Changing Tides

Chapter 1

It was well past midnight, but I was only just arriving home. As I entered in the doorway, I noticed that a light was on. Then I noticed my roommate Alice, getting ready to nod off. Her head quickly snapped up upon my arrival and she gave me a tired smile.

"Did you work overtime again?" She asked.

"I did. You know we need the extra money. Also, you need to stop staying up for me. You need your sleep even more than I do." I tell her as I hang my keys and hat on a hook near the door.

"I know Stella. But I get worried about you, and I like knowing that you're getting home safely. Plus, I have no classes tomorrow," whispered Alice as she gives me a quick hug before walking into the bedroom that we share.

Sighing, I walked into the bathroom to take a shower and wash off the filth of today's activities. As I'm shutting the door I notice Alice making a heart with her fingers, while mouthing: "You still love me right?" I smile back sheepishly and shut the bathroom door.

Turning toward the mirror, I take my black hair out of its ponytail and shake my head. As my hair falls, I can clearly see the dark circles and bags under my eyes. I try rubbing at them with my hands, but I know it's useless. I've been sleep deprived for so long they'll probably never go away. I think as I reach my hand toward the shower to turn the water on. As the water heats up, I take of my work clothes which consists of only a Dominos' shirt and khaki pants. Now fully undressed, I step into the shower and try to wash my exhaustion away.

*****

Shutting the water off, I grab a nearby towel and dry off. Once mostly dry I wrap the towel around me and walk out of the bathroom and switch on a bedside lamp. When the light flickers on, I see Alice sound asleep; curled up in a ball near the edge of the bed. I grin softly to myself, enjoying the cute scene before me. Shaking my head, I tiptoe over to the other side of the bedroom to my dresser. I open a drawer and select a plain white shirt with blue shorts to wear as pajamas. Quickly putting them on, I place my towel on top of the dresser; folding it neatly.

Once through getting changed, I tread over to our bed and crawl in; being careful not to wake up Alice. Yawning, I reach over and turn off the lamp; plummeting the bedroom into darkness. I then roll over onto my back and try to sleep. As I lay there, I can't help but worry about general things. Will we be able to afford the rent this month? How much gas is in my tank? Is there food in the fridge? As my eyes began to close, I turn towards Alice's sleeping silhouette. What am I feeling every time I look at you?