AS THE STORY GOES

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Justin hadn't lived too many places growing up—the list included the house he was born and raised in, the group home, and his apartment. He felt more than fortunate in that because he knew he wasn't built for so many life changes. With that being said, it took every ounce of effort within him to even begin to feel comfortable as he sat in Lourdes' office next door to her bedroom. As he sat on her lounge, staring at the computer on his lap, he felt a wave of intense frustration wash over him. He missed his apartment, but he didn't want to go back. Without Jon, their home was empty. He wanted it to feel normal to live in Lourdes' house—as normal as it felt to be around her. He wasn't sure how long that would take to happen, but he didn't have too much time because the semester was coming to a close quickly, and Justin had no choice but to pass everything or else he wouldn't graduate. It had already taken him nearly seven years to finish his undergrad and he couldn't see himself giving any more of his time to more classes.

Justin: wyd?

Jon: HW w amaya

Justin: oh... cool

Jon: y... sup?

Justin: just sayin hi... weird not being home, right?

Justin watched Jon's bubble come and go twice before finally popping up with: it feels cool over here. U not over there making bbs, rt?

Justin smiled despite himself. Nah, he responded back.

Jon: u miss me yet?

Justin: yep

Jon's bubble flickered a few times. Same.

Justin knew not to look too deep into Jon's text. If Jon was unhappy he wouldn't be staying there.

Justin: u n amaya want to go to the skating rink fri night w me n lourdes?

Jon: yep

Justin: cool

Justin: r u officially a resident over there now??

Jon's bubble took a long while to pop up.

Jon: kinda... is that okay? I still got more stuff at the apt

Justin: np... live ur best life

Jon: thx! gotta go... dad's got a fire out back with smores!

Justin: have fun... I love you

Jon: love you... ✌🏽

Justin sat for a few more minutes before leaving the office and walking downstairs to find Lourdes finishing up a dinner that smelled amazing. He came up behind her as she stood at the stove and rested his hands on her waist and chin on top of her head.

"I made sausage and peppers with rice."

"It smells amazing," he said as he stepped back to let her move.

"Thank you," she said as she took two plates from the cabinet. "So, is there anything you don't like to eat?"

Justin shrugged as he washed his hands in the kitchen sink before taking a seat at the countertop. "I like everything."

"Good," she said as she set a plate in front of him. "Every other month we make Sati make us a bunch of Indian food and that time is this Sunday. We're all headed to their house for the family dinner." She sat beside him with her own plate with about half the amount of food, which for whatever reason, made him glance to her thighs.

"I like your weight." He had an idea of how that may have come off to her, but he took the risk in saying it anyway.

She looked both taken aback and amused. "Thank you," she said almost questioningly after a light laugh.