Bloody Knives in My Leftovers

Chapter 2 - Stalkers Tango

You were screwed the minute you woke up, the second you reached for your phone and checked your notifications. One new email, from your professor, the same professor who had assigned you an essay two weeks before.You, still being tired as hell, didn't worry that much about the contents. It was probably a reminder about an assignment or something. Luckily, unlike your roommate, all your classes were online so you really didn't care what time it was. You'd be in bed anyway with your laptop propped up on your stomach and a cup of whatever fizzy drink you had stocked up on.

You slowly got up, pulling your fluffy throw blanket around your shoulders, Bailey always kept the whole apartment at a crisp sixty-eight degrees. Even though you had pleaded for it to be at least one degree higher, just for the laughs. She refused, of course, middle school sex jokes just weren't funny to her apparently.

Sure, it was the middle of winter but she had shut down your complaining by gifting you a very nice space heater. She said the heat was bad for her 'study process', which you reminded her made her sound like a crazy person. She hit the top of your head after that little comment.

As soon as you shuffled out into the hallway the strong scent of vanilla and espresso filled your nose, making you perk up instantly. Bailey had a knack for making extra strong shots of Italian espresso, the kind that makes you sit straight and keeps you awake for twelve hours. Plus, the soft aroma of vanilla was a sign that she was baking.

Bailey always baked when she was stressed or in a good mood, but considering the looming test dates you assumed the former. You just hoped it was her sugar cookies this time.They were always slightly chewy and melted like velvet on your tongue,she truly had a gift.

Your roommate looked up from her work as you bumbled into the living room that was attached to the kitchen, blanket sliding off your shoulders as you tried to hold it in place with one hand. She knit her eyebrows together and gestured to your disheveled state with a mixing spoon, "Where are your work clothes? I thought you were scheduled for a double." You hopped up on the bar stool and laughed, "Lia texted me last night, said she found someone to cover for me....and that my little gift was delicious. I don't go in til two." Bailey raised an eyebrow and placed a hand on her hip in a very 'mom-like fashion . "So now we're bribing our managers?"

You stick out your tongue, leaning over to swipe the little paper shot cup filled with dark colored espresso. "It was just a croissant, barely a bribe." You dip the coffee back and let the hot liquid soar down your throat followed by a cooling almond milk chaser...the perfect undertow. You had taught her that. "Besides, you would miss me if I left this early," you tease, setting the cup down and burrowing your shoulders into your blanket.

Bailey laughs, shaking her head with amusement but not countering your statement. "I guess I could throw some extra goodies into the oven then, for your bribery." She is plopping warm cookies into a plastic container, already eyeing her excess of sugary dough. You grin, "I'm sure they'd appreciate it."

She rolls her eyes and goes back to her baking while you steal another shot. "So, any plans on the itinerary today?" You watch as she shrugs and slides another metal tray into the oven, the heat fanning over you and defrosting your face. "Not much, I was probably going to go shopping for some more pens." She removes her cat themed oven mitts and turns around to face you.

"Oh? Mom Bailey giving too many supplies out to the unprepared students?" You tease, resting your chin on your hand as the other holds the blanket in place. She gives you a look but again, doesn't refute your comment. She had a habit of taking pity on the freshmen missing their pencils and notebook paper.

Then it strikes you, new supplies. You recall a blushing blonde eager to give your stern roommate a new notebook and a plan forms in your crafty little mind. "Yaknow, I think you do have plans today." You smile slyly as your fingers pop open the plastic container filled with warm cookies.