Before The Bloom

Chapter Seven: The List

"I can't believe you're a Law student" The entire scenario still hadn't sunk in for Jendari. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I get so much judgment from you because I'm a football player and I didn't know how you would react if I told you about which degree I'm studying toward"The pair had just exited the library and are on their way to the dorms.
"I-I wasn't expecting that"Jendari continues, causing Wyatt to folllow suit.
"Pretend I'm not here"He says.
"Can I say something?"Jendari speaks up, ascending the steps leading to her dorm. "Always"Wyatt gives her the opportunity.
"I've noticed only our differences but never our similarities"Stopping, Jendari turns to face him. "That is until now. I finally see you, Wyatt"He caresses her cheek, dropping his hand when the door flies open. "You two can stop whispering behind the door and come in"Jennifer offers. "Hello Collins"
"Jen"He bows his head politely. "I'm not staying"
"I insist"Jen pulls both of them into the room, settling them on the bed.

Exchanging a look, Jendari and Wyatt glance back again at Jennifer. "You two must be hungry; I'll order some takeout. What will it be?"
"What kind of takeout?"Wyatt queries.
"Chinese"Jen smiles, eyeing Jendari for a response.
"Same as always, chicken"She finally says.
"Seafood"He decides.
"I'll be back in a few"Jen leaves.
"I'm sorry about her"Jendari apologises on her friend's behalf. "I'd love to say she's not usually like this but that would be a lie"
"I know Jen and she's always been a wild card"Wyatt explains. "How often does this happen? Takeout I mean; we could have gone to the cafeteria"
"Where's the fun in that?"She laughs.
Twenty minutes passes and Jen re-enters. "I come bearing food"There were two separate plastic bags and Jen set down the one with two takeout containers. "I think I forgot to grab a fork. I'll be back"
"Why am I not surprised?"Jendari climbs down from the bed and brings out the plates and cups.
"What is happening?"Wyatt wonders aloud.
"She's not going to get a fork nor is she coming back now"She reveals, grabbing the plastic bag. "I don't follow"Wyatt admits.
"She's trying to give us alone time"Jendari dishes some of the food into two bowls.
"How much alone time does she think we need?"Wyatt sighs. "We were alone this morning for breakfast and this afternoon in the library"

"I have no idea"Jendari hands over the bowl containing chicken fried noodles to Wyatt and she takes the seafood noodles. Taking the first forkful, we both indulge in the delicious food. "How's the chicken?"
"Amazing. How's the seafood?"He asks.
"It's the first time I'm having seafood and it's really good"Wyatt drops everything at my confession and focuses on me.
"You've never had seafood? And this is the first time?"He repeats. "How is that possible?"
"I don't know, it's weird"Jendari admits, shaking her head.
"It's very weird but intriguing"His eyes shine as he unconsciously stares at her. "Do you have a restaurant list?"
"A what?"She frowns, utterly confused.
"A list of restaurants you want to try. I have a list and I've been looking for someone to share the experience with"He says.
"I don't have a list but I'd love to share the experience with you"It was like hearing the voice of someone else.
"Good!"He jumps up, clapping his hands. "There's this seafood restaurant one hour away from campus and I've been looking for someone to go with. Will you accompany me?"
"Speaking of accompaniment, I want to know a few things, about breakfast this morning and what I am to you"She took a breath in.
"It was just breakfast but I'll be upfront and honest so that you know if it's a date"Jendari blushes at his words. "You'll have to do me a favour though"

"What's the favour?"She asks.
"Staying on campus this weekend"His voice was soft, like a lullaby whisper. He gets up and pours two cups of Pepsi, handing her a cup. "Think about it and tell me what you decide" His long, unruly brown hair paired with those brown eyes held Jendari in a trance as she sipped on her Pepsi, hiding a grin behind the cup. Their conversation continued over the indulgence of noodles.
Takeout containers discarded, Jendari and Wyatt stand in the doorway. "Thank you"
"Okay, bye"She wanted to slam the door on him.
Blocking the door with his foot, he pouts and requests a hug. She initiates the embrace. "See you Jendari"He closes the door. I settle down in the middle of my bed. Like a hare on fire, Jennifer comes bursting into the room, flopping on her bed, facing me. "I hate you"
"No you don't"Jen smiles, catching onto the lie. "I hate you"She repeats. Wrapping her arms around me, her face squashing against mine, Jendari could have fought it but she didn't.
"You love me"Jen declares boldly. "Talk to me"
"We managed great without you"She starts. "I tried his seafood, he tried my chicken noodles and I think we might be going on a road trip this weekend"
"You're staying on campus!"Jennifer shouts. "For him?!"
"Don't think of it like that, Jen"She soothes her with a hug. "It's not for him. We can hang out after I come back"
"I sound like a horrible friend"Jen sobs. "I should be happy for you..."
"I know a part of you is happy for me"Jendari convinces.
"I am"Settling down, Jen leans on her friend's shoulder. "I really, really am"

Popping open a packet of potato chips, both girls occupy Jendari's bed. "What about your parents? You've never spent a weekend away from home"Jen scoops up a handful of chips and munches on them all at once. "What are you going to do?"
"Tell them the truth"She dials the house number and waits for an answer.
"Mia piccola"Brando answers the phone. "How are you?"
"Not so great"Jendari says. "Is Mum there?"
"I'm right here, sweetie"Aretta responds.
"I'm not coming home this weekend because a friend of mine wants to hang out with me"
"Is it the same one from this past weekend?"Brando asks. "If it is, we're okay with it"
"Thanks Dad, I'll tell you both everything very soon, I promise"She adds.
"We love you Jendari, never forget that"Aretta reminds her.
"I love you too Mum and Dad"She hangs up the phone only to encounter Jen's mean stare. "Who were you hanging out with this weekend and do I know them?"
Jendari continues eating the chips, leaving Jennifer in utter suspense.