Inflicting Pain (gxg)

● S E V E N | Friend ●

† Q U I N N †

Friend—someone who understands your past, believes in your future and accepts you just the way you are. While some people can make friends effortlessly, for me, it's not that simple. I think of friendship like money—easy to make but hard to keep. Most people I meet, I see as acquaintances, not friends. A true friend is one of those rare people who finds you when you're lost in the dark and guides you back to the light. For me, that friend has always been Glenda. We've known each other since we were kids, and she's the one person who's really seen me for who I am. When I left Texas to continue my studies under a local priest's support, we lost touch. But even across the distance, Glenda remains the most genuine person I know—and I miss her.

Then there's Elise, my roommate. I'm fond of her, like a sister. Sometimes I catch her watching me, like she can see the pain in my eyes while everyone believes the smile on my face—like she could see through me. Elise doesn't know much about my past; she just knows I hook up a lot, bring women to our dorm, and that I've got a dark side. But she's never judged me. In fact, she seems to tolerate my quirks for reasons I can't quite understand. When we talk, it's never about my twisted secrets—it's always about movies, music, or food. I guess that's why I feel comfortable around her, too.

"Potatoes, lemon, flour," I muttered to myself, jotting down items to pick up for dinner. Fish and chips tonight—Elise loves those. As I focused on my list, the front door creaked open, followed by the sound of soft laughter—Elise stepped in.

"Oh gosh! I didn't expect you to be back here this early," she said, surprised.

"Yeah, just wasn't in the mood to hang out with anyone after class," I replied with a smile.

Elise nodded, glancing behind her. "Well, I'll be tied up for a bit. I brought a colleague over for an interview—it's for my research paper. This is Chloe Andrews." She gently guided someone from behind the wall, and then Chloe appeared, the blonde with green eyes I hadn't quite forgotten. A smile tugged at my lips as I met her eyes, but her expression was one of surprise.

"Chloe, this is my roommate, Quinn," Elise said, smiling between the two of us. Chloe shifted her gaze from me back to Elise, nodding politely as she returned the smile.

"El, I'm heading out to grab some groceries. Need anything?" I asked, glancing at Elise. She shook her head as she and Chloe settled on the couch.

"Fish and chips tonight, El," I added, slowly making my way out the door.

"Really?!" Elise's face lit up, her eyes gleaming with excitement. I nodded with a smile, but as I looked over at Chloe, I noticed the surprise still lingering in her eyes. I held her gaze for a moment before finally stepping out and closing the door behind me.

"Well, this is interesting," I thought as I made my way out of the building. It seemed like fate was determined to keep crossing our paths more often now.

Sunday—I sighed as I looked at the long line snaking through the coffee shop. Of course, weekends meant the place was packed. I decided to duck into the restroom before joining the queue for my take-out coffee.

As I stepped into the bathroom, I caught the voices of two women chatting in the first two stalls.

"Well, women have urges too! I mean, you guys have only been a couple for two days, but come on! He's more conservative than you," one woman said, her tone exasperated. I couldn't help but overhear their conversation as I entered the last stall.

"He might just want to take things slow," replied a familiar voice. I smirked quietly, recognizing it.

"Hey, this isn't the '80s, Chlo. He doesn't need to take things slow," her friend retorted, the sound of stall doors opening echoing in the small space.