Roommates

Chapter 50

Sitting at the table in the break room, Aurora picked at her nails. She had gashed open her ring finger while pulling hang nails from the edges of her finger tips. Blood was seeping down her wrist but she couldn't stop pulling at the skin. Excitement and nerves overtook her better judgement. Ripping the skin off was easier than facing the anxiety bubbling inside her.

"You're bleeding," Evangeline pointed out as she came into the room. Her voice was laced with concern, but she didn't want to startle Aurora. She spoke softly. "Are you alright?"

With her blank stare and twitching lips, Evangeline could tell Aurora was dissociating. The last thing she wanted to do was make Aurora feel worse, so she moved slowly and with great care. She grabbed some paper towels from the back counter and came over to Aurora.

"What's going on?" Evangeline took a seat next to Aurora and took her bleeding hand into hers. She wiped the blood away and put pressure on the cut. She lifted Aurora's chin gently. "Take a deep breath, please."

"What if everyone here actually hates me and nobody wants me there tonight," Aurora said wearily.

Aurora knew it was irrational, but years of social isolation didn't serve her well at this moment. She failed to see how anyone could stand her. She was awkward and inept. Of course nobody would want to be around her.

"I want you there," Evangeline offered. "I know it's not worth much because we're dating, but if I want you around, then you belong here. You're more than welcome."

Aurora sighed. "You're right."

"Of course I am, when am I ever wrong?"

"Don't start," Aurora warned playfully.

Both women were off the clock now, and Aurora was only waiting for Evangeline to get off so that they could go home together to get ready for the fireworks show. They'd take one car instead of two.

Evangeline lowered her head and kissed Aurora's knuckle. Unable to empathize with her, Evangeline tried to at least understand how she was feeling. "Everything will be fine, lover."

"Thank you," Aurora whispered.

With that said, the pair went home to get ready. As they went in the house, Evangeline grabbed the spare key out of the teal bowl and handed it to Aurora before she could even step foot in the apartment.

"Welcome home," Evangeline said.

Aurora felt a deep sense of contentment wash over her. She turned to Evangeline, her eyes reflecting the gratitude and happiness she felt. "Thank you," she whispered, knowing that this apartment was more than just a place to stay—it was home.

She added it to her keychain, feeling the weight of it settle comfortably among her other keys. It fit perfectly next to them, as if it had always belonged there.

Adding to the already overwhelming emotions she was experiencing, Aurora broke into tears with a smile on her face. She hugged Evangeline, who— taken by surprise— stumbled back. Once she was steady on her feet, she kissed the side of Aurora's head and embraced her back. Evangeline modeled deep breathing to help regulate Aurora's mental state, but it took several minutes to calm her down.

"How are you feeling?" Evangeline asked, rubbing her hand across Aurora's shoulder blades.

"Better," Aurora whispered, pulling her lips between her teeth. "I'm sorry for being like this."

"Don't be sorry." Evangeline pressed her lips to Aurora's forehead. "I'm here for you. We're going to get through this."

"Thank you."