Chapter 4 #2
I slipped out the door, then put my hands on the railing next to the stairs.
There were yellow flowers in the courtyard, which reminded me of my mom’s scrubs.
It was random, but it made me want to call her.
Even though it wasn’t my fault and I didn’t come here thinking I’d actually rent the room, I felt like a failure.
I was only twenty, and I was a college student away from home, so I couldn’t really expect myself to have everything together right now, but it felt like I should be doing something more.
Without football, I had too much time on my hands and not enough to show for it.
“I wanted a studio,” a voice said from behind me.
With a sigh, I turned and looked at him. “Then, get a studio.”
The corner of Oliver’s mouth lifted. “I tried. It was what I applied for, but the person decided not to move, so the manager offered me this. I’ve been wanting to transfer, but no studios have come available, so here I am.”
“Why not just use the room?”
“I don’t really want to explain, but you said you don’t understand me, so I’ll put it to you this way.
My friend keeps a gun in his nightstand drawer so that he can respond if there’s a threat—a burglar or what have you.
Without it, he wouldn’t be able to sleep.
Not everyone responds to threats with violence, but that’s not to say they aren’t on alert and prepared for the unexpected. ”
“That’s sort of ominous,” I admitted. “So, when I said you don’t have a care in the world, I was extremely wrong.”
He smiled politely. “I’m not comfortable because life has been simple. I’m comfortable because I’ve created a space where I can be that way. Regardless of why I sleep in the living room, I like it, which leaves the bedroom open if you want it. Up to you.”
He shrugged, once again looking calm and collected.
I had no idea what to make of anything that had happened since I got here.
It was possible I was even more at a loss, but it didn’t really matter.
All I had to do was decide if I wanted the room.
I wouldn’t be interacting with Oliver except in passing, and it didn’t matter if I found him kind of uncomfortable to be around.
We’d be roommates, just like any others.
The only difference was that he’d sleep in the living room.
“How much is it?” I asked.
“Hmm. I haven’t thought about that either. Maybe . . . five hundred?”
My eyes widened. “That’s it? Is that half?”
“Nah, but I’m cool with it.”
It was hard not to jump on the idea. Five hundred in this city, this close to campus, was an insane deal.
“Is it cool if I think about it?” I ventured. I need to see if it’s too late to get out of my dorm anyway.”
“For sure. You have my number.”
“Yeah, now that I know it belongs to you. I’m sure Brooks thinks he’s hilarious.”
“He is, though.”
I couldn’t help but scowl. “Well, you didn’t find him in bed with your girlfriend.”
His mouth opened, but no sound came out. I turned and walked down the stairs, still feeling super conflicted about the whole thing. The first step was to see if I would even be able to move. Then, I could start going over the pros and cons.
*****
“I don’t understand,” Dad said. “This guy would only charge you five hundred? Son, that sounds like a scam.”
I laughed around my hot pocket. “It’s not a scam. We go to school together.”
“But why would he give it to you for so cheap?”
“Maybe he doesn’t need the money. Or he wants to harvest my organs. I don’t know, Dad. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“You don’t sound sure.”
“I’m still undecided. Don’t worry so much about me.”
“That’s our job. I wish your mom was here, but she’s working late.”
She was always working late. I couldn’t remember the last time she had a day off. Before I started high school, probably. Even during birthdays and holidays, she’d either come at the end or have to leave early.
“Have her call me when she can,” I said. “Even if it’s late. I’ll get up.”
“She’d love that. It’s only been a month since Christmas, but the house feels empty all over again.”
“I’ll get back there after I graduate. Then, I can help you guys out.”
“Go where there’s opportunity, D. It’s not your job to take care of us.”
“You’re right. It’s not my job; it’s my goal. Look, I’m going to get a job and I’m not going to play football next season. That way I can work and send you guys some money.”
“D . . .”
“It’s just football, Dad. There are more important things.”
He sighed. “You’re stubborn as a mule, you know that? I’d blame it on your mom, but she’d blame it on me.”
Finally, I was able to smile. “Let’s say it’s both.”
“Do what you feel is best, but do not send us all of the money you make. Start saving it. Treat yourself once in a while, and don’t let yourself be blinded by this survival state of mind. There’s more to life than that.”
“Yeah, but you have to survive first.”
“Bah. You need to learn how to live. It doesn’t require money. Dance in the rain. Kiss under the stars. Run beneath the moonlight. Experiences are what make up the memories you’ll see in your final moments.”
“Okay, old man.” I expected him to laugh, but it was silent. “Dad?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just need to lie down. I’m getting one of those migraines.”
“Close the curtains, too. It’s why I got you the blackout ones.”
“Yes, sir.”
I breathed a laugh before I ended the call. It was hard not to fuss over him, but he hated it. My mom did that enough whenever he’d allow it. No matter what, he was never at a hundred percent, but he got by, and you’d never catch him complaining.
With a sigh, I looked at the things on my side of the room. Everything I owned was in this little space. If I did move, at least I wouldn’t need to scrounge up money for a U-Haul. My entire life would probably fit in one box.