evanescent » j.g

7.

lulu

               i was anxious, fear was coursing through my veins. i didn't know where to get help, i didn't have a cousin that lived in new york, actually no one but my grandmother who couldn't even remember who i was because of alzheimer's. nonetheless, i had no one.

               i guess jack noticed, because a little after he sat down, he spoke. "what's wrong, lulu? why do you look so nervous?" i glanced at him, seeing a worried expression plastered on his face. "it's nothing."

               jack didn't give up. "lulu... what is it?"

               i sighed in defeat, "my teacher wants to set a conference because i'm late for class all the time. i-i told him my cousin would come, but i don't have a cousin in new york, not even family."

               jack's eyebrows furrowed together, "well, who do you live with then?" i choked on air, this was not the question i wanted him to ask. " with myself." i say with the last bit of spicy bluntness i had. he frowned, "i'll help you."

               i looked at him strangely. "how are you going to help me?" how was he going to help me, find some black guy to be my cousin? "i'll pretend to be your cousin, more like step or adoptive cousin since we're not the same race." what?

               "...ok." i say, unsure. "but under one condition." he mumbled. i eyed him, showing him i was listening closely. "i'll pretend to be your cousin if you come live with me."

               i rapidly shook my head. "no, no! i'm not living with you, i'm independent, i don't need a man to help me." he looked slightly offended, but a smile crawled onto his lips. "really? well, good luck finding a 'pretend' cousin."

               that hit me, it soaked in, i realized i needed him whether i liked it or not. i sighed, leaning my back onto the bench. "ok, i'll move in with you. but! you will not go through my things or eat my stuff. i've lived a roommate before and she did that a lot. and don't treat me differently because i'm a girl."

               jack only grinned. "ok."