Project Pen (first draft)

Chapter Four

     "He still hasn't called me back..." Tiffany lamented, sitting on her bed. It's hard for me to take her seriously in times like these. It feels like since I've met her she's been obsessed with a random guy. Even before she started dating Daniel, she'd do this. I guess their clinginess is what makes them perfect for each other.

     "He's probably just busy, Tiff," I rolled my eyes while I typed an essay for one of my classes. My manuscript has been at the forefront of my mind, and I've started to fall behind school work wise. "I'm sure Daniel has a life outside of you, he's probably talking to one of his friends or something." Tiffany seemed unsatisfied with this response, uncrossing her legs and sitting forward, she doubled down.

     "Edith, you don't understand. His brother's not doing too good right now, he's in rehab again... Daniel's not taking it well... I'm worried about him."

     "He seemed like his normal fatuous self to me," I muttered, eyes focused on my computer.

     "Don't be mean Edie. I know what he's doing, he's trying to act like he's fine, but I know he's not." She's pacing the already cramped space of our dorm now, and it's starting to make me feel claustrophobic. I closed my laptop with a dramatic huff, and shifted so I was more focused on the conversation.

     "Men don't think like that Tiff. He probably just hasn't checked his phone in a while." My voice softened, shifting from annoyance to caring. "He probably just didn't realize how not checking his phone would affect you. He probably just hasn't thought about it."

     Tiffany's pacing slowed, and she turned to face me, looking upset, "That's not fair Edith. He's not like that... Not everyone is like your dad. We can't all just completely ignore everyone!" As the words left her mouth, her eyes widened. She regretted it as soon as she said it, but the damage was done. Her eyes softened immediately after, and she tried to save her comment, "Wait, Edie, I didn't mean that..."

     I sighed and closed my eyes. So that's how she thinks of me? A bitter little kid, projecting my childhood onto any man I could think of? I nodded in the absence of a reply, not even sure of how to react. I couldn't even argue, she's not really wrong... I grabbed my bag and left, despite Tiffany's protest.

     I knocked on the ivory-colored door impatiently, though I tried not to show it. I know Tiffany came here after our fight, she's probably venting to Daniel about it right now. I waited for a few minutes before Daniel opened the door with his usual annoying smile.

     His smile faltered for a moment, before opening the door to let me in. His room smelled of cinnamon and syrup, with warm lighting, and the living room was freshly made. I could tell Tiffany had been there because I could see the cinnamon bars sitting on the counter.

     "Is Tiffany here?" I asked, despite knowing the answer. "I need to ask her about something." I was sure that she had already told him about our argument, so I was surprised that he was open to me at all.

     "She actually just left, but you can wait if you want?" He shrugged, closing the door behind her. "She made some cinnamon bars if you want some." I could feel the unbearable pit in my stomach, as I hadn't eaten yet today. I forced my smile, "That would be nice, thank you."

     He grabbed the tray and put it in my direction, offering me the bar as a sort of peace treaty. He struggled to meet my gaze and fidgeted, I could tell he was nervous. He swept his fingers through his golden brown hair and adjusted his glasses. As he moved his hands, I couldn't help but notice a small tattoo on his thumb.

"What's that tattoo about? Is that a bird?" I asked, pretending to be interested.

"It's my brother's favorite animal," he sighed, "Edith, can I ask you something?" His voice was small, but determined. Now I was nervous, did Tiffany tell him about what I said? Would he confront me over this? I took a breath, trying to maintain my composure.