Page 2 of The Roommate (One Night #1)

“If this is all that’s real, All I wanna do is get high by the beach”

Life is unpredictable.

That’s my first thought when I see mum in the living room with bloodshot eyes. Probably some new drugs she found.

My dad used to talk about the unpredictability. The sea. He would always find some correlation between life and water. Dad made it a habit of giving me life lessons in every single thing. After all, he only got three days a month to spend time with me.

And spend time with her—my mother.

There was so much love between them, what I used to believe as true love. Now that I come to think of it, it was stupid, ignorant and childish.

Considering, it cost her her sanity.

And mine, retrospectively.

We were supposed to go through dad’s death together but she chose drugs over me. She has become all bones and looks older than she really is. I guess drugs do that to people.

Life was unpredictable that way. I mean, who knew a ten-year old would be able to get over their father’s death on their own?

Maybe.

Or maybe I’m just too busy surviving.

This is just another reminder that things haven’t been the same and never will be since dad died.

My heart squeezes in my chest.

“Where are you going?” Her voice strains.

“Do you care?”

“I’m still your mother.”

I sigh. “To the party.”

“Whatever. Enjoy and use protection.”

A mother, isn’t she? She doesn’t even know that I don’t do parties, that I have never gone to one before.

I don’t do people either.

I doubt my decision to go out tonight, as I step out of the house. Clarissa, my only friend, begged, no, threatened me to come to the finals’ party this year.

Unfortunately, none of the excuses I gave worked. So, now here I am walking to Clair’s house next to mine and shivering in cold. It’s peak January.

I ring the bell hoping for her to open the door as soon as possible, which doesn’t even take a second.

“What in the good heavens are you wearing?” It’s been years, but I still can’t get over her British accent.

“Hello to you too. Let me in, I’m freezing.”

Her house is much, much warmer. Goosebumps rise on my skin at the sudden change of temperature.

Clair is already dressed up in a pretty pink dress and matching make-up, looking as beautiful as an angel. Her blonde hair falling over her shoulders in perfect waves.

“Hello. Now, what are you wearing?”

“It’s called a hoodie and jeans.”

“You wear that every day. You can’t go like that.”

“Why not?”

She gives me all the reasons I can’t wear what I currently am as we walk to her room.

At this point, it is more of a home to me than my own. Considering the fact that I stay here most of the time to hide from mum. Even some of my clothes are at her house.

Colton is the one always throwing parties around the entire years of school. Colton, who also happens to be his best friend.

Aiden’s.

Which means Aiden will also be there. And I don’t want to see him at all. Besides being my academic rival, which is fine by me, he is hell-bent on making my life hell. Having a rival has always pushed me to do better but he…he is infuriating.

If life has been giving me lemons, then he adds vinegar to it.

“Here, wear this, Eda. It’s about time you show off those sexy curves.”

Sexy? Repulsive is the word she should be using.

I was so lost in thought that I didn’t even realize Clair was going through my clothes in her wardrobe.

She holds out a plain light blue dress with a square neckline, a thick waistline that is just a few centimeters below the breasts area, and a flow-y length that ends too short. A dress she gifted me last birthday.

“Oh, hell no.” Show off my curves? The biggest no.

This is one and the only thing that I’m insecure about. Maybe because of the reason behind it but…I internally shake my head. It’s not the time to think that, not when Clarissa is here, who can read me like an open book.

“Come on—”

I cut her off. “No. I agreed to come to the party. But I’m not wearing that dress.”

Because nothing can convince me to wear that. Then she uses her wildcard, and gives me that look.

“Nuh-uh. Nope. Not happening. Absolutely not. Not in this lifetime.”

The party is in full swing when we arrive…with me in that stupid dress.

It isn’t easy to win against her.

I pull the hem down, feeling a lot self-conscious. It is short enough that if I bend over, my panties would be on full display and it shows a good amount of my cleavage.

Why did I agree to all of this again?

Yeah, right, because I’m such an idiot.

“You look perfectly gorgeous. Take a breath.” Clarissa encourages me as she holds my hand all the way through the crowd.

Unlike me who glories herself in invisibility, Clair is someone whom everybody knows. It takes us approximately twenty-minutes to reach the kitchenette bar that is supposed to be a few minutes away from the main door with all the hellos and heys.

The place is just as I expected—sweaty, drunk teenagers dancing and grinding against each other. Few throwing up and few…ugh, they need to get a room.

The only thing new is me. I feel intimidated, uncomfortable and so not me.

Definitely not when I snatch the drink from Clair’s hand and gulp it down in one go. The alcohol burns its way down my throat like I just swallowed a burning coal that is made of spice and herbs. But I need liquid courage if I’m going to last for even an hour.

“Edaline, are you alright?” I hum in approval…I think.

“You just had a drink.” I nod.

“You never drink.”

My body is heating.

I thought that escaping from the hellhole of my house and some time away from my mother was what I needed. But suddenly, I’m doubting everything. I should run away from the house permanently instead.

“That was absinthe you had.” Absinthe— a high proof alcohol.

It registers to me that Clair is sounding worried.

I don’t understand why. Because I certainly am feeling good. Very good . Better than ever. As if some huge amount of dopamine has hit me in waves, so hard, I almost feel nauseous. But it’s good. So good.

“Why aren’t you saying anything?”

“I…m,”

“Good Lord! You’re drunk already.”

“I’m going to eat something.” I slur my words a little, but I swear I’m not drunk. My eyes find the luxurious food these rich folks have.

Surviving on canned food, a few chef-cooked-extra-food-by “mistake” from Clair, and unhealthy doses of candies isn’t very ideal. So, I stuff my mouth with whatever food looks the best.

She doesn’t leave me alone, though, which I’m really glad of, but I don’t need babysitting. Really.

“You should go and enjoy yourself.” I shout over the music. Why is it so loud suddenly?

“I’m not leaving you alone.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be right here devouring all these delicious delicacies.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Good. Don’t die.”

I don’t know how long passes as I keep stealing the rich people food. I might be overweight but I was born like this. And this body needs a good amount of food that isn’t fulfilled by the earnings from my part-time job.

Goosebumps rise on my back, and my skin feels all…all prickly . The familiar feeling of being stared at hits me like a brick.

And suddenly it feels like I’m not drunk enough. All I can hear is my own heartbeat and…oh God, I’m going to throw up.

I’m that six-year old girl again complaining that someone is watching me. The lights and noises fade…bushes, trees, tall grass…I’m in the park again…no…

I’m so close to a panic attack as I turn my head around to find the source, moving so fast, I almost break my neck.

Until I find a pair of green eyes. They appear black though, in the dim lights.

The storm of panic inside me roars, then everything quiets like a peaceful night.

So quiet that I think maybe I really am drunk and I imagined everything.

Aiden.

He is leaning against the wall conversing with his friends, but his eyes are locked on me.

Has he been the one watching me this whole time? I thought I had successfully avoided him.

I disappear out back, in the dimly lit backyard, planning to explore the house instead.

I shiver at the gust of cold wind. My steps are wobbly but I feel light and free, even after that almost panic attack.

“Isn’t this a surprise, Blueberry?”