Imaginary Boyfriend

Chapter 2: Big Mistake

             It took Sam about ten minutes to finally stop laughing. Apparently, the idea of me getting married, which I've never really thought about, to a stranger my parents picked, which has always been my worst nightmare... was amusing.

             Except I'm not laughing.

             "You are the worst room-mate ever," I muttered, folding my arms across my chest and glaring at him.

             "S-sorry... it's just... so... ironic!" he choked out between laughs.

             I grabbed the cushion next to me and flung it across the room, aiming for his face. But sadly, my aim wasn't reliable, and missed completely. That just made him laugh more.

             "Okay," he said after sobering up, though I could still see the ghost of his laugh etched on his face. "It's not that bad. You may even like the guy."

             "Oh, not you too!" I snapped. "You sound exactly like my parents."

             "Be reasonable," he told me, biting his lip suspiciously, like he was forcing back a smile. "If you don't like the guy, just say no. Simple."

             "You don't get it! They'll never stop!"

             He nodded. "Okay. Plan B, tell them you won't meet him."

             I was hesitant. Yes, my parents were a bit interfering, but they did have my best intentions at heart, right? And, now that I'd had to cool down, the idea didn't seem too bad.

             No, Katrina! If you say yes, they will never give up.

             "I... I can't do it," I sighed.

             "Don't be a wuss! Come on, man-up."

             I ignored his comment. "I mean, they're my parents! How can I tell them without hurting their feelings, Sam?"

             "You can't," he deadpanned.

             I started pacing around the room, my hands behind my back. Sam slouched on the sofa and switched the T.V. on, like nothing had happened.

             "Turn it down!" I growled. "I'm trying to think."

             He obeyed.

             "Ugh, you know what? I'm going to bed. Maybe I'm just taking this too seriously. Maybe... Maybe I just need some rest, right?"

             "Uh-huh. Yeah. Sure," said Sam, his eyes glued to the screen. Doctor Who. Wow... just wow.

             "Hey, er, Sam," I called, trying to get his attention. "It's getting a little hot in here. You think I should take off my shirt?"

             Nothing.

             I grinned, despite being annoyed at him for completely ignoring me. My life would be pretty boring without him.

             "Okay, I'm going to bed. See you," I called again. He didn't turn around, nor did he reply.

             I walked into my bedroom, flicking the switch. Light flooded the room as I made my way to the wardrobe, grabbing my pyjamas.

             I took my shirt off, so that I was left only in a bra, and then reached for the pyjama top when the door suddenly swung open.

             "Hey Kat, about what you - Oh."

             "Oh my God!" I cried, snatching the sheets off the bed and wrapping it around my chest. I felt my face heat up as I stared at him in horror. "What the hell? Don't you knock?!"