Roommates

Sugar Cube

"Attention passengers, we will be landing in L.A in just a few minutes. Please fasten your belts and thank you for flying Air Nebraska."
   I felt butterflies in my stomach. Stepping off the plane and into airport, all I could here was astonished chatter among people and cellphone ringing. After getting my bags, walking outside the air was very breezy and cool. My hair was blowing everywhere. Then suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"Em?" She asked curiously.
"Yes?" I asked turning around curiously.
My heart almost dropped when I saw who it was.
"TARAAA!!!"
Embracing her would have just been "average", I jumped on her. She's my best friend and I haven't seen her in awhile.
"I'm glad you made it safely." She said laughing.
"Thanks!"
"I can't wait to show you L.A."
And just like that, we were off. Busy highway driving, did nothing to calm the butterflies in my stomach. With all the nervousness and questionable antiques of my sister playing in the back of mind, had me puzzled. I kept my head down as Tara drove. I didn't want her to see the concern look on my first.
    "You think you made the right the decision?" She asked.
    "I don't know anymore."
   As we approached a stop light, she grabbed my hand. I knew what she was saying, without her saying it. Looking to my right, I saw a group of people walk by and I couldn't help but get a whiff of their coffee. The smell was rich. It reminded me of home and when Mom made me a fresh cup every morning.
    "Isn't sugar bowl near by?" I questioned.
    "Yea, you wanna go?"
    "Of course. I could use some coffee after that plane ride. I said yawning.
    As we pulled up into the parking lot, all we could smell is pure coffee. Walking in the front and hearing the coffee grinder, mugs hitting the table, and nameless chatter among people made my heart melt. As we approached the counter, the barista greeted us.
"Hey Tara." he said.
"Hey Noah." She replied.
"Whose your friend?"
"This is Emily."
I shook his hand. Noah seemed like a nice guy. Cool, calm, very easy going.
     "What can I get you ladies?" He asked leaning on the counter.
Looking at the menu, it was hard to decide. From the butter pecan cookies to the mocha lattes, it all looked good.
    "I'll have the white chocolate mocha latte I said enthusiastically.
   "Make that two." Tara said slapping her hand on the counter.
    "Coming right up." He replied.
The lattes were heaven. It was like laying on silk sheets. Warm silk sheets that is. As they continued talking, I couldn't help but noticed the black chalkboard by the register. It read in big white chalk letters:
OPEN MIC NITE: THIS SATURDAY. GET READY TO SHOW UP AND SHOW OUT!
I also noticed the stage. There was a drum set, keyboard, and mic set-up.
"So you sing?" He asked wiping the counter.
"Yea...kinda sorta...nothing major."
"You should come out to open mic night this Saturday. Ya know? Since you said you can sing."
"I know I can sing."
"Then prove it.
He was right. The only way to prove to myself and other people in this town that I can sing, is that I show 'em. I mean actions speak louder than words.
"So Emmy gonna sing for us on Saturday?" Tara said putting her arm on my shoulder.
"Yes I am."
After we finished talking with Noah, we paid our tab and left. As pulled up to the apartment. It was pretty outside.
I grabbed my bags and made my way up to the apartment. As we walked up to the door, Tara jingled her keys.
"Welcome home." She said opening the door.
I immediately dropped my bags. The apartment was amazing. It was very big and open.
"I hope the pictures I sent didn't disappoint you." She said flopping on the couch.
"This is amazing. This is better than the pictures." I said astonishingly. Walking around I wanted to flip, do cart-wheels, everything. It was just amazing. When I got in my room, I stepped rite onto the balcony. The view was breath taking.
"Em, come down here!" Tara eyelid from the stairs.
As I stepped off the balcony and walked through my room. As I went downstairs. I was in shock. Not only did we have two other roommates, they were guys. Males. Men. The opposite sex. Testosterone.
"Guys this Emily. Tara said putting her arm around my shoulder.
"I'm Aaron." He said shaking my hand.
"Nice to meet you. I replied fiddling with my hair.
"And this Daryl."
Daryl. I kept saying that to myself. He was tall and he had toned, muscular arms, his hair was long, and shaggy like. I couldn't break the hold he had on me. I think it was his eyes. His amazing, bold, piercing blue eyes. At that moment I was unable to speak.
"Em? Are you ok?" Tara asked curiously.
"Yea I was just..in my own world. I'm gonna go finish unpacking." I said walking away.
As I was unpacking, I was talking to my family on the phone.
"So how is it?" mom asked.
"It's amazing mom." I replied happily. "And I have a balcony.
"How's Katie? I called and texted her but no reply.
"She went out with Shawn to go get more dog food. I let her know you called."
"Alright mom, I gotta finish packing and then I'm gonna shower.
"Ok Em, I love you."
"Love you too."
After I closed my laptop, there was Aaron standing in the door way.
"First time away from home?"
"Yea. I replied getting off the bed.
He took notice of my pictures on the wall.
"Beautiful family. Don't worry, we'll look out for you."
"Thanks.
There was awkward silence.
"So..how long have you known Tara?" He asked.
"Since grade school. We went to Junior high together until she moved out here."
"How long have you known Daryl?"
"Since high school. Sophomore year. And we've been cool since then.
"I'm gonna go. Let you finish up, I know your tired."
"Thanks Aaron."
"Your welcome Emily."
After talking with my mom and Aaron I felt more relaxed. As I walked down the hall to the bathroom, I walked past Tara's room and she was on the phone with her girlfriend. Cutie pies. I thought. Next came, Aaron. He was going through his photos. And lastly was, Daryl. But his room door was closed. The same way I felt when I met him. Closed. Boxed in. Pinned down. But I am destined to break through that barrier. There was something about him. I couldn't quite put my finger on it but hopefully I would find out.

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MUCH LOVE,
Dejonae 💋