Page 2 of Change

I paused before hitting send, glancing once more around the almost-dark studio apartment. There were clothes—both dirty and clean—piled at the foot of my bed. It wasn’t really my fault, though. I was never home, and there always seemed to be so much laundry to do and never enough time to do it.

It was so easy to forget to change everything from one machine to the next, then waiting all over again for the clothes to be re-washed since they were mildewed. Folding and putting away too, which were two very different—and time consuming—tasks. I was pretty sure that there were clothes in my drawers from three years ago that remained untouched while everything else was thrown onto the floor.

It was easier to just buy new clothes. But then, what to do withthis? Bianca would probably be upset. She still made comments about cleaning my room at Damen’s house. Which was nice of her, but I never asked for her help.

Maybe I better not invite Bianca over. She might yell at me.

I was still hungry, though, and now I didn’t feel like being alone.

We could meet for dinner instead! She was supposed to be hanging out with Damen today, and he was probably still at Gregory’s office. She had to be starving.

I was almost vibrating with excitement as I erased my previous message. I was finally going to go on an official date with Bianca!

Me:I need a break. Want to go grab a bite to eat?

As usual with Bianca, I didn’t have to wait longer than a few seconds before she replied.

Her:Stop goofing off and finish your work.

I gasped—even though no one was here to see it—and staggered backwards. That was an unfair accusation, and wrong to boot. I’d accomplished a lot! I’d evenalmostfinished one paragraph!

Was she holding a grudge because I left her again? It totally wasn’t even the same thing anymore. We hadcommunicated.

Me:But I love you.

Her:That’s nice, but you still need to do your work.

Cold.

It was so cold. How could such a heartless woman be the girl of my dreams? Who would be there to eat with me now?

Her:We’ll go out to dinner when you’re finished.

My hands went numb as I stared at the phone.

A date. We could go on a date.

Everything had to be perfect. I’d never impress her with this mess, and I had to finish my work too. There was no time for food, for play and joy.

I had work to do!