The Sweetest Fruit ( Tomboy 🏳️‍🌈Love Story )

7. World's apart

MJ

I dragged my feet from the library Sonia's face still haunting me. What is wrong with me? I finally dared to break free from her hold, yet her thoughts still crowd my mind. And now the realization that I will be alone at the cemetery is another weight I can't bear to carry.

I knocked on Martha's door before she opened it wearing a red jersey and a tiny black short that complimented her physique.

"Wow, I can see all that working out is paying off."

" Yeah, check this out," she said, posing like one of the bodybuilders from magazines.

"Why are you here?"

"I'm no longer allowed in your room?"

" Come in, and don't talk about that ridiculous girl you call a roommate."

"Why are you calling her ridiculous? And what makes you think I'll talk about her."

"Well if you haven't noticed she is the only one you talk about and I think she is stupid."

I was about to tell her not to insult Sonia but knew she would say I started liking her again and I don't.

" I don't talk about her all the time."

Do I?

"Well, she is the only one you talk about when you're with me." Her voice was accusatory, daring me to protest and I did.

" I don't think so," I pressed, making her roll her eyes.

" Wanna vape? " She pulls out a vape from her drawer, dragging it out before passing it to me.  I join her hoping the haze might help me escape my thoughts of Sonia and the smile she threatens to drown me in when I look at her.

                         —

My head was pounding by the time I woke up. Martha was sprawled on top of her bed snoring like a bear. I throw the covers off my body and scramble to find my shoes. The square mirror on her wall reflected how bloodshot my eyes were. I take the bottled water on top of the small desk and pour it on my face trying to wash away the remnants of last night. I leave her room quietly, not in the mood for meaningless chatter.

Back in the room, Sonia's sleeping form was the first thing I saw. Her face was peaceful and a small smile still graced her lips when she was sleeping. I thanked the heavens she was still asleep and she wouldn't be able to see the mess I was in.

I take a quick shower letting the hot water burn against my skin and wash away my grogginess. Tears started pricking my eyes and a lump lodged itself in my throat. I miss her so much. Her sweet lavender scent and shrill voice. I miss her warm fingers on my skin wiping away my tears after I argued with my brothers.

When I returned Sonia was still curled up asleep. “You're awake,” I mumbled, fixing my hair in the mirror.

“Mmm,” she said, stretching and pouting in that half-awake way that was annoyingly cute.

For a second I considered asking her to come with me but that would mean letting her see me like this. Vulnerable and exposed.

"About last night I'm sorry," I said scratching the back of my head.

" It's fine, where are you going looking so nice ?"

" To my mum's grave."

" Oh god! I didn't know your mum was late. I'm so sorry," she said, her words making my heart swell.

" You didn't kill her why are  you apologizing ?"

"Habits….are you going alone ?"

" Who else am I supposed to go with ?" I asked nonchalantly.