Roommate Rivalry

Chapter Nine - Sophia

Friday, September 22nd

"That was sweet of Drew to give you his clothes," Tess said as we walked into the bathroom. I sighed.

"Do you think he likes me?" I suddenly blurted.

"Probably, considering the way he looks at you, the way he talks to you, how he's started being super nice to you, and the way he blushes whenever something about you two is brought up," she counted on her fingers all the reasons, "Why?"

"I don't know. I have this weird feeling. He's been super nice lately and he's... cute," I hesitated and I felt my face warm, "but, I have terrible commitment and trust issues in relationships. I haven't been in a relationship in two years let alone a real talking stage and I'm terrified. If I do like him, these will be the first feelings I've had for any guy since my first boyfriend."

"Phia, you're allowed to take your time figuring out your feelings and once you have, you don't need to throw yourself into a relationship. You decide your own pace," she reassured me as I finished changing into Drew's clothes. I emptied my lungs of all my air and held my breath. Taking a deep breath, I unlocked the stall door and exited the bathroom.

"Took you long enough," Jason rolled his eyes but laughed soon after, giving up his facade. I laughed and shook my head as I got into the front seat of Drew's car.

"We'll meet you guys there," Tess said, pulling away with her window down.

"Are you comfortable?" Drew asked, his eyes on the road.

"Very," which was true, but I couldn't stop focusing on the smell of his cologne.

***

"Damn, Sophia, did you want some hash browns with your ketchup?" Drew asked as I poured what most see as wayyy too much ketchup onto my hash browns.

"Shut up and let me live," I snapped back, shoving a fork-full into my mouth. I had ordered two scrambled eggs, hash browns, a blueberry pancake, and a Shirley Temple.

"Are you guys staying over tonight?" Drew asked, still laughing lightly.

Tess and Jason made eye contact, "Well, no. We kind of have other plans." Tess looked at me and winked.

"Eww," I pretended to gag.

"You're so immature," Drew shook his head.

"What else do you expect from a sixteen year old girl?" I asked.

"Sixteen?" he questioned, "You're sixteen?"

"Yeah?" I am so confused, "How old are you?" Why am I asking?

"Eighteen," he answered.

"Damn," my hand immediately met my mouth, "I'm sorry that was rude."

"Is her age a problem for you, Drew?" Tess interrogated him while folding her hands together.

"No?" he scoffed unconvincingly, "Why would I care?" Tess just shrugged and Jason almost died laughing. Why am I so embarrassed?

***

Once I got home, I changed into the pajamas that match my dress that my mom bought me. After I changed, I folded Drew's clothes and practiced self-control by not smelling his cologne again. I knocked on the bathroom door that leads to his room. My heart was pounding and I couldn't understand why.

"Come in," he called from the other side. I opened the door and stood there awkwardly. Oh my god, he isn't wearing a shirt.

"I," my voice cracked and I cleared my throat, "I have your clothes. Thank you for letting me borrow them."