Four letter word

28. Peace.

"Yeah... yeah, I think I'm just gonna talk to her" Dana said as she played with the end of her shirt. The sun was already up and she hadn't slept a wink, "thanks for your advice, AJ, and sorry for keeping you up"

'Don't worry about that' AJ replied on the other line of the phone, 'just tell Riley how you feel, I'm sure she'll be understanding'

"I just don't know what to tell her... like I'm not even sure I'm actually poly" Dana shrugged awkwardly. She kept glancing at her roommate to make sure she was asleep.

'Well... is there anyone you like? Other than Riley' AJ asked.

The question took Dana aback. She didn't expect AJ to ask that, "oh, umm... no, not really, I mean- you know, not anyone... other than like finding people walking down the hallway attractive... or like- ... yeah, no one" she answered and closed her eyes from embarrassment. Fuck.

AJ was quiet on the other line. Then she finally spoke.

'...okay? Then just be straightforward, don't beat around the bush. Just tell her you're polyamorous'

"Yeah... I guess I can do that.... Anyways, how are things with you and Lin?" Dana asked, not wanting to hang up yet, but knowing she should soon. It was just nice talking to AJ. She had a calm vibe which non of Dana's other friends had. They were all loud and assertive, even Riley. And of course she liked those kinds of people, it's why she had fallen for Riley in the first place. But... something about AJ could easily draw you in. She had a certain mystery to her. The introverted girl who mostly kept to herself. Dana couldn't help, but wonder what AJ was like when she felt comfortable enough to open up. And she liked that they were becoming friends, or at least she hoped that's what was happening. She had no idea what AJ thought of her.

'Oh, great! We fell asleep immediately when we got here, but tomorrow she's taking me on a date. Some place she hold dear. I'm nervous, but also excited' AJ spoke. Dana liked how her tone of voice changed when she was talking about something she loved. Like that day when Angie asked her about her favorite book, her face immediately lit up. Dana imagined that's what her face looked like now as well, since Lindsey was someone she loved. She was happy for them of course, but... she could also feel a little disappointment.

Dana snapped out of her thoughts. Riley, she needed to think about Riley. Her girlfriend Riley. The girl she was also falling for. There was no lie in that. She was definitely falling in love with Riley. But at the same time...

"I'm glad" Dana smiled. She heard AJ yawn on the other line and sighed, "well I guess I should let you get your beauty sleep. Don't want you feeling tired on your date. Thanks again for your advice, AJ, you've been a really good friend" Dana said.

'Oh... no problem' AJ answered a little hesitantly and before she could say anything else, Dana hung up.

She took a deep breath and looked at her roommate. Still asleep. Good.

~•~

AJ pulled her phone away with confusion. Where her and Dana friends now? Was she actually friends with the girl she was absolutely terrified of a few month ago?! Dear lord, what was happening? First Riley and now Dana? Where were the flying pigs? Had hell already frozen over?!

AJ shook her head in surprise and looked up at the sun that had finally come up. It was so peaceful.

Until the peace was broken by the next door opening and Lindsey's grandma walking out onto the balcony.

"Morning, dear, sleep well?" She asked and walked up to AJ, sitting next to her.

"Not really, a friend of mine needed to talk" AJ smiled and held up her phone. Yep, Dana. Her friend. Her friend, Dana.