American Beauty

Unexpected Strangers

Selene was up getting dressed in the early hours of the morning. She emailed her instructor about her lack of attendance and tentatively set the date to return to make up her exam. Her phone was going off with the first morning text from everyone but the one that caught her attention the most was Dean's.

Good morning beautiful

She tipped the coffee to her lips, staring at his message. How would she respond?

Hey... She erased it. That was lame. She tried something else.

Morning Dean. (: How are you this early a.m.?

Good. How's your friend?

Friend? Roku came to mind first but that was fresh. He wasn't her friend. He was her ex. She chewed at her lip, thinking about it.

She's sleeping in. Tired and cranky but at least she went to bed easily. What are you up to this early? Exams aren't till 11 today.

Morning run

Before she could respond, another text popped up.

I'm glad she's alright

Me too. I'm just hanging out with her today and one of my friends is going to run errands for us. He'll be by later with her meds and I might ask him to keep her company if you want to meet up at the park.

What time?

Two.

Selene set the phone down after her last message. She sighed, pushing her hand up against her forehead. "Hey, Sarah! You up?!" She hollered from the kitchen.

Sarah walked out of her room with baggy pants on and a short tank-top on. She had a thick cardigan hanging off her shoulders. "I'm up. And starving." She went into the kitchen and immediately opened the fridge.

"Waffles in the freezer. And two boiled eggs in the fridge. Take your pick," Selene told her, watching her step out.

"Waffles. You want some?" she asked as she pulled the box from the freezer.

Luca knocked on Roku's door. "Hey, we're leaving." She told him. Sorin was standing at the door, pushing her feet into her shoes as she watched Luca try to coax Roku out.

Roku felt heavy, but he wasn't going to sit around with Selene so close. He had already gotten dressed and slid his jacket on before opening the door.

Luca stepped back out of his way. She smiled at him even if he didn't smile at her. "I made you some toast." She offered him a piece. "We're going to see Mom today," she said. She was referring to Zaleska since she didn't like to call her by her name.

He took the piece of toast and nodded his thanks to her. "Z? Really?" he asked.

"She's set up at the new rental and she says there's company over. We have to go greet them," he told him, stepping back before walking towards the door. "I guess they're elders."

He took a bite and followed after her. He had a little bit of fear creep in about Zaleska finding out that Selene was here. It didn't matter really. He couldn't be with her.

The door opened as Sorin stepped out first, Luca in tow, before they walked walking to the steps. The early morning sir was crisp for eight a.m. but if they had any plans to get things done today, they'd have to start now.

The drive over was particularly quiet. When they arrived, Crina and Vasile were up at the door of the condo waiting for them on the fifth floor of the gated community.

"You should talk to Mom." Luca whispered to Roku quietly.

He looked at her. "Why?"

"You've been so upset. If Sorin is bothering you, just ask for a separate apartment."