A Love Triangle Most Unusual (Season 1)

My Depression is Not Seasonal, Thank You

Usually, school season is an awkward time for me. I'm off with my summer job, transitioning back into the chaotic rhythm of college, and wracked with the nervous tension of trying to make a good impression on the new professors I've been assigned. To add to that, there's now the additional tension of watching the head count in each class, nervously dreading a text notification announcing that someone has tested positive.

Leo seemed to notice this. Once I quit my barista side hustle, I began spending longer stretches of time at the apartment, sitting down and staring out into space aimlessly or just mindlessly scrolling through Netflix. Marie had called me up and offered to have her family's account plan, which resulted in me spending a lot of time on the couch, unmoving. Sometimes, I curled up with a blanket and a book, drinking hot chocolate and trying to destress.

At some point, Valentina carved some jack-o-lanterns and left them on the windowsill of my room, directly facing my bed as a prank.  

According to Leo, it took me an entire week to notice.  I chalked it up to stress.  He claimed it was seasonal depression.  

"It's about time to buy some new soap," Leo remarked loudly one day, leaning against the kitchen counter. I knew that if he leaned a bit more, he would be able to see my laptop screen I quietly exited out of Netflix.

"Yeah? And?" I asked.

"We should head over to Trader Joe's," he suggested.

"Fine, I'll go," I grumbled. "But don't expect much out of it."

"Thanks," he replied, grinning.

I huffed and grabbed my coat. Might as well get it out of the way, I mumbled to myself.

The temptation to bring the jade bracelet was extremely strong. But I wasn't in the mood to make any quick changes given how cold the weather was starting to get. Plus, the chance of someone who knew me seeing me was too large.

I'll wear it at Halloween for something, I decided. But not now. I need to lie low until then.

I let out a big breath. It was going to be hard, abstaining from wearing the bracelet every weekend like I had gotten used to doing. But it was necessary if I didn't want to blow my cover before I came home for Thanksgiving.

I almost ran out the door before I remembered. "Where's the car keys?"

"Here," Leo said, throwing them haphazardly. Thankfully, I managed to catch them from across the room. With that, I headed downstairs to the garage.

"You're now listening to KXXO Mix 96.1," the radio announced. "And now, playing Stupid Love by Lady Gaga-" I quickly turned the volume down slightly.

God. How does Leo concentrate when he plays music so loudly? I grumbled, looking over my shoulder to make sure I didn't run into anything.

The drive to Trader Joe's was very short and peaceful. Although Seattle jaywalkers can be pretty aggressive, today they seemed to have calmed down. It had rained all of yesterday, but currently the skies were clean, with only a faint hint of drizzle.

As I parked the car, I checked the ground for slushy patches of old leaves and rain puddles. I also grabbed the box of Clorox wipes that Leo and I kept in the glove compartment for good luck.

What else should I get? I definitely don't want to make more than one trip if I can avoid it...

Milk, juice, coffee, handsoap... when was the last time we bought paper towels? Would it be cheaper to get them here? Is it worth it to drive to the dollar store to compare prices-

"Oh hey Dave!"

I turned around.

"Hey!" Dean grinned at me. "Fancy running into you here! Long time no see," he exclaimed, then started laughing at his own joke like a dolt.

"Oh, hey," I replied, trying not to roll my eyes.

"What are you up to? Oh, Marie was just telling me about this wonderful recipe for pumpkin cucumber beet puree. Would you be interested? I can send it to you if you like."

I hate beets. "No, I'm good," I replied, gritting my teeth.

"You sure? It's got all twenty amino acids in it, plus it's great for aiding with constipation."

I do NOT need to talk to YOU about the quality of my stool, thank you.