what are you up to this evening?"
"I have a hot date with statuesque blonde, and you have study group in one hour."
"Shit I forgot!" Rushing to gather my chemistry book and notes I hopped around the room squeezing my foot into my black converse.
"A Friday night full of equations and test prep is not the chemistry I want to study tonight." Art yelled to me as I raced to my room for my I.D. card.
"Well you're missing out."
"You're a very odd girl Talia"
"Hey, I'm a lady not a girl."
"Yet not quite a woman."
"Ouch to the heart with the Britney comeback, that burns deep." Dramatically clutching my chest.
"Okay get out." Holding the door for his exit
"It wasn't that bad of a joke."
Chuckling "Come on I gotta get to the library and you have a blonde waiting."
¤
As I walked up the stairs to the study lounge area of the library I reminded myself to do more cardio. Looking around the stacks of books I spot a tall redhead with his head buried in a chemistry book and a pencil behind his ear.
"Hey Matt!" I cheerfully whispered "How long have you been here?"
"Uhm I don't know, not to long I guess. It's still light outside so that's a good sign."
I watched as he adjusted his silver framed eyeglasses along the bridge of his nose. Matt was the unofficial leader of our little study group, he's always prompt, has a full comprehension of the material, and takes extensive notes.
